While you may respect those looking to get Botox or other wrinkle injections such as Jevederm, you may not be comfortable with the concept yourself – and that's okay!

It could be that you’re afraid of needles or maybe because wrinkle reducing botox treatments are not within your budget. We mean, the average cost for botox start at $408 (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons – ASPS), not taking into consideration the costs to upkeep botox. 

Luckily for you, there are other options for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles that don't require botox injections. Here are 5 botox alternatives to consider for anti-aging wrinkle solutions. 

1. Use Sunscreen, Every Day

This is the number one product in any anti-aging regimen. Despite popular belief, you need to wear a sunscreen every day, regardless if it's sunny or cloudy outside. According to Robert Anolik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, 90% of aging comes from the sun – making it the most important anti-aging product you can use. 

Though SPF is preventative, sunscreen can also provide greater benefits. In a 2016 study by Dermatologic Surgery, result photos showed that after applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 every day for a year, individuals' skin resulted in improved texture, greater clarity, and reduced hyperpigmentation by 52 percent. 

Pro Tip: Use a mineral sunscreen and reapply every few hours, especially if you're out and about. If you're worried about getting age spots and wrinkles on your hands and neck, don't forget to apply sunscreen on your hands and neck too.

2. Use a Retinoid To Plump Skin

Also known as the ultimate skin-plumping and firming skin hero, retinoid is a skincare routine must have. According to Lauren Ploch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist from Aiken, South Carolina, daily sunscreen and nightly retinoid can prevent the need for injections entirely. 

Retinoids are a product of Vitamin A that work to increase collagen, the protein that creates the skin’s structure. According to Dr. Ploch, collagen further works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen pairs with retinoid to increase the number of cells that create collagen (also known as fibroblasts), which keep the skin looking plump and firm. 

While daily use of retinoid is important, research from October 14 reviewed by Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, and Photomedicine reveal that it can take a few weeks to see improvement after starting a retinoid regimen, so be patient. 

It is also a possibility that using retinoids may irritate your skin – in this case, Dr. Anolik suggests switching daily application to every other day, followed by a moisturizer. 

If you are pregnant, do not use your retinoid as this product has been associated with certain birth defects. 

Pro Tip: If you're new to retinoid, try a retinoid cream that's lower in dosage such as 0.05% or lower to see how it reacts with your skin. If the reaction is good and you want something stronger, opt for a retinoid that's a little higher in dosage or talk to your dermatologist for a prescription retinoid. 

3. Try a Laser Treatment

If you are still looking for alternatives that go beyond topicals, but do not want to use needles, ask your dermatologist what laser treatments may be available depending on the needs of your skin. Dr. Anolik explains, “resurfacing lasers do so many things, including reducing brown spots and blood vessels, remodeling collagen, and increasing collagen production.”

While lasers in the past would leave skin irritated and red, they are now more developed and complex, working to mildly resurface the skin while causing minimal injury or irritation. The lasers Dr. Anolik prefers to use for anti-aging include PicoSure and Clear + Brilliant. He explains further, “We can pick and choose from these with patients. They each have their benefits, and I often alternate different strategies at different visits.”

However, these treatments can also be expensive. According to the ASPS, laser skin resurfacing treatments can cost anywhere on average from $1,000 to $2,000 per treatment. Yet, they still can accomplish benefits that injections cannot, such as treating discoloration caused by aging. 

Pro Tip: There are many different laser treatments out there to get rid of wrinkles, but one may be better for your skin over another. Consult your dermatologist first about your anti-aging skin goals if you think that lasering may be the option for you. 

4. Talk With Your Dermatologist About Microneedling

Promising to reduce scars and smooth wrinkles, microneedling is becoming on of the latest trends in skincare. Ploch explains that microneedling is another botox alternative procedure which is less invasive and treats wrinkles and scarring. 

According to a 2019 study by Dermatologic Surgery, microneedling is a great option for those who have darker skin or are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation, because it is less likely to result in leaving marks on your skin than lasering and other light based treatments. 

