For years, Botox has become the go-to quick fix for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Whether it’s ‘preventitive measures’ of baby botox or monthly check ins once the lines are set. But what happens when your Botox doesn’t seem to last? More and more people are noticing that their results wear off sooner than expected, leading them to ask why, and to explore what they can do instead.
At the same time, an increasing number of people are turning away from injectables altogether, embracing holistic and skin-first alternatives that promise radiance without the needle. In fact, according to Pricc Acupuncture Studio, Google searches for “cosmetic acupuncture” are up 248% in the last two years, a clear sign of the rising #NoTox movement, where natural rejuvenation is in.
We spoke with leading experts in holistic skincare, cosmetic acupuncture, and corneotherapy to understand why Botox might not always be the answer. As corneotherapy focuses on strengthening the skin’s outer barrier, helping it stay resilient, hydrated, and primed for treatments like Botox, the method dives into why the treatment might not be lasting – and how you can maintain youthful, healthy skin without relying solely on it. From lifestyle factors like sauna use to the way your body’s detox system works, there are many reasons Botox might fade more quickly.
If You’ve Had Botox Already – Why Doesn’t It Last As Long As You Expect?
Several factors influence how long Botox remains effective. A common but little-known one is heat. Post-treatment, spending time in a sauna can shorten the life of your Botox. There’s a reason the ‘head out your sauna’ movement is gaining attention. Infrared saunas, particularly sauna blankets such as those from Bon Charge, are popular for detox and relaxation, but high heat raises circulation and can cause Botox to metabolise faster.
Your body’s natural detox pathways also play a role. Botox is, after all, a purified neurotoxin. For those with strong liver function, healthy kidneys, or simply a more efficient metabolism, the body may break down and “clear” Botox more quickly. Ironically, this means that if you’re someone who prioritises their health, you may see your results wear off sooner than friends with slower detox systems.
The Rise of Natural Alternatives, What Should I Try Instead Of Botox?
Holistic approaches are no longer seen as fringe – they are now firmly part of mainstream beauty. Sarah Bradden, cosmetic acupuncturist and founder of The Bradden Method, sees clients specifically seeking non-invasive solutions:
“At The Bradden Method I use what I call a natural facelift with a soul reset. Cosmetic acupuncture, microcurrent, LED light therapy, fascia release, and energy work are all layered together to lift, smooth, and sculpt the face while also rebalancing the nervous system and hormones. The result is not just surface-level change, but radiance that starts from deep within.”
Unlike Botox, which temporarily paralyses muscles, these therapies encourage the face to function at its best. “Microcurrent literally re-educates the facial muscles to lift and hold tone, LED supercharges the skin’s collagen and repair, and facial massage stimulates lymphatics so the face looks less puffy, more defined, and alive,” Bradden explains. “The results feel fresher, healthier, and more natural than Botox. You glow, rather than freeze.”
For those wondering whether natural methods are worth the effort, Bradden insists that the long-term benefits outweigh injectables: “Injectables give you a quick fix, but over time they can leave the skin weaker. Natural therapies do the opposite – they train your skin to rejuvenate itself. With regular treatments clients notice stronger collagen, better circulation, reduced inflammation, and a lasting radiance that doesn’t wear off when the tox does.”
Cosmetic acupuncture in particular is growing in popularity. “It’s where ancient Chinese medicine meets modern beauty,” says Bradden. “Ultra-fine needles stimulate points on the face and body to flood the skin with fresh circulation, trigger collagen and elastin, and rebalance the body’s energy pathways. I call it skin repair and soul repair.”
Skin Health First – Is ‘Aging’ A Skin Problem?
For Ingrid Raphael, leading London aesthetician and corneotherapist at Skin Wisdom, the foundation for longer-lasting results – whether with Botox or without, is healthy skin.
“Skin is always a reflection of our internal state. To me, it’s a bit like building a house, without strong foundations and a protective roof, the structure will not last. Injectables can help, but if skin health isn’t supported through food, connective tissue care, and hydration, then the results will be short-lived.”
Raphael stresses that skincare is not one-size-fits-all. “There’s no single answer, it always depends on the individual, their lifestyle, skin needs, and their patience. What matters most is consistency. Too much, too often, can overwhelm skin. Victory really does belong to the persevering.”
