Using Botox to treat acne?
Chicago plastic surgeon Anil Shah M.D. recently published the only study ever done showing that Botox lowers the skin’s oil production and thus, can be used to treat acne. “Botox definitely clears up acne,” says Dr. Shah, who has treated about 100 patients in this way.
Of course, the media and spas around the country jumped on this information. “Another acne-treatment product to throw at consumers!” Only one small large problem. It seems like Botox as an acne treatment isn’t really that great of an idea. When tiny amounts of Botox are injected directly throughout the dermis of face, yes, oil production is limited. But, sorry Dr. Shah, seems like Botox injections are a stupid way to treat breakouts.
First, to significantly reduce oil production, very large areas of the face would need to be treated, resulting in the expressionless look for which Botox is often mocked.
Second, the procedure is difficult. Even Dr. Shah admits that “Experience here is really essential.” The muscle paralyzer has to be injected directly into a layer of skin just 1/25th of an inch thick. If it’s injected too deeply it can alter the patient’s facial expressions.
Third, Botox as an acne treatment can be prohibitively expensive. Once you find a doctor willing to treat your break-outs in this way, a treatment can cost upwards of $500 and last for only 4 months.
Of course, this is only my opinion of Botox as an acne treatment. I tend to be skeptical of most trendy things, though. And over a few years, my skepticism usually proves to be right. Atkins Diet, anyone?
What do you think about the prospect of Botox being used to treat acne? Estheticians, skin care specialists and makeup artists - do you think Botox is a viable solution to cure or treat acne?
Tags: acne, anti-aging skin care, beauty, botox injections, breakouts, cosmetology, esthetician training, esthetics, licensed esthetician, medical esthetician, medical esthetician license, medical esthetics, medical esthetics certification, Salon, skin, skin care, Spa
October 1st, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Ahhh Botox. I am suspect of as a wrinkle cure, never mind acne. But my own Botox biases aside, here’s what I have a problem with–it lowers oil production. What we read in the lady mags and convention wisdom is that oil = acne. And sure oil plays a role, but it is not the only player in the acne game. And once we start stripping oil, skin’s natural barrier, you open the skin up to sensitivities which can lead to… More acne. Or you dry your skin out so bad that you cause what I call a “Saran Wrap” effect, where dry skin basically makes a Saran Wrap over your pores creating… More acne. I see this loads with ProActive users.
I suffered from horrible adult acne and I tried every “acne” skin product (ie drying product) I could find and it made it worse. What cleared it up? Adding oil to my skin, not taking it away.
October 9th, 2009 at 7:33 am
[...] acne with Botox injections. This report has been out for a bit, but I just caught on via this post from the really great blog over at Beauty Schools Directory (seriously, the blog is fab and not [...]
January 20th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Are there any schools that train you to do botox injections and laser hair removal in Nova Scotia, Canada?
January 26th, 2010 at 1:10 am
Patting your skin dry instead of rubbing dry will cut down on face irritation. Any leftover moisture will air dry in no time. You may find this makes a dramatic difference if you were formally rubbing your skin dry. You will at least find that it cuts down on the redness of your face.