This device is shaped like a roller with micro-fine needles on the outside. It is rolled across your skin, while the needles penetrate the outermost layers. According to a 2015 study by Experimental Dermatology, in this process the needles trigger the skin’s healing capabilities, boosting its collagen production and smoothing the skin. 

Those who have used this treatment report that it is painless. You can also buy the dermal rollers for at-home self treatment, though this is not as effective as an in-office experience. According to a statement in Everyday Health, Minish Shah, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon from Denver, explained that this treatment can cost anywhere on average from $100 to $700.

Pro Tip: Make sure to get your microneedling treatment at a reputable medical spa or dermatology office. If done wrong, microneedling can lead to bruising and infections.

5. Take An Anti-Wrinkle Supplement To Naturally Reduce Wrinkles

There are a variety of dietary supplements that promise anti-aging benefits. But if you're looking for a simple and natural, yet effective, way to get rid of your wrinkles and fine lines, take a collagen supplement.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and is responsible for keeping your connective tissue and cells strong – this includes your skin cells. When you get older, your collagen production declines and your skin cells get weaker, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and dry skin.

Taking a collagen supplement daily will help boost your collagen levels, lock in skin moisture, smoothen fine lines, reduce wrinkles, plump up skin, and tighten pores. Collagen is known as the "holy grail" of anti-aging skincare and wrinkle treatments because it is effective (and natural) at getting rid of wrinkles and smoothing out fine lines.

In a double-blind placebo-controlled study by the Journal of Clincal and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2019, those who took a multivitamin morning and night for three month experienced greater reduction in their wrinkles as opposed to those who took the placebo. The multivitamin they took included several antioxidant vitamins including vitamins A, C, D3, and E as well as a variety of other minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. 

A 2013 study by Skin Pharmacology and Physiology also found that those taking collagen peptides, such as Wholy Dose collagen powders, experienced reduction in wrinkles surrounding their eyes after 4 weeks in comparison to those who did not take the supplement – and after 8 weeks the entirety of their skin developed greater levels of collagen and elastin, resulting in an overall more youthful looking appearance. 

Pro Tip: Add a collagen peptides supplement to your daily routine to get rid of and prevent wrinkles. Opt for a product that has clinically-proven collagen like Wholy Dose collagen powders, to make sure you're getting the best quality collagen with effective results.

Lifestyle Practices That Can Help Reduce Wrinkles 

Two essential habits for healthy, youthful looking skin are maintaining a healthy diet and taking care of your health. When attempting to keep fine lines and wrinkles away, the habits you practice every day matter. 

According to a 2018 study by the Journal of International Medical Research, smoking, lack of physical activity, and a diet containing high amounts of sugar are all linked to increased levels of glycation. These higher levels are common in the aging process and result in signs of skin aging as well as greater amounts of collagen breakdown. 

Additionally, another 2019 study by the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that eating fruit, yellow vegetables such as peppers or zucchini (which contain powerful antioxidants called carotenoids) and soy, and avoiding red meat promoted less wrinkles over time in women. 

While another 2018 study found that staying active helps to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and stress – all common AGEs (age producing factors) in the body. 

Getting enough quality sleep also plays a role in skin health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, on average adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. A 2015 study by Clinical and Experimental Dermatology found that those who received adequate and quality sleep resulted in less signs of aging and greater ability to recover from sun exposure.

Takeaways

Botox are a quick way to get rid of wrinkles, but it may not be the right option for you. There are other botox alternatives that get rid of and prevent wrinkles you can start today.

For the simplest place to start – and for a long term effect – take a collagen supplement daily. Collagen is a natural protein that's scientifically proven to promote youthful looking skin, reduce wrinkles, smooth skin, and plump up skin. Opt for a top quality collagen powder such as Wholy Dose collagen supplements, whichcan be mixed, blended, or baked into any beverage or recipe. Wholy Dose uses clinically-proven collagen to help reduce signs of aging from wrinkles to fine lines, to even hair loss, joint pain, and aching muscles – just to name a few. For before and afters look here, and to explore their variety of flavored collagen products, shop here.