Do Botox Creams for Lips Exist?

Deep wrinkles, vertical lip lines, and thin lips are among the skin aging problems that women often complain about. Thankfully, these aesthetic concerns are easily corrected by any kind of cosmetic treatment like Botox and dermal filler injections. But for people who have reservations about going under the needle, they may look for convenient alternatives like topical treatments to achieve their desired look.

So is there a Botox cream for lips? Currently, there are no Botox creams yet in the market as studies are still ongoing about the effectiveness of botulinum toxin for topical application. However, there are anti-aging creams that can rejuvenate the skin and lip balm products that are likewise beneficial for lip enhancement.

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Why There Are No Botox Creams for Lips Yet

Botox is the widely marketed name for botulinum toxin. It is a strong neurotoxin protein that is made out of Clostridium botulinum bacteria. In 1989, the FDA granted approval for using Botox treatment for eye problems including crossed eye syndrome (strabismus) and involuntary eye twitching (blepharospasm).

It wasn’t until 2002 that Botox was given the green light for cosmetic use to reduce the appearance of mild to severe facial wrinkles, Crow’s feet, and frown lines. Today, it’s administered in medical spas and aesthetic clinics for off-label treatments for nasolabial fold, under-eye wrinkles, brow lifts, and jaw sculpting.

While Botox has a proven track record as a cosmetic anti-wrinkle and therapeutic injectable, many patients are still looking for a topical alternative. There is a need for Botox creams since they’re easy-to-apply to certain parts of the face such as the eyes and mouth and it saves the patient from the pain and discomfort of needle injections.

Limited studies have only been published but the future for topical Botox seems promising. In 2008, a randomized clinical trial tested 40 female patients with Botox cream and they showed improvements in their facial wrinkles. There’s another study that claims the safety and effectiveness of topical Botox for excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.

As it stands, the development of Botox creams have a long way to go and intramuscular injections are still the best option for botulinum toxin. But with advancements in cosmetic technology, there’s a potential that topical Botox products will be available in the future.

How Botox Cosmetic Treatments Work

One of the reasons why no topical Botox alternatives are sold in the market yet is that botulinum toxin works best when it is injected directly onto the muscle beneath the skin. A Botox injection will temporarily block the release of nerve signals that tell the muscle to contract.

Wrinkles are a result of repeated muscle movement that causes tension and pulls the skin. When there is no contraction, the muscles are relaxed which softens and smooths the wrinkles and fine lines.

It also works for lip augmentation to improve the appearance of aging lips and reduce lip wrinkles. This cosmetic treatment is known as Botox lip flip and it is an alternative to a lip filler injection.

During a lip flip, a topical anesthetic or numbing cream may be applied on the lips before injecting the neurotoxin into the orbicularis oris muscle above the upper lip. It gives a subtle enhancement and creates a defined look by relaxing the muscle which will naturally curl the lip outward. A Botox lip injection also corrects upper lip wrinkles and smoker’s lines.

Unlike an injectable filler that literally adds volume, a Botox lip treatment does not alter the structure or shape of the mouth. It’s a quick procedure that can be done in 10 minutes. For best results, the injections of Botox should only be done by an experienced provider to minimize the risks. Most effects of Botox for lips can last for 3 to 4 months.

What Are The Causes of Thinning Lips?

The lips is one part of the body that naturally changes as we age. In fact, the lip area is where most people can see the first signs of aging such as loss of lip volume, drying of the lips, changes in color, and wrinkles in the lip line.

Collagen is the essential building block of the human skin. It provides suppleness to skin texture and helps in the natural healing process of skin tissues and builds new cells to keep the skin intact. It also works together with hyaluronic acid to maintain the moisture of the skin to keep its firmness.

But once our bodies hit the age of 20s, the skin begins to produce 1 percent less of collagen each year. The decrease in collagen production and dehydration of the skin makes us more prone to sagging, wrinkles, age spots, dull complexion, and chapped lips.

