An Introduction to Botox | Skin Care

By LindaRogers
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Word Count: 478

Not many people could say that they have not heard of Botox but exactly how many could explain what Botox is? In simple, easy to understand, terms we shall attempt to introduce the topic so that anybody can grasp the essentials.

Botox is simply a poison, a specially treated form of the Botulinum Toxin. Botulinum is a poison, an extremely potent one, which is incredibly poisonous to humans. Without this special treatment Botulinum is one of the most poisonous substances to man.

Botox is the registered trademark for a specific product which is created using one of the seven neurotoxins (botulinum toxin A). Botulinum toxin A is made by the bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum, the same bacterium which causes Botulism. Botulism is a type of food poisoning which can cause death as it stops the messages from the brain being transmitted, by the nerves, to the muscles (which leads to paralysis).

Botox is accepted as safe and has long been FDA-approved for use in humans where it is used to treat involuntary muscle contraction and spasms (in blepharospasm, strabismus, and cervical dystonia). Botox, although a commercial brand name, is used as a descriptive term for the well known skin care treatment for reducing the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles.

Botox Cosmetic was, some years ago, FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved for aesthetic use but it is only available on prescription. The FDA also recommended that one injection of the smallest, effective, dose, be used once in every three months. Folk who are taking antibiotics should avoid using Botox as should women who are pregnant or breast feeding because they have an increased risk of developing adverse reactions.

The cosmetic treatment which most people know simply as "Botox", because of it being the injection of the registered product into the muscles and skin of the face, is usually carried out only in a controlled medical environment. The Botox paralyzes the muscle tissues to such a degree that even the most obvious furrow and frown lines (and wrinkles) no longer appear. Unfortunately the treatment is temporary as the effects eventually, over the weeks, disappear.

For the last few years Botox has grown in popularity to such a degree that people now attend "Botox Parties". At these parties people have the treatment in a social rather than a medical setting. This phenomenon has alarmed the FDA who have responded by warning that having the treatment while consuming alcohol is dangerous as it causes an increase in bruising.

Dysport is another, similar, brand to Botox which is quickly becoming rather popular. However, due to the sad fact that people who have this type of anti-aging treatment display an expressionless face which lasts for a while has left many who would rather use other types of treatments. Two of the most popular treatments for the removal of fine lines and wrinkles are chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

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If you would like to discover more about botox please take a look at Information Junkie's Botox Articles.

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