Her go-to professional treatment is microneedling with tailored actives, enhanced with medical-grade LED and a bespoke homecare plan. “Combined with circulation support through massage, cupping, or facial exercises, plus the right nutrition, this creates radiance, firmness and lift without needing to lean solely on injectables.”
For clients with problematic skin, Raphael warns against relying solely on Botox: “Without circulation and nourishment, stagnation can occur, and if skin is already struggling, this may worsen concerns. The priority should always be to support the skin itself, ensuring it’s receiving flow, nutrients and proper care. When skin health is addressed, Botox is rarely an issue for problem skin.”
The Nutrition Connection – Can You ‘Eat Your Botox’?
What you eat directly affects how your skin looks, feels, and ages. In many holistic traditions, the outer is seen as a direct reflection of the inner, what shows on the skin often mirrors what is happening inside the body. This idea is supported by face mapping, a practice rooted in Chinese medicine, where different areas of the face correspond to organ health and internal balance. Nutritionists often highlight protein (essential for collagen production), healthy fats (which maintain the skin barrier), and antioxidant-rich foods (to combat inflammation and oxidative stress).
Key foods and supplements that support skin longevity include:
- Collagen peptides and gelatin – to strengthen connective tissue.
- Optimal protein intake – to provide amino acids for repair.
- Healthy fats – such as omega-3s, avocado, and olive oil to keep skin supple.
- Antioxidants – particularly polyphenols from green tea, berries, and colourful vegetables. Matcha, with its concentrated dose of catechins, has become a favourite for glowing skin.
- Ditching sugar – as refined sugars accelerate glycation, a process that weakens collagen and elastin.
Hydration is equally critical. Dehydrated skin is more prone to fine lines, dullness, and inflammation – all of which undermine the effects of Botox. Simple strategies such as increasing water intake, limiting alcohol, and including water-rich foods (think cucumber, melon, leafy greens) can make a visible difference.
Supplements like vitamin C (for collagen synthesis), zinc (for repair), and omega-3s (for anti-inflammatory support) are often recommended by nutritionists for skin resilience. Pairing this with external support such as red light therapy masks or in-clinic treatments like Dermalux ensures that both the inside and outside of the skin are supported.
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Lifestyle Matters
Beyond nutrition, daily habits shape how youthful our skin looks and how long Botox lasts. Poor sleep raises cortisol, which breaks down collagen. Smoking and excess alcohol directly damage skin cells and accelerate fine lines. Meanwhile, restorative practices such as yoga, meditation, or even simply prioritising rest help regulate hormones and reduce the internal stress that ages skin.
The rise of “skinimalism”- a trend focusing on fewer but better skincare steps also highlights the importance of letting the skin breathe and repair naturally, rather than overwhelming it with actives and treatments. Is this a knock on effect of many trying to achieve Hailey Bieber’s “glass skin”?
Choosing The Anti-Aging ‘Tweakment’ That’s Right For You
Botox remains a useful tool for those who want quick results, but it isn’t without drawbacks, and it isn’t the only way to maintain a youthful face. Whether you choose to stay with injectables or embrace holistic alternatives, the key lies in supporting your skin and body as a whole. That might mean avoiding the sauna after treatment, tweaking your diet, or incorporating therapies that work with your skin rather than against it.
As the #NoTox movement shows, more people are choosing radiance that lasts, not just results that fade in three months. With the right combination of nutrition, lifestyle, and natural therapies, glowing, healthy skin doesn’t have to come from an injectable.And if you’re considering alternatives to Botox, the options are growing. As we’ve learned from chatting with experts. Microneedling and other collagen-inducing treatments keep skin active and strong. Polynucleotides, derived from DNA, are gaining recognition for their ability to encourage repair and elasticity whilst Exosomes deliver regenerative growth factors deep into the skin, boosting resilience. And cosmetic acupuncture not only supports skin health but also works with the body’s own energy systems, offering a holistic path to radiance. Each approach has its own rhythm and benefits, but all share a focus on training skin to repair and rejuvenate itself rather than simply freezing movement.
words by Eleanor Hoath
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