Dermatologists are increasingly turning to Botox as a potential treatment for acne. By injecting a small amount of the neurotoxin into the key muscles of the face, it can minimize imperfections by blocking and paralyzing acetylcholine, which nerves release into the muscle. This helps reduce oil production, enlarged pores and breakouts. It is recommended that this treatment for acne only be done in people who are 20 years of age or older, as this is when hormonal changes are very likely to be permanent.
For those who meet this age requirement, Botox may be one of the most effective and safe acne treatments available. A typical Botox treatment involves injecting a small amount of the neurotoxin into the areas of the face where the most oil is produced. This blocks acetylcholine in the dermis of the skin, which is related to the production of skin fat and oil. The dermatologist will perform a series of Botox injections to help reduce breakouts and create healthier, less oily skin.
Botox has been shown to help with not only the onset of aging but also with migraines and excessive sweating. Now, doctors say it can also help with acne when injected directly into the skin to eliminate enlarged pores, oil production and breakouts. In some cases, dermatologists have been injecting Botox directly into the skin (instead of the muscles between the eyebrows) to prevent sebum production. This procedure may bring dermatology one step closer to a better method of prevention.
Botox injections may also be used along the edge of the upper lip to roll the upper lip up and out slightly to make it appear thicker. It's more subtle than collagen injections, and because it requires less Botox than other areas of the face, it's also less expensive. Hormonal acne is more likely to come back after a Roaccutane (Accutane) cycle has successfully eliminated it. Testosterone is an important hormone for women, as it helps strengthen bones and muscles, provides a healthy libido, and regulates the menstrual cycle. Although it is considered a male hormone, it is normal for women to produce small amounts of testosterone. Botox is probably best known for reducing signs of aging: crow's feet, wrinkles around the mouth or eyebrows, as well as other areas prone to aging.
But it turns out that Botox can also be used to combat persistent acne. By blocking neurotransmitters that activate sweat glands, it can help reduce breakouts and create healthier skin.
