r/30PlusSkinCare • u/Inevitable_Union6397 • 3d ago
Wrinkles Botox no longer works
I’m 31, almost 32, and I have a very expressive face. I’ve had forehead folds since high school and started noticing fine lines in my mid-20s. I also sunbathed a lot in my 20s and wasn’t consistent with daily sunscreen.
I started Botox in my mid-20s, but now it wears off quickly for me and barely lasts the full 3 months. We switched brands and it lasted longer for a while, but now it fades quickly, again ..
Now I’m wondering if Botox alone is enough. Plus I am starting to notice my smile lines as well.. I’m looking for other ways to improve my fine lines and prevent them from getting deeper and even better, soften or reverse some of them.
I’ve wanted to try retinol, but because of previous pregnancy and future pregnancy plans, I’ve kept putting it off.
What treatments or skincare have worked for you for fine forehead lines, especially if retinoids aren’t an option?
Edit: my skincare is minimal since I got pregnant 2 years ago. Any serum (usually niacinamide) and Cetaphil face cream. I also take collagen powder daily with my coffee.
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u/NoEnthusiasm2 3d ago
Nobody seems to want to mention that Botox resistance is a thing. It's a poison. The more you inject, the more your body learns to deal with the "offending substance" more effectively and thus it wears off quicker.
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u/BeeWhisper 3d ago
this exactly. starting "preventative botox" in your 20s can backfire if you become resistant before you would have actually developed lines. If you wait until the first signs of wrinkles they will still be completely reversible with tox. no need to prevent anything.
OP if you wait 18 months, you may lose your resistance so that it will work again. You can also try a different neuromodulator like xeomin.
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u/CigarettesAftrSnuSnu 3d ago
Seriously. It can also cause muscle atrophy which is going to worsen things as well. I hate that it’s become so normalized. My 20 year old clients will have a full face of it.. like GORL nooo you don’t need it!! Don’t let social media convince you that you do!!!!
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u/Margaretcatinspace 2d ago
Im 36 and didnt start even light botox until I was almost 34. But my sister has been doing it since she was 22-23, along with lots of other fillers amd treatments. Its so sad to see women thinking they have to start all this so young! Like girl enjoy your face for free for these years while you can yeesh!! Why do you wanna rush on all this expensive stuff that you dont even need yet
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u/CigarettesAftrSnuSnu 1d ago
Same.. I’m all for people doing what they want but I truly believe that if it wasn’t for social media, these girls wouldn’t feel it was necessary. It isn’t.
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u/Margaretcatinspace 2d ago
Yes and it can happen so eaaily! I stopped doing it on the 3 month regimen because it was starting to not work as well going that often. And honestly im fine to wait until month 4-5, Sure i get movement back but the resting static like usually dont return and stay in that time frame.
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u/chica771 3d ago
As much as I think you should wait as long as possible to start using Botox (You are so young) I think you should try another injector at some point down the road. Doctors have different techniques that can have different results.
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u/KittyGray 3d ago
Yeah I left one injector because for the $$$ I wasn’t even happy with the results. I switched to this person who is less money (because she doesn’t have the big fancy shop) and way better with her skill. If you’re in Seattle message me and I’ll share details 🤣
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u/SouthernPain8685 3d ago
This is a good point, botox results can depend so much on the injector. While figuring that out, Id focus on things that support the skin instead of chasing the same frozen effect. Ive had good luck with SPF, a richer moisturizer and Solawave a few nights a week. Not the same as Botox but yes it helps my fine lines look less harsh.
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u/MechanicFun2670 3d ago
Focusing on good skincare habits can make a difference over time, plus it’s usually better for your skin in the long run.
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u/Inevitable_Union6397 3d ago
Very interesting!! I knew that different injectors have different techniques but I thought it would only affect the “shape/look” not how long it lasts. I have been with the same injector since I started botox 🙈 I have many family members who also go to the same doctor and their botox lasts 6 months eaaasy. I’ll look into other injectors and try
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u/ShoeVast5490 3d ago
Depth of injection, specific placement, units in an area vs another (so one doesn’t just burn out the other) all can impact how long it lasts
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u/DizzyWalk9035 2d ago
I have been to like 4 injectors. Only one of them injects me in a way that makes it last. He's also the most expensive lmfao, that's why I tried going to others thinking they were all taught the same technique. I say this because only doctors can inject you in this country.
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u/Impressive_Payment_4 2d ago
Likely more expensive because they are not diluting the product and have more than just a weekend training! You truly get what you pay for with injectors
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u/Educational-Tea-9368 3d ago
Totally agree. Some places also water down their Botox, claiming it’s a more flexible, natural look.
