The beauty industry’s obsession with “preventative Botox” has been doing the rounds on social media for years, with influencers and clinics touting early injections as the ultimate anti-aging hack. The idea is that if you start young, you’ll freeze your face in its prime and never develop wrinkles. But what if this trend is backfiring?
We sat down with Ellie Roberts, a former intensive care nurse and the founder of Freshen Up Freshwater, to unpack the truth behind preventative Botox and why it might be doing more harm than good.
The Problem With “Preventative” Botox
The logic behind preventative Botox seems sound at first glance: by paralysing facial muscles before fine lines appear, you can supposedly stop wrinkles from forming altogether. Sounds great, right?
But according to Roberts, this approach is fundamentally flawed. “Preventative Botox isn’t a thing,” she says bluntly. “It’s a marketing term, not a medical one. If you’re in your early to mid-twenties and rushing to get injections, you’re likely wasting your money and not only that, but potentially compromising your skin’s natural vitality.”
Dermatologists agree that overusing neurotoxins too early can lead to muscle atrophy (thinning skin and loss of facial volume), ironically creating a hollow and aged appearance over time.
“Your face needs movement to stay healthy,” Roberts explains. “When you completely freeze expressions for years, you’re not preventing aging, you’re altering the natural structure of your skin in ways that can make you look older.”
What You Should Be Doing Instead
Rather than relying on needles at such a young age, Roberts advocates for a holistic, science-backed approach to skincare that nurtures long-term radiance without interfering with your face’s natural biology.
1. Invest in High-Quality Skincare
Forget quick fixes. Consistent, high-performance skincare is the real key to youthful skin. “A proper routine starts with gentle cleansing, medical-grade exfoliation and targeted actives like retinoids and antioxidants,” says Roberts. “These ingredients stimulate collagen, improve texture and protect against environmental damage – no needles required!”
2. Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable
“If I could scream one thing from the rooftops, it would be this: wear sunscreen, every single day, no exceptions,” Roberts insists. UV exposure is responsible for up to 90% of premature aging, from fine lines to pigmentation. A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ is the most powerful anti-aging product you’ll ever use.
3. Feed Your Skin From Within
“What you eat directly impacts your skin’s health,” says Roberts. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds and walnuts) strengthen the skin barrier, while antioxidants (like vitamins C and E) combat free radicals. Hydration is equally crucial, as plump, glowing skin starts with water, not just serums. Even more reason to up your water in-take!
4. Move Your Body (And Your Face)
Facial exercises and regular cardio might sound unrelated, but both play a role in maintaining youthful skin. “Exercise boosts circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin,” Roberts notes. “And allowing your face to move naturally keeps muscles toned and skin resilient.”
The Verdict: Botox Isn’t Evil, But Timing Matters
Botox has its place and, when used strategically, it can soften deep wrinkles and restore balance. But Roberts warns against jumping the gun too early: “If you don’t have visible lines yet, why fix what isn’t broken? Focus on building healthy skin habits first. Botox should be a last resort, not a first step.”
So before you book that “preventative” appointment, ask yourself: Are you truly preventing aging, or just buying into a trend that could age you faster?
Read more of our Beauty articles here.
