“Botox in a Bottle” refers to the ingredient argireline, which is a peptide that competes with a protein that limits the ability of neurotransmitters to activate movement in your facial muscles. Limiting muscle movements prevents the etching of deep lines in areas such as the 11 lines, crow’s feet and forehead; neurotoxins (such as Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin) work similarly and are one of the most effective treatments for dynamic wrinkles. While neurotoxins such as Botox are injected into the muscle, argireline is used topically. The challenge has been creating a formula that penetrates the skin effectively. Argireline isn’t as potent as Botox in terms of muscle relaxing and it will take longer to see results, but it can still play an important role in anti-aging skincare.
Argireline has also been shown to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives skin its structure and firmness. After the age of 20, we produce about 1% less collagen each year, and environmental stressors can degrade collagen.
Key takeaway: while argireline might be a great addition to your skin care regime, it isn’t going to be a replacement for Botox anytime soon.