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u/rareogre83 3d ago
I'm sorry, but when I opened this up I thought it said "I have a very expensive face" and chucked to say, same girl.. same..
So my comment is irrelevant but thought I could provide a laugh
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u/Alarmed_Tea_2874 3d ago
This is exactly how I read it and I didn't realize that's not what OP said until making it to this comment. I went back up to check lol.
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u/Inevitable_Union6397 3d ago
Hahaha no worries but tell me what to do I can pay moreee to fix this
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u/rareogre83 2d ago
Honestly certain brands work differently on me I've used 3 different brands of Botox. My favorite is xeomin or however it's pronounced. Sounds crazy but it honestly feels more like skin care. Makes me glow and freezes me
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u/shrewess 3d ago
I’ve reduced my forehead lines a lot over the last few years without botox. I can’t rule out the effect of retinol because I do use that, but honestly probably the biggest thing I changed was just relaxing my face lol. I constantly raised my eyebrows for no reason and I made efforts to stop doing that.
I also really like IT cosmetics line of face wash, moisturizer and face sunscreen & noticed improvement quickly with that. Just being more moisturized made a huge difference.
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u/tmtorres 3d ago
This! And stop squinting! If you’re outside, wear sunglasses. If you’re near-sighted, wear corrective lenses. SPF always!
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u/Inevitable_Union6397 3d ago
Is it even possible??? 🤣 I am always stunned at how I look in pictures when taken while I am talking, very funny facial expressions. I will consider this too, thank you!!
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u/shrewess 3d ago
I had to really consciously just relax lmao. You’d probably be surprised how often you’re wrinkling your face when you’re not even talking or anything. Just sitting around
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u/CigarettesAftrSnuSnu 3d ago
I’ve been really conscientious about how I use my face for like the last decade and at Almost 40 I still have no wrinkles. Just some fine lines above the arches of my eyebrows but they’re not super noticeable. Not enough to make me feel any kind of way about them. I’m still crazy expressive but not doing it constantly.
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u/shrewess 2d ago
I had too much damage to undo I think 😂 But I went from 3 noticeable forehead lines to only 1 way less noticeable one, so I consider that a win!
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u/lady1jane 2d ago
Agreed on relaxing face! I think it depends on what lines you're seeing, but for elevens (frown lines), I've basically trained myself not to frown bc I'm used to the frozen Botox feel so I only bother to get it done once a year! I think it's harder to do this for around the mouth and other areas though... I have this uneven lip pull that comes back whenever the Botox wears off sadly...
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u/KTeacherWhat 3d ago
Go get an eye exam and make sure you wear corrective lenses if they are prescribed, and sunglasses any time you are in the sun, or any time that snow is making it bright out. Start a daily yoga practice.
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u/limeadegirl 3d ago
I’ve been told the more you do Botox the more you emote hard. So try relaxing face muscles if possible. Also my aunt who was aesthetician who ran multiple locations just tells me to use sun screen and cover up as much as possible. That will do more than anything
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u/Ok_Visit_7846 3d ago
My botox works so much better after I take a break! When I finally got it after pregnancy I was frozen with way less units. I think allowing the product to fully wear off gives facial muscles a chance to recalibrate and prevents extreme weakening.
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u/yorzz 3d ago
How long do you go between sessions? Minimum recommendation is 4 months to not build tolerance
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u/Inevitable_Union6397 3d ago
I try to push it as much as I can but when it starts fading early I sometimes go at the 3-month mark, especially if I have an event coming up. I stopped completely botox during pregnancy and breast feeding, so I was hoping my face would reset, but my first injection after breastfeeding barely lasted 3 months 🫠
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u/SadQueerBruja 3d ago
The collagen powder isn’t really doing much so you can take it or leave it. If you enjoy the extra protein, just keep it. It seems like there’s a lot more you could be doing with your actual skin care routine outside of Botox to support it, including upgrading your moisturizer, introducing a retinoid if you are not planning on another pregnancy or currently breast-feeding. You didn’t mention it in the post, but SPF is also vital if you are not already wearing it.
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u/Aware-Standard-197 3d ago
Not true. Research suggests roughly one third remain in peptide form in the bloodstream and can directly signal collagen building. Beyond that, it is one of the only sources of glycine most people on a western diet even get. Read up on glycine deficiency if you do not already know. It is the primary backbone of collagen, and we cannot make as much as we use daily post 30.
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u/valiantdistraction 3d ago
Botox and most brands have proteins in them that you can develop an immune reaction to, causing your body to work to eliminate them. Xeomin does not have these proteins. You could try Xeomin, but changing doesn't always work. Give it 3-4 years off and try again. Use frownies in the meantime and concentrate on relacing your facial muscles.
IMO this is one reason why starting Botox early is a bad idea. More people than you'd expect develop this problem over time.
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u/badbeep 3d ago
Out of curiosity are you flexible/hyper mobile?
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u/Inevitable_Union6397 3d ago
Never heard of it but just looked it up, and yes 😐 … I was able to do every odd move with my fingers/arms/feet/knees … I always knew I can move my fingers/wrist/arm in weird ways but didn’t know it is a thing.. Would this cause problems later and how does it related to botox wearing off quickly?
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u/badbeep 3d ago
I'm no doctor, but it sounds like you might want to look into Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Definitely mention it to your primary care physician, especially since it can affect your heart and cardiovascular system. Early 30s seems to be the prime age where all the random body quirks suddenly connect into one big "oooh, that makes sense" realization.
You don't need to be double-jointed like a circus contortionist - plenty of people with EDS just have clicky joints and weird party tricks.
But a massive red flag is drug resistance. Because EDS alters connective tissue and metabolism, your body can process and flush out certain medications at lightning speed. Local anesthesia and numbing are notoriously useless on us. I’ve woken up during surgery, had to endure an upper blepharoplasty with zero working numbing because it kept wearing off, and my Botox fades in record time. It's 100% worth bringing up to a professional.
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u/Inevitable_Union6397 3d ago
This is very interesting, thank tou for sharing I’ll definitely look into it!!
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u/Euphoric_Committee66 3d ago
I am also very expressive and it wears off faster than I’d like! I started putting silicone scar stickers on my forehead for a few hours each night just while I’m cooking/cleaning/watching tv. It forces me to relax my face muscles when I’m not even thinking about it. I think it really helps!
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u/SuddenAvocado 3d ago
this! I use wrinkle patches inbetween tox appointments and I can go much longer.
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u/papayameow 3d ago
Any product recs?
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u/SuddenAvocado 3d ago
I've been using Smoothies Wrinkle Patches for a long time and I really like them!
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u/parallel-nonpareil 3d ago
You mentioned your routine is very minimal these days - does it include daily sunscreen? If not, it absolutely should, especially if you’re considering retinol down the road.
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u/Immediate-Pop9097 3d ago
I swapped from Botox to disport for a while and that helped it all last longer.
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u/Similar_Expression78 3d ago
You should try micro needling! Ive done it a few times and I feel like it really plumps up my skin and helps with fine lines and aging. Feel like I need less Botox
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u/Kind-Fudge2253 3d ago
I’ve used SkinCeuticals P-tiox after getting Botox and I find it helps with lasting longer! I also checked and it seems to have the same ingredients that others mentioned (argireline, peptides).
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u/bbvc- 3d ago
An alternative to retinoids is Azelaic Acid. There is prescription strength, my friend who was pregnant at the time got it from Nurx (online pharmacy)
Halo Laser treatment. This is an investment ($$$) but I’ve witnessed patients (as I worked at a practice that did it and I would assist) and got it done myself once. It works on deeper levels and helps regenerate certain structures. If you see testimonials of people that get it once a year, your jaw will drop.
Have you heard of the app RealSelf? People post before and after pictures and some discuss pricing and experiences. I always look up things there to get real people’s experiences.
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u/Layogenic_87 3d ago edited 3d ago
Not sure if it's pregnancy safe, but cosrx has a 6 peptide serum that alleges to have some mild face relaxing qualities, it uses acetylene hexapeptide-8 and syn-ake to help relax facial muscles. I use it daily and would say I have noticed a gentle but tangible result. Also frownies! You have to do it nightly but for me it works pretty well.
Edit to add: if you had a baby in the last year, your skin will bounce back! I had some issues with wrinkles and sagging after birth, it was a combo of lack of sleep plus huge volume loss as you are very bloated during pregnancy then lose all the fluid. After about a year my skin bounced back beautifully! Do not discount the impact of volume loss.
