Is Spilanthol a Natural Botox Alternative?
There are many ways to address facial wrinkles. While the use of botox injections has become the standard procedure in international cosmetic medicine since the 1990s, the cosmetics industry relies on the power of nature. Spilanthol is the name of a herbal active ingredient that is supposed to relax the facial muscles and thus make wrinkles on the forehead, mouth, and corners of the eyes disappear. Madonna, Meghan Markle and Michelle Obama swear by it. L'OFFICIEL brings you everything you need to know about the active ingredient that has become known as Bio-Botox.
What is spilanthol and how does it work?
Spilanthol is a herbal extract that is obtained from the yellow-red, spherical flower heads of the paracress (Acmella oleracea). Paracress has its origins in South America, where the herbal active ingredient has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat headaches, toothaches, asthma, and joint swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic effects.
The slightly numbing effect has another iuse: if Spilanthol is applied to the skin in a suitable concentration, it penetrates the top layer and relaxes the muscles that are responsible for the formation of fine lines. The skin's surface is supposed to be tightened and visibly smoothed by the reduced muscle tension. Don't worry: in contrast to actual botox, the muscles can still be moved after the plant-based active ingredient has been applied and facial expressions are not frozen. Compared to botox, the effect is much less pronounced and only lasts for a short time. The big advantage is the natural result. In addition, Spilanthol is said to have a positive influence on the body's own collagen network and, with regular use, ensure firmer skin.
Where is spilanthol found and how do you use it?
The herbal lifting works entirely without syringes, because the paracress extracts are applied externally to the skin. Regardless of whether it is a serum or day cream, products with spilanthol are now available in easily accessible cosmetics. As usual, the product is applied to the skin in the morning and evening and gently massaged in. Spilanthol is often combined with other active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or retinol for an optimal anti-aging effect.
Is it safe?
Spilanthol is not a medicinal substance, but an over-the-counter cosmetic ingredient made from herbal ingredients. Dermatologists have confirmed its positive effects on the skin, but, so far, there are no well-founded and long-term studies on the effects and possible side effects. However, products with spilanthol have passed the EU's strict regulations for cosmetics.
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