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I’m Jo, a Corneotherapist and facialist and owner of Jo Hannan Skin Health & Transformations in Fleet, Hampshire. I work with clients every day who want to age with confidence and enjoy healthy, glowing skin that comes from within. My clients love achieving real results, without Botox or injectables.
In my experience, most of us want to have a fresh complexion and maintain a youthful appearance. Botox can be thought of as an immediate solution to eliminate those pesky lines and put an end to the problem. However, this approach overlooks the fact that skin tissues and muscles are constantly ageing, as at a cellular level, things are on the decline. Aside from lines and wrinkles, the ageing process also manifests in other ways, such as a dull skin tone, a rougher texture, dryness, sensitivity, dehydration, hyperpigmentation, loss of muscle tone, and volume. With this in mind, I like to offer my clients an alternative and holistic approach that not only addresses the aforementioned skin concerns but also helps slow down the skin ageing process.
If you’re looking for alternatives to Botox that are non-invasive and work by tapping into the body’s own healing and rejuvenation responses to deliver firmer and healthier skin, which naturally ages at a slower rate, this guide is for you.
Why Look for Botox Alternatives?
Botox works by temporarily freezing the facial muscles that cause expression lines. While it can give a smoother look in the short term, it doesn’t deliver healthy skin that naturally glows with a healthy and even texture.
Hyperpigmentation can also be a common concern as skin ages. Botox fails to address these cellular ageing factors, targeting only some of the symptoms of the skin’s ageing process. In addition, Botox may not sustainably deliver the look you desire, and it comes with downsides like:
- Flat or “frozen” expressions
- Ongoing injections every few months
- Risk of bruising or sensitivity
- Lack of Symmetry
- The procedure can be uncomfortable
- Improper Botox administration – can cause lasting cosmetic issues such as drooping eyelids.
- Can lead to an unnatural appearance
- Option to choose a holistic and non-invasive approach towards overall skin health and vitality.
- Not ideal for rosacea, eczema, or compromised skin barriers.
Many of my clients also want to maintain a youthful complexion with a natural approach, something that lifts, firms, and brightens without the use of toxins or needles. That’s where advanced skin therapies come in.
What are the long-term risks of Botox?
You don’t have to search too hard on the likes of Google to find reports (some are anecdotal) and studies about the potential long-term risk of having Botox injections, from the possibility of paralysis and ear pain to even the possibility that Botox passes through the blood-brain barrier. Its short history, with the first injections for aesthetic use in the late 80s, means we can’t yet know all the long-term consequences.
My Top 4 Non-Invasive Alternatives to Botox
1. Microcurrent Facial (Non-Surgical Face Lift)
As the name suggests, non-surgical face lift facials sculpt and tone your skin, firm and strengthen your facial muscles, providing sculpted facial contours and a lift. Unlike Botox, they deliver their anti-ageing effects to the entire face and neck. Not only does it firm and lift, but it also produces a real skin glow, strengthens the skin’s barrier, increases hydration, and improves the skin’s elasticity. A safe and trusted option that is often my go-to treatment for clients starting their skin rejuvenation journey. Clients can see results from their first treatment, while a course of treatments delivers cumulative results, working with muscle memory to lift muscles and maintain tone.
My microcurrent sessions utilise advanced microcurrent technology with the Neurotris PicoWave device. Its built-in biofeedback monitoring loop ensures dynamic microcurrents are delivered to the desired skin and muscle tissues, adjusting automatically for each client.
How it works:
Microcurrent sends low-level electrical impulses into the skin, increasing cellular energy by up to 500%. This is fabulous from an ageing point of view, as our skin cells’ energy, in the form of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), naturally declines as we age. The skin utilises ATP for repair and rejuvenation. By delivering specific microcurrents into the skin tissues, the skin appears brighter, has increased tone, and collagen and elastin are stimulated, lifting movements enable muscles to be retrained.
Benefits
- Natural muscle toning
- No pain, no downtime
- Works cumulatively — great in a course
- You stay expressive — just more lifted
- Areas can be targeted, including the Jawline, neck, lips, cheeks, eyes, and forehead.
- Additional benefits
- Skin glow
- Strengthened skin barrier
- Increases ATP
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Increases lymphatic drainage
- Increases circulation
- Increases hydration
- Relaxing
Many of my clients describe their microcurrent treatments as relaxing, yet they feel like a gym workout for their face and skin. Most can benefit from the lifting, sculpting, and skin glow that microcurrent treatments provide.
Those who should avoid microcurrent include clients with a neurological disorder such as epilepsy, during pregnancy, following recent surgery, cancer patients or anyone with an implanted defibrillator.
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2. Dermalux LED Light Therapy
Professional phototherapy facial treatments offer another non-invasive treatment option that can stimulate both rapid skin healing and repair, as well as effectively rejuvenate the skin over time. While Botox can give you an instant effect, Dermalux LED phototherapy works from within the skin. Specific wavelengths stimulate cellular responses which calm, heal and rejuvenate the skin. Fibroblast cells, which produce collagen and elastin, are energised and cellular turnover is increased; clients see a healthier, more radiant complexion.
Inflammaging (inflammation leads to ageing)
Red light and near-Infrared light, when combined, form a powerful duo that promotes skin rejuvenation. Together, these specific wavelengths (615 nm red and 833nm NIR) reduce inflammation, increase hydration, encourage collagen and elastin production, and even out skin tone. When it comes to ageing, Inflammation is the enemy if you want to maintain a youthful complexion. Understanding the triggers (UV exposure, compromised skin barrier, natural ageing, lifestyle factors, pollution, and incorrect skincare) and recognising that the inflammation within the skin may not be immediately apparent is vital, as it leads to accelerated ageing if present. Dermalux phototherapy can help restore your skin to a healthy state and prepare it for advanced treatment procedures.
Most skins can benefit, and for those that need repair, perhaps due to sun damage, environmental stresses, or illness, I recommend a bespoke course of phototherapy sessions or 3-4 facials incorporating a professional device such as Dermalux. At my skin studio, Dermalux Compact Lite treatments are available as single sessions, courses and during bespoke facial therapies.
Benefits of Dermalux treatments
Fast treatment, under 30 mins as a standalone session
- No downtime
- Relaxing
- No trauma
- Works at a cellular level to repair, heal and rejuvenate the skin
- Safe and therapeutic for sensitive skin
- Can be added to other treatments
Those who should avoid Dermalux Phototherapy
- Severe light sensitivity or medications that cause photosensitivity
- Epilepsy or light-triggered seizures
- Use of anti-arthritic medications such as Auranofin or Azathioprine
- Photosensitive eczema
- Pregnancy
- Eye conditions – including glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, or after laser eye surgery (please seek advice from an ophthalmologist first)
- Lupus Erythematosus
- Cancer – LED may be used post-treatment (consult your medical team)
- Use of antibiotics – wait 5 days after completing your course
- Hypomelanism (Albinism)
- High doses of St John’s Wort (may increase the risk of light sensitivity)
3. Fusion Meso-Microneedling & Nanoneedling
Microneedling may sound invasive, like Botox, but it is actually a class of advanced skin treatments that are non-invasive. Its benefits for skin rejuvenation are proven, and so it has earned its place as a favourite and trusted anti-ageing treatment among many. When delivered professionally, microneedling offers an all-around skin-firming, texture-smoothing, and tightening treatment. It can be used to target existing lines and wrinkles by stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin, which plumps out wrinkles from beneath. Results build over time as new collagen fibres mature and strengthen. Clients can see the benefits of Microneedling for up to two years, compared to Botox, which wears off over time.
How it works
Thousands of tiny channels are created through the needling treatment, triggering a cascade of cellular responses that lead to the production of new collagen and elastin, as well as increased skin density and quality. This shows up in your skin as smoother, firmer and healthier looking skin.
Fusion Meso
Results are further enhanced, and specific skin issues can be targeted, including laxity, wrinkles, scarring, and pigmentation, with the addition of Fusion Meso – sterile, pharmaceutical-grade formulas containing unique combinations of skin therapeutic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Fusion Meso’s latest innovation, Exosomes derived from Lactobacillus bacteria, combined with hyaluronic acid, is on trend for a very good reason. Fusion Mesos Exosomes are incredibly healing, calming and regenerative. I’ve experienced a reduction in redness with almost no downtime when personally using Exosomes and for the clients I have treated. This cannot, of course, be guaranteed for any skin, but I certainly recommend exosomes, especially if clients want minimal redness following a needling treatment.
Benefits of Microneedling
- Improves skin density and elasticity
- Can be targeted for lines and wrinkles
- Helps to reduce mild to moderate hyperpigmentation
- Produces a natural, healthy skin glow
- Improves skin texture and pore size
- Treats scar tissue
- Bespoke treatments -with Fusion Meso
- Results improve over time and can last for up to 2 years
- Minimal downtime
Is Microneedling suitable for you?
Microneedling is an ideal solution for individuals in their mid-20s and above to help keep wrinkles at bay and treat existing ones. At the same time, your skin can benefit in the ways mentioned above. Here is a list of those for whom Microneedling isn’t a suitable option.
- Systemic infections, such as hepatitis or HIV
- Bleeding issues. Haemophilia or blood clotting issues
- Blood thinners
- Immunocompromised from chemotherapy, radiation or high doses of steroids
- Broken skin, infection, or rashes
- Active or severe eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis
- Grade 4 acne or inflammatory lesions
- Collagen vascular disease
- Scars of less than 6 months
- Diabetes
- Skin cancer, solar keratosis, and warts in the area
- Cancer
- Roaccutane users
- Allergy to stainless steel
Best Microneedling results
If you’re considering Microneedling, here is my checklist for achieving the best results.
Leave Microneedling to the professionals; home treatments can cause additional unwanted skin trauma, leading to both short-term skin reactions and longer-term skin issues such as sensitivity.
Always expect a consultation, with clear recommendations and advice about how many treatments you are likely to need and how much it will cost.
Prepare your skin – I recommend Dermaviduals, a bio-mimetic skincare, for at least a month, depending on your existing skin condition. This ensures the skin’s barrier is healthy and its cellular response are optimised.
Follow the aftercare instructions and be prepared to use the correct topical skincare recommended to support your skin post needling and between treatment.
Wear a factor 50 SPF daily.
4. Facelift Massage & Holistic Prescriptive Facials
Last but not least on my list is my face-lifting massage and Dermaviduals bespoke facials. Massage offers numerous therapeutic benefits for the skin, enhancing blood flow and nutrient delivery to the skin tissues while relaxing tension and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Specific massage techniques can effectively release fascial (connective tissue) restrictions, which create the holding patterns that contribute to the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Regular monthly treatments can help to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and be part of a holistic wellness routine where relaxation takes centre stage.
Dermaviduals Bespoke facials target the skin’s barrier health, promoting skin resilience and actively reducing the signs of ageing for an inner glow. Regular monthly treatments and home care will help ensure that your skin stays healthy and radiant every day.
- Immediate glow
- Face lift massage is like a ‘skin workout’ while you relax
- Reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles by releasing facial restrictions
- Increase lymphatic drainage- removing waste and toxins
- Facial sculpting
- Dermaviduals Bespoke facial are suitable for all skins
Contradictions
- Pregnancy – Gentle massage and dermaviduals Bespoke facial suitable
- Cancer – gentle massage and dermaviduals bespoke facial suitable
- Recent surgery
- Inflamed skin
- Sensitised skin
- Fragile skin
- Rosacea*
- Active acne*
- Eczema*
- Psoriasis*
* Dermaviduals bespoke facial—recommended
So, Is Botox the Only Way to See a Difference?
Not at all. In fact, many of my clients who once had Botox are now using non-invasive treatments to maintain results or skip injectables altogether.
The key difference? These approaches support your skin’s health, leading to a visible glow and skin rejuvenation that comes from within. You see results that are both sustainable and help slow down skin ageing.
Want to Know What’s Right for You?
Every skin has its own story and is attached to a unique individual, you! If you would like to learn more about how I can assist you with your skin concerns and help you maintain healthy, glowing skin as you age, I offer a complimentary 15-minute discovery call. To arrange yours, follow this link to my contact page, fill out your details and select a Discovery call from the drop-down menu.
Based in Fleet, Hampshire
My skin studio is easy to reach from Farnham, Farnborough, Aldershot, Church Crookham, and the wider Hampshire area.