BOTOX, which is derived from one of the deadliest neurotoxins known to man, has stunned the dermatology community with its endless uses, the most popular being for anti-ageing treatments to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The drug is FDA approved for both medical and cosmetic purposes and is considered safe when administered by a licensed professional in small doses. Most people are familiar with the end results of this treatment, however, the science behind Botox may not be as widely known.

Clostridium Botulinum is a bacteria readily found in natural settings including lakes, soil, and intestinal tracts of fish and animals. Naturally occurring Clostridium Botulinum is generally harmless, however, once the spores on the bacteria begin to increase cell population, the bacteria at a certain point starts to produce Botulinum Toxin. Botulinum Toxin is a deadly neurotoxin responsible for botulism (a serious and deadly condition where botulinum toxin attacks the body's nerves causing muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, and even death). When Botulinum Toxin is used in small doses and is appropriately used in therapeutic and cosmetic contexts, it is safe and has very few side effects. Botox is produced in controlled laboratory conditions and is given as a freeze-dried product that is mixed with saline solution before injections.

Botox (Botulinum Toxin) is a neurotoxin that targets your nervous system. Normally, your brain sends electrical signals to your muscles telling them to contract and move. This includes voluntary movements such as lifting your arm as well as involuntary movements such as breathing. The electrical message is transmitted to the muscles by a substance called acetylcholine. Botox disrupts the signalling process by blocking the release of acetylcholine, therefore, the muscles do not receive the message to contract. Wrinkles are a natural process of ageing and one of the biggest causes of facial wrinkles and fine lines is the years of facial muscle movement through smiling and frowning with a combination of lost skin elasticity. Botox stops the acetylcholine release where injected, temporarily allowing facial wrinkles and fine lines to relax and smoothen.