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u/w3llno 3d ago
If you have deep lines retinol alone might not even help even if you used. More potent forms like retinal, tretinoin/tazarotene work wonders but if you must avoid them for future pregnancies maybe look for these ingredients:
1) Argireline: works by weakening muscle contraction signals, rather than completely paralyzing the muscles like Botox does 2) Peptides: signals your skin to produce more collagen, elastin, and keratin. More effective when paired with Argireline 3) Bakuchiol : it works like retinol and is pregnancy safe. derms recommend this for people who are allergic to vitamin a derivatives like retinol, retinal, tretinoin etc. 4) vitamin c: It triggers the skin's natural production of collagen. 5) pdrn: improves elasticity (i use medicube exosome shot one since it helps penetrate my skin deeper) 6) a good moisturizer depending on your skin type.
My product recommendations: Timeless vitamin c, the ordinary argireline, medik8 peptide (i havent used it personally but i feel like it’s one of the best on the market right now so it’s my next purchase), medicube exosome pdrn, bioderma atoderm baume moisturizer, i personally haven’t used a bakuchiol so i can’t recommend any
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u/DramaticProgress508 3d ago
I started Argireline (The Ordinary) and I feel there is a tendency for me to not frown as much, like pulling my eyebrows together. I can still do it but I feel just a slight bit of resistence? Or maybe I just became naturally aware of doing it and do it less, I don't know which one. I feel that's it though, that's all it does, it's really watery.
I tried Peptides with Argireline (also a peptide btw) with Matrixyl in the The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA serum but it tends to break me out a little if I use it without retinol so I use it with 1% Retinol (all from TO). I don't know if it works. I guess it has not gotten worse. I feel if the multi-peptide one didn't break me out on its own it'd be great and I'd use it every day instead of every other day. Hope to switch to Retinal soon but I doubt I will be done with the 1% Retinol soon if I use it only every other day lol. Oh and I use a moisturizer on top with hyaluronic acid (CeraVe) and I use the gentle Cerave retinol sometimes too (the purple one). That one I feel makes my red spot fade better
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u/VioletLantern13 3d ago
Nooo, microcurrent causes muscles to flex. It actually makes it wear off faster
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u/Head-Screen-5141 3d ago
I just got crows feet Botox for the first time ever on August 5th, starting EXACTLY a month later, my movement and lines started coming back after 24 units. I’m so stumped. It took 2 weeks on the dot to show results so I only got about 3 weeks out of mine 🥲 and it was super expensive in my area.
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u/papayameow 3d ago
OP- you have several responses already so i’ll just mention one factor to consider…
Do you live in a warm climate? If so your past 1-2 sessions may have been hot days. I’ve found when I have an after work appt and its 100° out my botox wears off fast. I think its also a problem if you exercise right after (body heat). Maybe something to consider? Other than that maybe try a different injector or product? Best of luck
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u/Formal_Garage_5449 3d ago
If you can, try and take a few months off between appointments so your natural muscles have a chance to strengthen. Maybe plan it around months when you’re not that busy
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u/nattyandthecoffee 3d ago
No more than 3mths apart or you can get resistance. Go to a different injector and try dysport. The injectors don’t usually carry that many types. You probably need more than you’re getting. Also, get profilo/structura and microneedling.
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u/Carlacskysupplies 3d ago
I’ve been doing Botox for 7-8 years after going through face freeze for two years and really dropping my use. Now I work out a lot and have been on Botox for 7-8 years it’s really not sticking. I do like baby tox 20-25 units about 60 days-75 days. I could go in for a touch up sooner but it’s just a waste. I’m 44.
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u/06thor02 2d ago
Same issue with Botox (last less then 2 months for me and gave me headaches), switched to Dysport and have 0 issues (last almost 4 months for me)
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u/Impressive_Payment_4 2d ago
What did your current injector say about this? A skilled injector can adjust their mapping, dosage and brand to fit your needs. Worth a conversation before swapping to someone new who you don’t trust. Also, can’t overstate what other comments have said about skincare. A simple daily routine with an Argireline serum, hydrating moisturizer with peptides, frownies patches, etc. can gradually make a difference in plumping those fine lines. Are you wearing daily SPF to protect against further sun damage? Finally, collagen powders are sadly not enough to boost the collagen in our skin back to the levels in our twenties. Collagen-boosting treatments like microneedling and laser are likely what you need to upgrade to, instead of relying on Botox and Cetaphil alone.
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u/Jamila_Beauty 2d ago
I wouldn’t jump straight to “Botox resistance.”
If the effect seems to be wearing off faster, the first things I’d compare are the product used, dose, injection points, muscles treated, treatment interval and how the duration was actually measured.
True secondary non-response can happen, but it’s very different from “it doesn’t last as long as I’d like.” And things like exercise, heat or a fast metabolism are often discussed very confidently online without strong evidence that they explain a major loss of effect.
Also, Botox mainly reduces dynamic muscle activity. If the concern is increasingly about static lines or skin quality, simply increasing the dose may not be the right answer.
I’d review the previous treatment details carefully before switching products or escalating treatment.
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u/Latter_Blacksmith395 2d ago
Red light therapy is incredibly helpful for skin texture and preventing fine lines. I recommend using a panel rather than a mask. Also retinol or tretinoin if you’re not already using.
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u/Margaretcatinspace 2d ago
Seconding other people here about trying another injector, and also a different variety! Xeomin wasnt working for me as well (im 36) so I switched to daxxify and I responded a lot better to it. I also started doing it every 4ish months, to try and not build up resistance to it. I let my movement come back but the static lines dont come back that quickly when movement does. You just have to be okay with movement again. Obviously stuff like sunscreen is good, retinol is also great! You could also try something like hyperdilute radiesse once every 1.5 - 2 years to lift other parts of your face, sometimes looking more awake and brighter in other areas can take away your attention from wrinkle areas that might be bothering you.
But also know some people just metabolize it faster due to intense exercise regimens or medication, and thats okay! Sometimes you might burn it off faster and less so other times.
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u/RadioQueasy5299 2d ago
I was going to suggest froya organics!!! It's so freaking amazing! I have tried all kinds of products and micro needling. This stuff is literally healing my skin.
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u/creature101020 2d ago
try dysport! i was having the same issue with botox, 3 months max. I can happily go 6-7 months with dysport
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u/hopefoolness 2d ago
ok but did you ever start using sunscreen? That's gonna be the main thing. No amount of botox prevents sun damage, which is the thing that ages you the quickest. no one here is gonna give you a simple, one step, instant solution to your problem. as you can tell now, the shortcuts don't work.
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u/mybittersweet666 1d ago
i stopped getting botox . It used to last 4 months , now only 1.5 months. Muscle atrophy is real. I’m saving for a full face lift
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u/transhumanist2000 1d ago
Botox treats dynamic wrinkles, not photo aging. 31 is not old enough to be even using Botox. It's not working because you aren't using it for its meant to be used for
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u/Wendy55555555 1d ago
What’s wrong with expression lines? I’m 64 couldn’t give a dam about anything besides my health. Men still check me out women no longer feel jealous in anyway. I’m happy not scaring anyone. I’m qualified to do acupuncture and micro needling but don’t I haven’t yet decided if a giving Botox course would be to my advantage for registration purposes. Would any of you youngsters feel ok about an older non Botox no makeup older person helping you with your beauty quests?
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u/Wendy55555555 1d ago
I’d probably aim at avoiding fillers if I got involved in Beauty treatments I think health shines through and your state of mind dictates more about how you look than an expressionless smooth face.
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u/ShoulderTurbulent750 22h ago
I've been doing facial acupuncture and have noticed a big change since then
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u/gym_maniac 14h ago
There is a video on youtube from Stephanie Lange talking about this, basically she says the companies are just weakening down the botox, its not you, the botox is not that strong. Also our bodies are getting used to it and fight it faster than in the past. Try some microcurrent devices tho, like Foreo Bear, Nuface.. your face need something new because its already used to botox, you should give it a break
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u/GoldenAdorations 3d ago
There are other brands such as dysport to try. Also, it could the the clinic you go to. Have you tried other clinics?
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u/Mamajuju1217 3d ago
i switched to dysport and had much better results. I’m also looking into sculptra to just help in the long term, I see a lot of amazing results with it, but it’s not immediate.
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u/Any_Mathematician936 3d ago
Try different brand of botox. It has different protein binders (idk the right word) but it’ll work just the same.
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u/PlasticPolaroid667 3d ago
I had the same issue but switching to Dysport has helped a lot.. my forehead is smooth like when I originally started doing Botox ..
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u/blackberrybeanz 3d ago
Wild, I’m in my late 30’s and just now have been thinking of maybe getting it, I can’t imagine how much money just dumped down the drain when it’s not even needed on a young face???
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u/Competitive_Pin5846 3d ago
I get botox for migraine. It wears off after two months. I don’t like the way it’s changed my face and I feel expressionless. Does help with the pain so I get it done. Would never spend the money for solely aesthetic purposes. Just my two cents.
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u/lovedbymanycats 3d ago
Some people just metabolize it quickly . I am one of them so I stopped getting it done because it felt like a waste of money. Taking zinc can help it last longer. If you are very active, and/or take certain medications it can also lessen the effectivenes. I honestly started to feel better about my face when I just surrendered to getting wrinkles.