Can Botox Cure Acne?
Is your complexion showing the effects of a holiday weekend filled with sunscreen and heat? Well, maybe you need a few shots of Botox. A new study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology suggests that the famed wrinkle relaxer may also prevent breakouts by decreasing skin's oil production. We asked dermatologist Leslie Baumann to review the findings for us, and she wasn't especially hopeful about it becoming a mainstream treatment. "Botox may slightly decrease oil production," she said, "but it would have to be injected into the cheeks where there are muscles. If those muscles were paralyzed-which Botox does to muscle-you would look like you had a stroke."
Since it doesn't look like Botox is the best option for combating acne, try the acne-fighting primer we're loving.
Another good choice: "update your skin-care routine with products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide," Baumann says. (She likes Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash with two percent salicylic acid and Oxy 5 Acne Skin Cream with 5 percent benzoyl peroxide). Or, see a derm for a prescription medication; Baumann says some companies are now offering discounts on acne Rx's.
Still digging Botox for anti-aging purposes? Check out the Botox of tomorrow: Five cutting-edge skin treatments.
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