If ‘injectables’ are not for you, there are a whole host of products on the market claiming to be Botox in a bottle. But where do you start?
One of the more recent, and probably bizarre, buzzwords is syn-ake, a neuropeptide that mimics the effects of the temple viper’s venom, which freezes the muscles to instantly lift the face and plump fine lines and wrinkles.
Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum, £125 for 25ml had a waiting list of over 1000 names when it launched eighteen months ago and contains syn-ake, as well as antioxidants and other skin plumping ingredients.
Crystal Clear Intense Anti-Ageing Serum, £60 for 50ml contains syn-ake as well as smoothing moisturisers.
Another muscle-relaxing ingredient is Argireline, a protein-based topical muscle relaxant, which helps reduce the formation of lines and wrinkles.
Extra Strength Pretox 20, £89.95 contains a formula called Protox which includes Argireline, to help reduce the intensity of muscle contractions. Some results can be seen after two weeks, but maximum results can be seen after 60 days, so patience is required.
M&S Advanced Formula Cosmetox Intense Serum Plus, £19.50 contains Argireline and skin plumping hyaluronic acid. In consumer trials conducted over four weeks, 85% of testers thought the serum left their skin rejuvenated, 84% reported firm skin, and 81% felt it was effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Another product containing ‘relaxing ingredients’ is Bremenn Instant Forehead Smoother, £62 for 50ml which contains powerful peptides and plant extracts to reduce the appearance of forehead furrows.
These products don’t come cheap, and you could end up spending as much, if not more, on Botox alternatives than on the real thing. By the time you have used enough product to see real visible results you may well be up to your £200 Botox treatment cost. So what you have to ask yourself is, is it really worth it?
