Botox Gel: The Future of Botox?

by Trudi Schrieber

BOTOX® has a huge fan base. In fact, Botox injections are the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States, proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles without surgery. With the popularity of Botox, competing injectables, as well as topic wrinkle solutions have blossomed in the marketplace. In fact, consumers may eventually be able to purchase a topical Botox gel in the near future. Such a gel has already been under development and undergoing clinical trials. Could it be the next big thing in wrinkle reduction? Let’s consider the possibility…

Topical Botox Gel vs. Injection

Botox has been effective because its active ingredient—botulinum toxin A—is injected by a professional into the muscles under the skin where the patient is noticing wrinkles. The toxin causes the muscles to relax, which eases the spasms that cause the skin to have a wrinkled appearance. It is this impact on the muscles that ultimately enables Botox to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

So, how would a topical gel affect wrinkles? Well, the gel would have to be able to penetrate the skin and get down to the muscle. A topical Botox gel, therefore, would likely be most effective on areas of the face where the muscles are most superficial, such as the area around the eyes where crow’s feet occur. In fact, this area is the most difficult for the injection of Botox.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Because Botox is injected into the muscle, it doesn’t come in contact with the superficial layer of skin. A Botox gel would work via topical application. Because it would have to be potent enough to get to the muscle, it could potentially harm skin. It is difficult to tell, at this point, how such a gel would remain safe for the superficial layer of skin, while powerful enough to relax the muscles beneath.

Conclusion

Is Botox gel the future of Botox? At this point, it’s difficult to say. There is no doubt that a wrinkle solution that really works, which doesn’t involve a needle, would appeal to many. There’s a definite market for a Botox gel. Especially if the Botox gel were less expensive than the injections, which it likely would be, as Botox gel could be applied by the patient at home. But will the gel be able to achieve results as great as, or even close to, injectable Botox? Will the gel be able to penetrate the skin, to act on the muscle, without harming the skin itself?

As Botox continues to reign supreme among cosmetic procedures, it will certainly be interesting to see how researchers will build off of its success. Perhaps Botox gel will become the easiest, most affordable wrinkle solution yet. For now, your best bet is to learn about your current Botox options by discussing the treatment with a licensed skin care professional. To schedule a free consultation with a local specialist, contact us today.