Botox may improve skin elasticity in multiple ways that we don’t realize.
Botox Injections Promote Elastin and Collagen
The treatment seems to promote production of elastin and collagen, two proteins that affect how tight, firm and flexible skin is. In studying the effects of Botox injections, the researcher, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada, said skin of patients became more elastic.
“The changes occurring in patients’ skin appear to be the opposite of those associated with the aging process and UV radiation exposure and inflammation,” the study said.
That’s great news for people who want more youthful looking skin without an invasive procedure – and a bonus for people already receiving Botox injections for temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles.
Two Main Factors Contribute to Facial Aging
- The first – repeated use of facial muscles to smile, talk and frown causes sink to wrinkle over time. Botox injections “freeze” facial muscles, most often targeting the frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet and “forehead furrows,” or lines that form with raised eyebrows.
- The second – as we age, levels of elastin and collagen in the skin decline, causing it to sag.
In biomechanical terms, the skin has three features: strength, pliability and elasticity. The study found improvements in pliability (the ability to stretch) and elasticity (the ability to recoil).
The underlying mechanism by which onabotulinum toxin A injections promote collagen and elastin formation is not yet known, though researchers said it was not due to inflammation related to the treatment. It may be that Botox has an antioxidant effect or the temporary restriction of face muscles in the treated areas allows the skin more time to heal itself.
The study, published online in May 2015 by JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, said the improvement in skin tone lasted about four months.