Introduction
As people age, we develop wrinkles because of genes, smoking, sunlight or some other cause. We all want to minimize or eliminate them so as not to show our age or to just look younger. One way we can do this is through Botox injections.
So just what is Botox, how does it work and should I use Botox to reduce the amount of wrinkles I have?
What Is Botox
Botoxis actually a protein that if you ingested enough can cause botulinus, food poisoning, which is a serious illness that can cause paralysis. But if injected in diluted doses in the muscles of the face, it can remove wrinkles.
How Does Botox Work
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox for use to help people treat eye muscle disorders in 1989. In 2002 it approved this treatment for use to treat frown lines or wrinkles.
Botox works by relaxing the muscles in which it is injected. It does this by blocking acetylcholine that is sent by the nerves to the muscles. Acetylcholine tells the muscle to either tense up or contract. With this acetylcholine blocked, the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles are eliminated.
Several sessions of injections may be necessary to totally eliminate the wrinkles. But as more injections are administered wrinkles will eventually be eliminated. You may not see positive results on this procedure for at least two to four days. The results of this procedure may last four to six months before it will be necessary to have it performed again.
Should I Use Botox
The use of Botox to eliminate wrinkles is not for everyone. For example, women who are pregnant should not use this method for elimination of wrinkles. Nor should women who are breast-feeding use Botox.
Other people who should not receive Botox injections are:
Have a skin infection or some type of other skin disease at the point where the injection is to occur.
You should inform your doctor of any medication you are taking such as prescription, over the counter or even herbal medications to determine if you can safely receive Botox injections.
If you have any problems with your heart such as heart attacks or irregular heart beat.
Conclusion
Botox works by stopping the nerve muscles from sending acetylcholine to the muscles in the skin. By doing this the muscles instead of tensing up or contracting, actually relax smoothing the facial skin eliminating the wrinkles.
Jimmy C has been studying skin care for many years. He has studied many aspects of caring for the bodies skin and keeping it youthful and free of irritants. He has helped many people keep their youthful appearance and operates the web site http://www.skinguidelines.com/ which discusses many aspects of caring for the skin.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert