A number of products currently on the market are being dubbed “natural BOTOX” or “green BOTOX” because they contain natural ingredients such as hibiscus seeds and other organic plant substances touted for their skin-smoothing and skin-tightening abilities. Although over-the-counter products may claim to minimize facial wrinkles and frown lines, Dr. Albert C. Cattell warns that many of these products may not be as effective or as long-lasting as BOTOX Cosmetic.
“I find that while some of these products may make the face appear smoother, their effect doesn’t last,” says Dr. Cattell “These products only affect the surface of the skin, while BOTOX is injected under the skin, causing the muscle to relax and release the tension that causes dynamic wrinkles such as deep frown lines in the forehead.”
“Although these so-called ‘natural’ products may seem safer and less expensive than BOTOX, in the long run the cost adds up because the product must be continually re-applied,” he says. “One treatment of BOTOX can last several months, while these over-the-counter creams must be applied continually to maintain what little effect they may have.
“And as far as safety is concerned, I’ve never had patients suffer any adverse effects from BOTOX, other than perhaps a bit of swelling or bruising at the injection site that completely disappeared in a few days.”
