139: Alternatives to facial injections

Sharing some alternatives to facial injections! You can also use FITNESSISTA15 here for one of my favorite wellness and anti-aging tools: the red light face mask. 

Hi friends! How are ya? I hope you’re enjoying the morning so far! I have a new post for you this morning + a corresponding podcast episode for those who want to listen on-the-go!

This was a popular readers request post, especially since I’ve mentioned before that I haven’t had any facial injections, like Botox or fillers, and have no desire to in the near future. This is ZERO shade to anyone who has had these procedures – do what makes you happy and feel good! – I just know they’re not a fit for me, right now (never say never though, right?). All of my friends who have gotten Botox, etc., swoon about it, but I feel like I’m the person who would have a crazy reaction or respond horribly.

Some reader friends asked me if I would do a post with my favorite alternatives if you’re also a little wary of facial injections.

139: Alternatives to facial injections

Frownies

Frownies are a unique and skincare product designed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, particularly on the forehead and between the eyebrows. They were originally created by a concert pianist in the late 1800s (!) who didn’t want a furrowed brow. You can read more about the history here! It has continued to be family run and owned for multiple generations.

Frownies are specialized adhesive patches are made from natural, skin-friendly materials. They work by gently holding the skin in place, preventing facial muscles from contracting and forming creases while you sleep. Think of Frownies as your beauty secret weapon against unwanted furrows and lines.

By wearing these discreet patches overnight or for a few hours during the day, you’re giving your skin a chance to relax and rejuvenate, helping to soften the appearance of wrinkles over time. Frownies are all about natural skincare and non-invasive self-care, offering an alternative to more aggressive treatments like injections or surgery.

I particularly like the Frownies for my 11s (or WTF lines) in the middle of my forehead.

Microneedling

Here’s how it works: A specialized device with fine, sterile needles creates controlled micro-injuries on the surface of your skin. Don’t worry, it’s not as intense as it sounds! These micro-injuries trigger your skin’s natural repair process, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin – two key proteins responsible for maintaining your skin’s firmness and suppleness.

Micro-needling can help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and even stretch marks. It’s also suitable for various skin types and tones.

Laser treatments like IPL, Halo, and BBL

Laser treatments work their transformative magic through the focused energy of light. Picture a precision beam of light targeting specific areas of your skin, stimulating collagen production, and encouraging cellular renewal.

From IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to Halo and BBL (BroadBand Light), each laser treatment has its own unique superpowers. They can zap away sunspots, even out skin tone, and smooth out texture irregularities. Laser treatments are non-surgical and require minimal downtime. Talk to your esthetician about what they recommend for your unique skin tone, texture, and goals.

Red light therapy

Red light therapy can help with inflammation, healing, skin texture, and collagen production. My favorite way to get in facial red light therapy, is through this red light face mask. Use FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off. 

From their website:

“Light therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that mimics low-level rejuvenating wavelengths found in natural sunlight. This relaxing and effective treatment warms the skin, boosts your mood, and enhances your natural glow.”

Hydrofacials

There are a lot of speciality facials that can help with skin texture and healing. I’ve heard amazing things about hydro facials. The process involves cleansing, exfoliating, extracting, and infusing your skin with a cocktail of nourishing serums. A gentle vortex of water, peptides, and antioxidants is used to cleanse your pores, remove impurities, and provide deep hydration to the skin.

Face yoga

By engaging in specific facial movements, stretches, and massages, you’ll encourage muscle preservation, which is important for anti-aging. I love to follow this account for face yoga! 

Really good skincare!

With the right arsenal of products, you’re treating your skin to nourishing ingredients that can promote cellular rejuvenation, boost collagen production, and help fade fine lines and wrinkles. Anti-aging skincare is like a shield against environmental aggressors. Imagine a protective barrier that shields your precious skin from free radicals, UV rays, and pollutants, all of which can accelerate the aging process. With the right skincare routine, you’re not just preserving your beauty – you’re safeguarding it for years to come.

Some of my favorite skincare products are in this post.

It’s important to have a routine that includes a cleanser, a prep (usually a toner), a treatment (like an overnight serum or Vitamin C serum for day), and protection (through moisturizer, using SPF moisturizer during the day). If you need recs, send me an email and I’d love to help! ([email protected])

Nutrition and hydration

While skincare can affect skin quality and texture on a surface level, I think it’s even more important to nourish, protect, and hydrate from WITHIN. Avoid inflammatory foods and oils, focus on water-dense foods (like fruits and veggies), hydrate (using minerals and electrolytes as needed), and eat the rainbow, for a variety of minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants through your diet. When you eat well and nourish your body, your skin will reflect this on the outside.

So, spill, friends: have you tried facial injections or any of the methods mentioned above? Am I missing anything on the list?

xo

Gina

More resources from this episode:

If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career.

You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! You can check out my review IHP Level 1 here! I just finished IHP2 and will share a review of my experience, too.

I’m still obsessed with my sauna blanket. This is one of my favorite ways to relax and sweat it out. I find that it energizes me, helps with aches and pains, I sleep better on the days I use this, and it makes my skin glow. Link to check it out here. You can also use my discount (FITNESSISTA15) for the PEMF Go Mat, which I use every day, and the red light face mask, which is a staple in my weekly skincare routine.

Get 15% off Organifi with the code FITNESSISTA. I drink the green juice, red juice, gold, and Harmony! (Each day I might have something different, or have two different things. Everything I’ve tried is amazing.)

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