The 🖤 for BOTOX.
Now let’s chat about something that seems to be still in 2020 a bit taboo (at least around me) Botox. Now, first let’s clear up that I am not being sponsored by Botox or Dysport although I wish I would be haha! This is completely my personal opinion, my story & how I feel about Botox.
What is Botox/Dysport?
Botox & Dysport is a neurotoxin. 
These substances target the nervous system, disrupting the nerve signaling processes that stimulate muscle contraction. But when doctors use it correctly & in small doses, it can have benefits! 
The primary use of Botox & Dysport is reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles. The effects are temporary, lasting 3–12 months, depending on the type of treatment. Other issues & medical conditions may benefit from Botox & Dysport uses include: alopecia, severe underarm sweating, eyelid spasms, preventing migraines in people whose migraine headaches last at least 4 hours on 15 or more days per month. – Medical Source: MedicalNewsToday
For the love of botox!
I started getting Botox done at the age of 22. Literally … it was the day after my 22nd bday; I remember because we were celebrating my bday in Mini 3 day cruise & my forehead was SO snatched lol!
Now the most common question every time someone hears that I started getting Botox at the age of 22 … “Why? You were so young?!” Why? To be completely honest, I had read in Cosmo at the time 2007 (which essentially at the time was like my Bible) Botox had already been proven to be a great preventative treatment for wrinkles. So at the age of 22 it really didn’t change my “facial expression” nor did I actually have deep wrinkles at that time so I used it to prevent the wrinkles!
At 22 years old; so, I’m guessing? … It’s pretty clear to say that I didn’t want deep wrinkles as I aged/got older. So why not actually prevent them with Botox a semi-permanent option vs a topical cream that “may” work.
I’m like this about everything honestly… I mean, I understand that creams can do so much (in my professional opinion) but if it’s actually coming out to be something super expensive, where you have to continuously purchase these products month to month (these creams & serums ain’t cheap) … then to see minimal results? If any at all depending on the product that you’re using?1 … again my personal opinion here…
So why not just get the Real Deal Holyfield?! 
So I went the BOTOX option, which essentially “froze” my forehead – which wouldn’t allow my forehead to frown or to move really lol. This is what causes wrinkles to begin with (of course dehydration plays a part too).
It’s been love ever since ha!
Topical Treatments, Serums & Moisturizers.
Nowadays; & even at a good price you can get really good serums, Vitamin C products, retinoids & retinol, peptides & even at home chemical peels that will help resurface your skin texture. Yes! These serums & or moisturizers may also bring in a lot of hydration which can help aid the appearance of fine lines/superficial wrinkles on topmost layer of your skin. Of course you will see a small difference if you didn’t always follow up with skin care (this happens a lot especially when getting into skin care in your 30’s)….
I’m not saying these things are bad, quite the contrary. I believe when applied correctly (which i’ll get to in another post) these are great alternatives & amazing for daily use (hydration is always key, not only topical but internally too) followed by daily SPF.
But will these Topical treatments, Serums & Moisturizers. give your skin long lasting results? Maybe with a very strict skincare regime … meaning you’re on really dedicated day and night like everyday lol
But will it get rid of a deep wrinkle? Unfortunately not! Although I wish it did but great for preventive care!
Preventative Anti-Aging Care.
Now if I can go back in time & change a few things I totally would! I would take these steps:
Don’t UV Tan!! Ughhh if I would’ve known!! I really regret this one … I would indoor tan sooo much! UV tanning breaks down the collagen & elastin fibers in healthy young skin, & cause wrinkles & loosened folds. Premature aging is a long-term side effect of UV exposure, meaning it may not show on your skin until many years after you have had a sunburn or suntan. Avoiding UV exposure is essential to maintaining healthy skin. – Source – FDA
Apply SPF Daily! –To avoid premature aging of your skin, use a SPF identified as “broad-spectrum.” This means it blocks out both UVA & UVB rays, This one was a hard for me as a makeup artist (flashback & etc) .
Don’t give up when searching for a good SPF! – The most common factor when people start applying SPF is that it may cause breakouts. Unfortunately this could be caused by SPF clogging the pores. It’s quite important to look for Non-ComedogeniC SPF’s.
Even if you have “Oily Skin” – Daily Moisturizer is a MUST – The skin is the largest organ & the human body it’s basically perfect. A lot of women tend to stay far away from moisturizers if they have oily skin; In my personal/professional opinion: I believe that if you suffer from oily skin & not in your teens … there’s a good possibility it’s because your skin is dry & your skin may be trying to hydrate itself.🔍
Always remove ALL your makeup before bed!
A makeup wipe is NOT enough! No seriously, don’t be lazzzzy haha! At least rinse after the wipe with water.
Alcohol free Witch Hazel – Toner is great but can be sensitive to some skin types or condition, especially if it has alcohol! Alcohol free Witch Hazel is great “toner” for any age & skin type. Helps tighten pores, reduces inflammation & redness
Use daily day & night!
Introduce hyaluronic acid serum to your skin care regimen (for all ages & skin types) – Hyaluronic Acid is a pretty powerful humectant! Hydration is key in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, Applied topical the skin appears more dewy & younger because it improves skin elasticity.
DRINK MORE WATER – This one is pretty self-explanatory but hydration really is key & if you pair it with not only external hydration but internal by drinking more water eating more fruits & veggies that have a higher water intake you’ll see a huge difference to your skin especially when you start out at a early age!
Drink Vitamins!
Yep I know but internally you got to work on yourself so it reflects on your skin externally too! 
Vitamin C is great to drink daily & I’m not talking only a 1000 mg. Why is Vitamin C so good? Vitamin C is great antioxidant, helps produce collagen & aids in reversing sun damage!
Vitamin B / B-Complex / B7 (Biotin) – protects cells from damage and water loss, helping to keep your skin moist and plump. helps with; dry hair, brittle nails, and dry flaky skin.
Vitamin K helps protect the collagen in the body. When healthy collagen production is maintained, your skin appears more, plump, smooth & youthful. Also aids in the restoration of a healthy complexion and in addressing certain skin conditions psoriasis/eczema/people that suffer from “purpura” bruising (which causes dark undereye circles).
Things to do before getting Botox/Dysport:
Do a lot of research – There a lot of people online claiming to be doctors or physicians doing fillers & botox due to the high demand & like in anything there’s always schemers (this happened to me when i was 23 with my lips – on another entry i’ll hit that up).. Seriously do YOUR RESEARCH!
Make sure that you are going to a Licensed Doctor (MD or DO) & or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (NP) that specializes in facial cosmetic procedures. or cosmetic dermatology! This is important because applying BOTOX is considered practice of medicine – meaning any doctor or NP can legally inject you … but if this isn’t something they do often .. well like the saying goes “if you don’t use it you lose it” ya know!
Get all your errands done before you got your Botox appointment.
💪 Workout?
😜 Wanna get your freak on?
🥵 Run errands throughout the hot day?
^ Get it done before your appointment. ^
Call me old school but after I get my Botox done, I won’t lay down at least 5/6 hours after although my doctor says that’s excessive lol & I try to stay super relax meaning; I do not try to elevate my blood pressure whatsoever! This is important because you can actually move the botox that was injected around to a different area if you elevate your blood pressure or if you touch it or if you lay down!
Don’t drink Vitamins/Supplements at least 48 hours prior to getting your Botox done. Certain medication & certain supplements can thin blood or even add to bruising – Check with your doctor beforehand.
Do drink Arnica. Arnica is the only supplement I do drink 2 days prior to getting any injections on the face. Arnica is great to prevent bruising and to aid with bruising.
Eat Something. SERIOUSLY but don’t go on an empty stomach especially if it’s your first time & especially if you fear needles. If you go on an empty stomach rest assured your blood pressure will go down & you might get dizzy. Just have a happy tummy!
Have patience. This one is super important because you will not see immediate results after applying Botox. If you are lucky you may start seeing some slight results 4-5 days after but generally speaking it takes anywhere from 7 to 15 days to see the full results.
Bottom line
I am very happy with my Botox experience!
Currently I use botox much more than just my forehead now LOL! I really enjoy using Botox now at 35 especially around my crow’s feet because I like to always rock a very dramatic wing and unfortunately as you age, snatching your liner can be a little more of a challenge! This makes it a lot easier for me & also ensures that my wing doesn’t bleed into the lines.
Another awesome Botox hack of mines ha! Is to apply it under my eyebrows! I’ve been doing this for the past maybe three years this gives my eyes kind of a mini eye lift effect! Of course these are temporary but I really enjoy BOTOX for that too!
Have I had some bad experiences since I was 22 to currently now at 35.?!
Absolutely! But that hasn’t turned me off on Botox quite the contrary, I’ve had to learn more & do more research & understand what works best throughout my procedure.
I hope all this information has been super useful! Again I am no doctor but this is my personal experience a person who has been using BOTOX for quite some time now!
For the ones that have been following me for some time know that I do enjoy getting Botox as well as Hyaluronic Acid aka Juvederm fillers when I feel I need them 🖤
Which I will be definitely posting on here about and my experiences!
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