Here's What Botox Can And Can't Do For You

According to Verywell Health, Botox injections have become one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the U.S. — and yet, there are still multiple myths about Botox, how the procedure works, and what botox can and can't do for your skin. Per Healthline, a common misconception about Botox is that it's a restorative treatment, when it's actually more preventative. The active ingredient in botox "freezes" the facial muscles, which prevents them from contracting and therefore helps to stop fine lines and wrinkles from deepening and becoming more visible. However, it does not completely get rid of wrinkles or prevent them from forming. 

A major concern — and misconception — relating to the use of Botox is that people think Botox uses potentially dangerous botulism, the bacteria that causes food poisoning. What is important to understand is that the Botox used in cosmetic procedures has been deemed safe by the FDA, which means that there isn't a risk of becoming unwell due to the bacteria being used. In fact, Botox is the brand name of the Clostridium botulinum toxin used in cosmetic treatments. But don't let the world "toxin" fool you; Botox is safe and used for several medical purposes. 

Now that we have some misconceptions out of the way, let's dive into what Botox does do for you. 

According to Allure, Botox can do a lot more than simply prevent wrinkles from occurring. Botox can help manage acne by reducing oil production, which in turn reduces breakouts, to stop migraines, and to treat excessive sweating.

Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, explained how Botox stops sweat. "Similar to the way Botox works on muscles, it prevents the message from your nerves from getting to your sweat glands. If the gland doesn't get the signal, then it doesn't produce sweat, which means there will be no wetness in that area," he said. This process is beneficial for people with hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, per Mayo Clinic. 

It might sound a little strange, but Botox can also be used to make blowouts last longer. Yes, really. "Some women who get Botox in their forehead have reported that they don't sweat around their hairline and their blowouts last longer," Francesca Fusco, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, explained to Allure. Whether it's to treat unwanted sweat or simply make your face appear smoother, Botox is helpful in many ways.