Does “Botox in a Bottle” Really Exist?
by Emily Linehan on July 02, 2020
Updated on May 31, 2023
When it comes to anti-aging and anti-wrinkle treatments, Botox is one of the most popular treatments. However, those on the hunt for alternative options to injectables or simply want to make their injection investments last longer, they may have taken notice of some of the newest and most advanced ingredients that are known to “mimic Botox”.
What ingredients are in "Botox in a Bottle"?
Peptides are the most talked about anti-aging ingredient in most recent years. Peptides are essentially strands of amino acids which when linked together they form protein. And the most vital protein in our skin is our collagen.
Collagen lies just beneath our epidermis (the outer layer of our skin) in what is known as our “dermis”…a layer made of blood vessels, fat, nerves, elastin and collagen. In fact, 80% of our dermis is made up of collagen which makes your skin firm, bouncy and smooth. We are born with an abundance of collagen and produce it at a very high rate. But starting in our mid to late 20’s, our body’s natural production of collagen begins to slow down. In our 30’s we begin to lose 1-2% of our collagen production each year and in our 40’s our collagen production halts completely. While this natural aging progression is inevitable, it is important to remember that environmental and behavioral factors, like UV exposure and smoking, will rapidly accelerate this process.
While the aging process is inevitable, when peptides are applied to the skin, they begin to produce a visible improvement by rejuvenating the skin. They not only stimulate new collagen production, which keeps our skin plump, but also strengthen our elastin, which keeps our skin bouncy and youthful. As we stimulate new collagen growth, the skin will appear firmer and smoother with less fine lines and wrinkles. The peptide, acetyl tetrapeptide-2, found in our Bright Eyed Serum is known to energize tired eyes and also firms and contours the eye area.
If peptides weren’t amazing enough, a specific peptide called Argireline (which is in our Firming Peptide Serum) has a targeted effect on expression lines. Due to its ability to reduce muscle movement by affecting the nerve-to-muscle communication, the facial muscles cannot adequately contract which helps prevent the formation of expression lines. In other words, it helps prevent the facial muscle movement that leads to wrinkles.
One of the best benefits of peptides is that they are perfect for all skin types. Unlike many anti-aging ingredients that can be very drying or irritating to the skin, peptides are incredibly gentle, even for the most sensitive.
So how do you incorporate peptides into your skin regimen?
Firming Peptide Serum for Graceful Aging or Lighten Up Skincare Sets
AM
After cleansing, toning, and applying your Brilliant-C Serum, apply 1 pump of the Firming Peptide Serum, then follow with your Skin Quencher Gel, moisturizer and sunscreen. The Firming Peptide Serum can also be used on the neck and décolleté - simply apply 1 pump to each area and follow with your moisturizer and SPF.
PM
After cleansing and toning, if your skin tends to get dry, apply 1 pump of Firming Peptide Serum before your recommended nighttime treatment serum (e.g. Pro-Retinol Serum, Enlightened Serum, etc.). If your skin does not get dry, apply the Firming Peptide Serum after your treatment serum. Finish with your Skin Quencher Gel and moisturizer. The Firming Peptide Serum can also be used on the neck and décolleté - simply apply 1 pump to each area and follow with your moisturizer.
Firming Peptide Serum for Clear Skincare Set
After the skin has fully cleared*, the Firming Peptide Serum can be incorporated into your skincare routine.
AM
After cleansing, icing, toning, and applying Clarifying Serum (allow it to sit on the skin for 2-3 minutes), apply 1 pump of the Firming Peptide Serum to the face and follow with your Skin Quencher Gel, moisturizer and SPF. You can also use the Firming Peptide Serum on the neck and décolleté. Simply apply 1 pump to the neck and 1 pump to the décolleté and follow with your moisturizer and SPF. (Be careful not to cross contaminate the face application onto the neck as the Clarifying Serum can be drying/irritating to the neck).
PM
After cleansing, icing, and toning, apply 1 pump of the Firming Peptide Serum to the face and follow with your Skin Quencher Gel, moisturizer (allow it to fully absorb) and Acne Eraser. You can also use the Firming Peptide Serum on the neck and décolleté. Simply apply 1 pump to the neck and 1 pump to the décolleté and follow with your moisturizer. (Be careful not to cross contaminate the face application onto the neck as the Acne Eraser can be drying/irritating to the neck).
*If the skin is actively breaking out, avoid using the Firming Peptide Serum as it will dilute the acne fighting efforts of your Clarifying Serum. Instead, discontinue the Firming Peptide Serum until the skin is consistently clear.
Bright Eyed Serum for Graceful Aging or Lighten Up Skincare Sets
AM and PM
After moisturizing, apply with a gentle patting motion a small pea-size amount of the Bright Eyed Serum underneath the eye with your ring finger. Then follow with the rest of your customized skincare routine.
Bright Eyed Serum for Graceful Aging or Lighten Up Skincare Sets
AM ONLY
After moisturizing, apply with a gentle patting motion a small pea-size amount of the Bright Eyed Serum underneath the eye with your ring finger. Then follow with the rest of your customized skincare routine. Do NOT use an eye treatment at night as it can cause the Acne Eraser to migrate into the eye area causing irritation and dryness.