At what age should I start Botox injections?

Botox: a preventive measure against skin ageing

The use of Botox in aesthetic medicine is constantly evolving. While in the past, botulinum toxin injections were mainly reserved for the treatment of wrinkles that had already set in, today more and more young adults are opting for preventive injections. But at what age should anti-wrinkle injections really be started? What are the benefits of a preventive approach? This article looks at this growing trend and the ideal time to start this treatment.

Botox: its action and benefits

Le Botox works by blocking the nerve signals responsible for muscle contraction. It reduces dynamic wrinkles, i.e. those caused by expressions. The areas most frequently treated with Botox are forehead wrinklesthe lion wrinkles (glabella) and crow's feet wrinkles.

The advantage of Botox lies in its ability to deliver visible but temporary results. But beyond its corrective action, it is becoming increasingly common to use Botox to prevent the appearance of wrinkles before they become too pronounced.

Botox for prevention

In the world of aesthetic medicine, prevention is an increasingly popular topic. This proactive approach to ageing is motivated by the idea that it is easier to prevent wrinkles from forming than to correct them once they have set in.

Botox as soon as dynamic wrinkles appear

Dynamic wrinkles begin to appear in the early thirties, and even in the late twenties for some patients.
These wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle contractions over time linked to facial expressions. People with thin skin or who are frequently exposed to the sun may notice these signs of ageing even earlier.

By injecting small doses of Botox as soon as the first expression lines appear, it is possible to reduce the muscular movements responsible for their appearance and thus delay the formation of static wrinkles (those that are visible even when the face is at rest).

Preventive Botox: a minimalist solution

Preventive Botox involves using lower doses of botulinum toxin to prevent wrinkles before they become permanent. This method is often nicknamed 'Baby Botox', as it involves less concentrated injections, which subtly soften expressions without creating the often-feared frozen effect.

Patients opting for this approach, generally between the ages of 25 and 35, report that the treatment not only helps to maintain smoother skin, but also avoids the need for more invasive treatments later in life. What's more, preventive Botox is seen as a good way of gradually getting the skin used to anti-ageing treatments while preserving a natural appearance.

The influence of Socials and image culture on Botox

Social media and easy access to photos and videos online have also helped to popularise the preventive use of Botox among young adults. The filtered images and high standards of beauty promoted on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have made the younger generations aware of skin care and the signs of ageing from an early age.

This constant exposure is prompting many people to opt for Botox injections earlier, in order to keep up with modern aesthetic standards. Demand for natural results is therefore on the increase, and preventive Botox meets this expectation.

At what age should I start Botox?

There's no real answer to the question "at what age should I start Botox injections? In reality, the ideal time to start treatment depends on a number of factors.

  • Genetics: genetics play a major role in the formation of wrinkles.
  • Lifestyle: environmental factors and lifestyle habits also influence the appearance of wrinkles. Smoking, excessive sun exposure, lack of sleep and an unbalanced diet can all accelerate the ageing process.
  • Skin type: people with thin skin are often more prone to the appearance of wrinkles than those with thicker, oily skin.
  • The frequency of facial expressions: some people are particularly expressive, which accelerates the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.

Personalised consultation: a must

The ideal time to start Botox injections depends above all on your individual situation. A consultation with a doctor is the first step in determining whether preventive injections are suitable for your skin and your aesthetic goals. The doctor will suggest a tailor-made treatment to give you a more relaxed and fresh appearance, without "freezing" your features.

The frequency of injections

Contrary to popular belief, starting early does not mean that you will have to receive injections all the time. Maintenance injections are given every 4 to 6 months.

Combining botox and hyaluronic acid for overall rejuvenation

Preventive Botox can be even more effective when combined with other anti-ageing treatments, including injections ofhyaluronic acid. It is a powerful moisturiser and a natural component of the skin.

Hyaluronic acid works by filling in static wrinkles, hydrating the skin, lifting tissues and restoring lost volume.

Botox acts on dynamic wrinkles. Together, they offer a complementary and holistic approach to facial rejuvenation. This combination not only smoothes wrinkles, but also restores lost volume for a more harmonious overall result.

Integrating skin care at home

As well as Botox, a proper skincare routine at home is essential to maintain youthful, radiant skin. Regular use of sunscreen, retinoids and peptide- or vitamin C-based serums can help prevent UV damage and stimulate collagen production.

Hydration is also important to prolong the effects of beauty treatments and maintain smooth, radiant skin. Creams containing hyaluronic acid or anti-ageing formulas are ideal.