Do I need Botox?
It’s a question I hear all the time – and if you’ve ever found yourself staring in the mirror, feeling tired in your skin or a bit fed up with pigmentation or fine lines, you might have wondered the same thing.
Botox is often the first treatment people think of. It’s the one we hear about most, the one everyone seems to have, and the one that’s spoken about as if it’s a magic fix for every ageing concern. But here's the truth: it very rarely is.
Why is Botox the go-to for so many?
I totally understand the appeal. When I first started feeling a bit dull in my skin, Botox was the first thing I reached for too. It’s everywhere – in magazines, online, in casual conversation. It’s become a bit of a buzzword in the aesthetics world.
So, people naturally arrive at their consultation thinking Botox will fix everything. But the reality is, it’s often not the best place to start. Most of the time, it’s not even what they need.
When might Botox actually help?
Botox can be a great option in some specific cases. For example, if:
You want a slight lift in your brows
You’re getting tension headaches from clenching the muscles around your eyes
The muscles in your lower face have started shortening or tightening – causing the corners of your mouth to pull down or your chin to look pointy
In these situations, Botox can help rebalance the muscle activity and give you a fresher look.
How long does Botox last?
Botox is delivered via tiny injections and reaches its peak effect after about two weeks. From then on, it gradually wears off – and by 12 to 16 weeks, it's pretty much gone.
That means whatever you didn’t love about your skin beforehand will still be there when the Botox wears off. It doesn’t change your skin health. It doesn’t boost hydration or improve texture. It doesn’t give you lasting glow or firmness. It simply pauses muscle movement for a short time.
So what should you do if you want lasting skin health?
If you love what Botox does for you – that’s totally fine. But if you’re serious about supporting your skin’s long-term glow, bounce and health, Botox should be just one part of a wider plan.
Here’s where I’d start:
Great skincare – I can’t stress this enough. Really well-formulated skincare with proven ingredients like vitamin C and retinol makes a huge difference over time. These help support collagen, improve hydration and brighten your skin.
Daily sunscreen – it protects all the effort you're putting in and keeps your skin strong.
Energy-based treatments – things like NeoGen, lasers, or radio frequency microneedling all help stimulate collagen. They’re brilliant for long-term skin health, and each works slightly differently – which is why we mix and match in clinic depending on your needs.
What about skin boosters or polynucleotides?
Injectables like skin boosters or polynucleotides do have a role in skin maintenance – especially when combined with energy-based treatments. But again, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution and won’t replace the collagen-boosting effects of those energy-based treatments.
So do you need Botox? Maybe. But not for everything. If it’s something you already love, just make sure you’re pairing it with the things that support your skin across the decades – not just for a 12-week lift in a few lines.
The real magic lies in skin health, not short-term fixes.
And if you’re feeling a bit unsure, or tired in your skin, or don’t know where to start – just drop us a message. We’ll help you figure out what’s right for you.
Sharron xx