Goodbye botox, welcome notox

Millennials, Gen-Z (yes, age no bar here), brides and bridesmaids, celebrities, literally everyone has jumped into the botulinum toxin cosmetic injectables fray to seek smooth, unblemished and line-free skin. It gave rise to Botox for different pockets and types, from Baby Botox and BroTox to Budget Botox. But not all is hunky-dory here. The beauty shot has increasingly been getting a bad rap for its downsides: being invasive, painful, causing eyelid drop, bruising and reportedly freezing facial muscles. Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian even expressed worry over how Botox may make it tough for her to show more emotion.

But it’s time to drop the dread, there’s a successor on the scene. Notox, the anti-aging alternative seems to have picked up where Botox left off. It’s non-invasive, non-injectable option that’s churning up a believable buzz. In the advent of the wedding and festive season, can this be just what you need? Dermats spill the tea...

Painful Put-off

Affirming how pain can be one of Botox’s biggest downsides, Dr Sri Sahithi Konidena, Founder and Chief Dermatologist, Prime Derm Skin and Hair Clinic, Hyderabad, shares, “Whenever I suggest treatments like Botox, fillers, or skin boosters, which involve needles, I notice that patients often become uncomfortable or apprehensive about the idea of multiple injections in their face. It can initially be quite daunting for them. I’ve read studies which concluded that pain is considered a factor to avoid treatments by 20% of patients.”

If this is you, you’re not alone. Dr Madhu Chopra, Cosmeto-logist and Managing Director of Studio Aesthetique, Mumbai, throws light on the demand as she says, “Yes, there has been a growing demand for alternatives to Botox due to concerns over its potential disadvantages. Some express hesitation about the idea of “freezing” facial muscles, which can lead to a less natural look. A growing number of clients are seeking non-invasive, needle-free, and pain-free treatments as they look for ways to maintain a youthful appearance without injections.” She adds, “That’s where Notox comes in as it focuses on improving the skin's natural structure and preventing aging without the use of injectables. Plus, unlike Botox, which targets specific muscles to calm existing wrinkles, Notox treatments improve the skin's resiliency to avoid the early indications of aging. Thus, they are great for postponing the onset of wrinkles.”

Multiple Options

Literally, a blend of the words “no” and “Botox” Notox is hot on social media – the hashtag #notox has 37.3K posts and counting! On its popularity, Dr Sravya C. Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, & Trichologist, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, says, “The Notox movement is big. It’s a trend embracing non-injectable alternatives such as non-invasive technologies and cosmeceutical products aimed at achieving similar results as Botox, but without the needle.”
It can be something as rejuvenating as getting a facial massage. As Dr Chopra shares, “Popular techniques include Gua Sha and face massages, which increase lymphatic drainage and circulation as well as improve skin tone and minimize puffiness, also are part of Notox.”

There’s a lot to choose from, elaborates Dr Sravya: “From microneedling (minimally-invasive) and radiofrequency treatments like Morpheus8 to topical creams packed with peptides and antioxidants, the Notox approach has diverse options.” Of course, there’s no single magic shot here, either. The trend is about a holistic approach to skincare, combining lifestyle changes, skincare products, and specialized treatments with an aim to maintain youthful skin.

Wondering if it will suit you? She responds: “Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of Botox, Notox alternatives can be customized to address specific concerns, like fine lines or loss of volume. You have solutions that boost collagen, enhance skin texture, and provide long-term benefits without downtime that fit into patients' desire for safer, natural remedies that have less risks and negative effects.”

Doesn’t break the bank