External factors such as overexposure to the sun, smoking and bad lifestyle habits, stress, lack of sleep, vitamin deficiency, and pollution can also speed up the consequences of lip aging. Too much lip movement such as puckering or lip pursing can also make creases more evident in the mouth.

Cosmetic Alternatives for Lip Wrinkle Problems

Botox is one of the many cosmetic injectables that your dermatologist can recommend to help you attain fuller lips. However, their suggested course of treatment may still change depending on the severity of your wrinkle problem and your desired goal. And if you’re still wary about getting the neurotoxin, they may present you with other cosmetic options like:

Lip filler – A lip or facial filler uses injectable substances like collagen or hyaluronic acid fillers (HA fillers) to restore lost volume and improve upper lip lines and wrinkles. Restylane and Juvéderm are the two most common options for injectable filler.
Lip lift – Unlike fillers and Botox, a surgical lip lift is a complex cosmetic procedure that needs topical numbing cream before creating an incision where the plastic surgeon will pull the upper lip to reduce its distance from the nose. It enhances the feature of your Cupid’s bow and gives your lips a youthful and contoured appearance.
Lip threading – Lip threading provides temporary enhancement to the lips by using small, dissolvable threads that will smoothen the fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. It improves the curve of your lip border and also highlights your Cupid’s bow.
Chemical peel – Lip peeling works the same as skin exfoliating and it is performed by applying chemical solutions such as glycolic acid and lactic acid on the lips. It will remove the old skin in the top layer of the dermis so your lips will look smoother and softer. It also minimizes fine lines in the upper and lower lip.

Finding Lip Plumpers That Offer Botox-Like Results

When choosing lip products to put on your shelf, you should check if they have the active ingredients that have the similar effects to Botox. Some of the natural substances that have age-defying properties are:

Collagen – You can also take collagen supplements or eat collagen-rich foods like fatty fish, chicken, egg whites, and tropical fruits.
Retinoids – They are a form of vitamin A and they help increase production of collagen and new blood vessels to improve skin tone and soften dark age spots.
Ceramides – When applied to the skin, ceramides create a protective barrier that locks in moisture to keep the skin hydrated and protects from dryness and dirt that can cause skin irritation.
Hyaluronic acid – It is a popular hydrating ingredient that retains skin moisture to improve the plump look of the lips. It also works to boost creation of new collagen to keep the skin healthy and alive.
Niacinamide – This is a type of vitamin B3 that is essential in building proteins in the skin. It helps minimize the appearance of pores and protects the skin from sun damage. It also provides moisture to keep the skin firm and prevents wrinkles and acne breakouts.
Peptide – They are an important amino acid that supports collagen in the skin. It is effective in minimizing wrinkles and coating the skin with a strong barrier that protects from sun damage and other external factors.

Tips to Maintain Healthy and Plump Lips

The most basic reminder to maintain healthy skin and slow down the signs of aging is practicing a good skincare routine. Other preventative measures that can help reduce lines in the upper lip area are:

Avoid puckering your lips by limiting drinking through straws.
Avoid smoking since the nicotine content in cigarettes can accelerate collagen breakdown and cause lipstick lines to show.
Drink lots of water every day to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized.
When going out, don’t forget to wear sunscreen protection for the face and the lips.
Exfoliate regularly with a lip scrub to brush off dead skin on the lips. This also increases blood flow so your lips will retain their color and look fresh.

Achieve Your Best Look with Cosmetic Solutions at aNu Aesthetics

Many people love Botox for its amazing results, so much so that they are looking for a convenient topical version of the injectable so they can enjoy its effects without making a trip to the clinic. But while we wait for the announcement of Botox creams, there are anti-aging products and other cosmetic solutions that are as effective for facial rejuvenation.

And here at aNu Aesthetics, we are committed to providing the best level of beauty and wellness care to our clients and the community. We offer a wide variety of products and services that are designed to help promote well-being and enhance your natural beauty. Sign up now for consultation to start your cosmetic and wellness journey with us.

Say Goodbye To Your Wrinkles and Fine Lines

With just a few simple injections, our providers can erase your wrinkles and fine lines in no time with Botox. Call us today to book your appointment.

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