Botox Alternatives an Esthetician Can Perform

Are you scared of needles? Maybe the idea of injecting neurotoxins into your body raises your anxiety. 

But the wrinkles and loose skin on your face aren’t going away on their own.

If the idea of Botox injections terrifies you, many alternatives to Botox can be performed by your favorite esthetician. Whether it be a cream, vitamin, or another cosmetic treatment, estheticians are equipped with the skills and knowledge to help reduce wrinkles and loose skin without a prescription.

Here you’ll learn the reason why estheticians can’t do Botox and seven alternatives to Botox injections that they can do instead.

Table of Contents

• Why Can’t Estheticians Give Botox Injections?
• Why Do Some People Prefer Using an Alternative to Botox for Wrinkles?
• 7 Alternatives to Botox That Can Be Provided By Estheticians
• Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Will Prepare You To Take Your Place in the Skincare Industry

Although estheticians are professionals when it comes to facials, skin care techniques, and cosmetic procedures, giving Botox is not within their scope of practice. 

Botox — botulinum toxin —  is a prescription medication, so it has to be prescribed by a medical professional who has the authority to write a prescription: a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, etc. For a nurse to give Botox injections, they would have to acquire a Botox prescription through a medical professional who then delegates the injection of the Botox to the nurse to perform. 

Since estheticians aren’t recognized healthcare professionals, it’s not legal for a medical professional to delegate Botox injections to them. Although esthetic schools teach facial anatomy, they don’t teach how to give injections, how to figure out dilution ratios, and other things associated with giving Botox injections.

Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics is the preeminent school for both standard and advanced aesthetic education in the Pacific Northwest. Here, students can learn the science of healthy skin, work on state-of-the-art equipment, and take advantage of numerous programs.

When injected with Botox, you’re being exposed to a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. If not used properly, this neurotoxin could potentially cause neurotoxicity — damage to the nervous system. 

Of course, this could be pinned as a major reason why people prefer using alternatives to Botox. 

Some other reasons might include:

• Botox can be expensive
• A fear of needles
• A dislike of the expressionless result
• Not being a good candidate for Botox injections
• Potential for side effects and complications

Although estheticians cannot give Botox injections, many alternatives to Botox can be provided by estheticians and fall within their scope of practice. You can choose one of these alternatives as a stand-alone option or get these treatments in conjunction with Botox to make the effects last longer.

#1: Peptide Skincare

Peptides, also known as polypeptides, are often found in skincare products because they might help reduce inflammation, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles by helping the neurons fire more slowly so the wrinkles can’t go as deep.

Peptides work to:

• Reduce wrinkles and fine lines
• Make up elastin fibers that help the skin look firmer
• Ease inflammation and repair damaged skin
• Clear breakouts with its antimicrobial agents
• Improve the skin barrier that is often damaged by over-exfoliation, exposure to cigarette smoke or pollution, ultraviolet rays, or poor sleep

When it comes to peptide skincare, estheticians can recommend and sell you the products and teach you how to use them correctly and effectively. 

#2: Radio Frequency Microneedling

Radio frequency microneedling is done through a device that uses specially insulated needles to deliver high-intensity radio frequency energy into a targeted area of tissue. By stimulating the growth of new collagen fibers, there can be significant improvement in the quality and texture of the skin.

Radio frequency microneedling helps to:

• Reduce the appearance of fine lines
• Shrink enlarged pores
• Reduce wrinkles
• Reduce acne scars
• Tighten skin and stretch marks

This nearly painless procedure can be performed by your favorite esthetician and greatly improve wrinkles, scars, and skin laxity. 

#3: Laser Treatments

If you’re hoping to avoid injectables or want to invest in a treatment that can be done by an esthetician, laser treatments are a great choice for reducing wrinkles and repairing skin damage. 

Using a 2790 nm laser, the skin and area directly underneath are heated, destroying old tissue while stimulating the formation of new collagen. As a result, the skin becomes firmer and smoother in appearance. 

Although the results are less immediate than Botox injections, they can last for several years, making this a worthwhile alternative. 

#4: Chemical Peels

Another safe and effective alternative to Botox injections, chemical peels are often used to treat acne and reduce the signs of aging.

Results are quick — typically 1 to 14 days — but some recovery time is needed following a chemical peel treatment. 

Estheticians in Oregon are allowed to perform light chemical peels; however, dermatologists and other licensed physicians must perform deep chemical peels. 

• Light chemical peel – Used to treat lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tones, and uneven textures, and improve acne scars.

#5: Vitamins and Supplements

Sometimes, a procedure of one sort or another isn’t necessary. By taking key nutritional supplements and vitamins, you could help improve collagen production in an easy and accessible way. 

Be sure to shop for high-quality supplements from reputable sources — your esthetician can help recommend the best vitamins and supplements for your specific lifestyle and skincare needs and share where you can find them if they don’t sell them themselves. 

Consider taking:

• Vitamin C 
• Vitamin E 
• Carotenoids 

#6: Microcurrent Treatments

Through gentle electrical stimulation, microcurrent treatments penetrate the deepest layers of the skin for optimal toning and firming. Unlike Botox injections, regular use of microcurrent will likely be necessary to see a noticeable difference in fine lines and wrinkles.

This type of facial can be performed by an esthetician and has several benefits, including:

• Promoting wound healing
• Reducing inflammation
• Boosting circulation
• Improving muscle function 

#7: Ultherapy

Are you searching for a Botox alternative FDA-approved for both tightening and lifting? Ultherapy is a popular treatment done via ultrasound that can reduce sagging skin without surgery. 

The treatment is simple and requires no preparation. Even better, there’s zero downtime involved and patients can go back to their normal routine right away. 

Although Botox injections are wildly popular, there are many alternatives to Botox that consumers are looking into to reap similar benefits in an often cheaper and non-invasive way. 

Are you hoping to become a part of the skincare industry and learn the tools of the trade to become an esthetician? Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics works to elevate the esthetics industry by training students to become dedicated and knowledgeable estheticians. 

With a variety of programs available, the latest trending equipment, and educators with real-life experience, Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics will teach you everything there is to know about the esthetics industry and equip you with the tools and skills to confidently perform alternatives to Botox and much more.

Contact us today.