What is Notox, and does it work?
Notox is an Alternative to Botox that doesn’t require needles and has been gaining traction in the beauty industry.
Does its increasing popularity signify the end of Botox?
And critically, do these non-invasive alternatives genuinely deliver results?
Notox, a blend of the words “no” and “Botox,” signifies a change in beauty standards. “It’s a shift toward appreciating the natural outcomes of non-surgical procedures rather than stiff and overly plump faces,” explains Dr. Idriss. “I’ve always advocated for ‘subtle rather than dramatic’ since 2016, a time when Botox and fillers were all the rage. This is because minor modifications can lead to significant transformations over time,” states Dr. Idriss, noting that “individuals are finally grasping this concept and are becoming more conservative with their use of injections.”
The increasing emphasis on health and wellness in today’s society probably contributes to the popularity of Notox. “A lot of our patients, whom we refer to as ‘naturalists,’ choose to utilize progress in bio-regenerative medicine, laser technology, and skincare to combat aging signs,” Dr. Diamond explains. It’s worth noting that while most Notox procedures are not entirely natural, they do trigger “natural” processes in the skin, such as collagen production or cell renewal, to enhance its tone or texture.
Also worth noting is that neurotoxins provide a temporary solution to skin aging as their effects typically last between two to six months. “A lot of patients prefer a more enduring result and are ready to invest in that instead of the transient effects of neurotoxins,” states Dr. Diamond.
Top Needle-Free Botox Alternatives
To clarify, there aren’t any genuine needle-free substitutes for Botox since the only substance that can hinder muscle contractions and soften the resulting minor lines and wrinkles are neurotoxins. However, Notox isn’t about mimicking the exact impact of Botox, it’s about adopting a holistic approach towards skin aging by enhancing skin elasticity, firmness, hydration, and texture. I have experimented with a plethora of Notox products and treatments that claim to deliver these benefits. While some didn’t work for me and some were just average, a few truly stood out. Here, I’m categorizing my top five Botox alternatives that don’t require a needle.
Peptide-based Serums and Lotions:
Ever come across those Botox-in-a-bottle serums that are all the rage on TikTok? Most are driven BY peptide serums, particularly a peptide named Argireline, also known as acetyl hexapeptide-8. When used topically, “Argireline simulates the impact of Botox without the need for injections by weakening facial muscles,” explains Dr. Idriss. The operative word is “simulates”, since Argireline smooths lines very subtly and only for a brief period, yet the outcomes are still striking. I personally prefer to incorporate these serums and lotions into my morning regimen to ensure my skin stays fresh and smooth and prevent my makeup from settling into any lines while I’m on the go.
Exosome creams:
Exosome-based skincare products are relatively new to the beauty industry, and to be honest, I was initially perplexed about their purpose and function until I delved into research for this article.
Exosomes are fantastic for daily use, but they’re especially effective when used after a cosmetic procedure as they can notably decrease recovery time and enhance the outcome of the treatment. I initially experimented with exosomes as part of a facial at SkinSpirit, a high-end skin clinic with branches throughout the U.S.
The aesthetician who performed my treatment (and also provided me with the clever ziplock baggie analogy, so thanks for that) carried out a comprehensive cleanse and exfoliation of my skin using the DiamondGlow device initially, after which she massaged a small amount of Plated Skin Science’s potent serum all over my face. The exosomes present in the serum are intended to augment the treatment by activating the skin’s innate healing mechanism and aiding in reversing signs of aging, such as dark spots and fine lines.
Facials for lymphatic drainage:
A high-quality lymphatic drainage facial can be compared to a deep tissue massage for your face. It eases facial tension, enhances blood flow, and temporarily gives your face a smooth, lifted appearance. I recently underwent this procedure with Miranda Sturce, a renowned aesthetician based in NYC. The results were extraordinary, with noticeable sculpting and firming effects on my skin. My jawline and cheekbones became more defined, my forehead appeared relaxed, and my eyebrows seemed slightly raised – a gentle brow lift, so to speak.
The outcomes of a lymphatic drainage facial are highly temporary (lasting just a few days at most) and greatly rely on the expertise of your service provider. During my lymphatic drainage facial with Sturce, she employed her hands and a gua sha stone to work on my facial muscles and stimulate my blood circulation. Although I can never duplicate her magical touch, I have incorporated a gua sha-like instrument into my skincare regimen to give myself a mini facial massage at home. I mainly use gua sha tools in a gentle scraping manner on my forehead to attempt to elevate my brows and reduce fine lines. However, they can be used anywhere on the face to tackle a plethora of skin problems, including puffiness and sagging.
RF microneedling merges two techniques—radio frequency and microneedling—to enhance skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. In a procedure, ultra-fine needles radiating radiofrequency energy are imprinted into your skin to cause controlled damage, which, consequently, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin—the two primary proteins accountable for skin stiffness, compactness, and evenness. Technically, RF microneedling isn’t devoid of needles, but since the needles aren’t used for injections, I categorize it as a Notox-compatible treatment.
Several RF microneedling machines are available, such as Potenza, Vivace, and EndyMed. But the results I’ve observed from the widely acclaimed Morpheus8 were impressive. I’m not going to lie – the procedure is somewhat uncomfortable and certainly expensive (you’ll have to shell out $1,000 for a single session), yet the skin tightening and smoothing impact it provides is remarkably noticeable and doesn’t appear artificial at all.
Treatments using Ultrasound:
Ultherapy and Softwave are the two major players in this field. I had a recent experience with Softwave and was totally captivated by the outcome. Softwave operates by heating the tissue beneath the skin surface to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. As per Dr. Idriss, it’s the perfect solution for those seeking to enhance the overall texture and firmness of their skin, and for addressing sagging issues in areas such as the neck and jowls. I couldn’t concur more.
I underwent two Sofwave procedures, with a three-month interval, focusing on my jawline and forehead. The outcomes were not immediate (since collagen needs time to increase), but when they eventually took effect roughly six weeks post my initial treatment, my jawline appeared more defined, my forehead seemed smoother, and my eyebrows slightly more elevated.
One Sofwave session lasts approximately 45 minutes and there is absolutely no downtime post-treatment. This is an unusual yet pleasant feature for a noninvasive beauty procedure, though be warned, it can be painful. The major drawback, in my opinion, is the expense – the cost can greatly differ depending on the region, but it usually starts from $1,500. However, the effects are reported to persist for a duration of up to two years.
Final Thoughts
While Notox is currently trending, it doesn’t imply that Botox has lost its relevance. Botox (or Xeomin, Daxxify, or Jeuveau) remains the only way to immobilize a muscle through injection, but there are numerous other methods available for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and enhancing skin firmness. These include the skincare products and procedures mentioned above. Therefore, if Botox isn’t suitable for you or if you’re not comfortable with the concept of injectables, you have a plethora of fantastic alternatives. Read More
