THE EFFECTS OF BOTOX: MORE THAN SKIN-DEEP
Over the past ten years, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections have gained significant popularity. More and more women and men are not only admitting to using this anti-wrinkle treatment but are also embracing it and the confidence it brings them.
It turns out “Botox” isn’t as shallow as the role it was first cast in. As more research discovers, its benefits extend much further than simply being “skin deep.” But before exploring the link between injectables and self-esteem, it’s important to emphasise that the decision to use Botox is a personal choice that should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Why Self-Esteem Matters
Interestingly, over the past few years, self-esteem has fallen out of favour in the scientific literature and popular media as an important factor for life outcomes, but it’s making a well-deserved—and appreciated—comeback.
Recently, a large research review conducted by psychologists at the University of California, Davis, and the University of Bern found that high self-esteem has long-term psychological benefits and is distinct from the negative effects of narcissism. “Whereas self-esteem refers to feelings of self-acceptance and self-respect, narcissism is characterised by feelings of superiority, grandiosity, entitlement and self-centeredness. This research review shows that high self-esteem and narcissism can have opposite implications for life outcomes,” explains University of Bern Psychology professor Richard W. Robins.
The findings, reported in the flagship journal of the American Psychological Association, reflect what many of us already know to be true: self-esteem matters and can positively influence many areas of people’s lives from adolescence to adulthood and into old age.
People with high self-esteem generally have more:
- More success at school and work;
- Better social relationships;
- Improved mental and physical health;
- and less anti-social behaviour.
What does Botox have to do with self-esteem?
Despite doubts about the importance of self-esteem, recent research clearly shows that it matters, and so too do interventions that boost self-esteem. Whether you’re all for Botox every three to four months, not a fan of it, or not 100% sure which side of the fence you’re on, the fact is that Botox is a self-esteem boost—one that can deliver results with far-reaching, positive benefits for individuals.
Cheerleader or sceptic, let’s examine—at face value and beyond—the several ways Botox can improve self-esteem…
Enhanced Appearance & Boosted Confidence
Botox smooths out wrinkles and fine lines, helping individuals look more youthful and refreshed, which leads to increased confidence and satisfaction with not only how an individual sees themselves in the mirror but how they feel about themselves, too. As people feel better about their looks, they tend to experience a boost in overall confidence, which can positively impact various aspects of life – from personal relationships to professional interactions.
Reduced Anxiety & Positive Self-Perception
For some, visible signs of ageing can cause anxiety and self-consciousness. Minimising the appearance of wrinkles by using Botox can alleviate these concerns and, in turn, reduce appearance-related anxiety. Interestingly, studies have shown that Botox users report improvements in self-esteem, mood and overall quality of life.
Improved Facial Symmetry & Self-Image
Botox can help correct facial asymmetries, leading to a more balanced and harmonious appearance. This enhanced symmetry can contribute to increased self-esteem, notable improvement in comfort and confidence in one’s skin, a more positive self-image and an optimistic outlook on life overall.
It’s not vanity. It’s an investment in yourself – and self-esteem.
Just like investing a small sum of money every month adds up and accumulates, earning interest over years, so too do the seemingly small investments you make in your self-esteem, from the inside out and the outside in.
Professor Robins explains it like this: “Just looking at a year of a person’s life, there might be a small benefit to feeling good about yourself. But if you look across the next 30 years and consider how that benefit accumulates as people go from one life stage to the next, those cumulative benefits may be quite strong.”
Botox is one of the several aesthetic interventions available at Skin Renewal that you can take advantage of to boost your confidence, take something that you’re increasingly self-conscious about off of the table, and help you put your best face forward in this chapter and the next.