BEAUTY AND BOTOX

While browsing through the book “The Beauty Myth” by Naomi Wolf, one comes across interesting ideas emerging out of the concept of beauty.

It is true that women over the centuries have come to enjoy more equality, privileges and social and political rights, Naomi Wolf is troubled by the fact that beauty factor has assumed greater dominance over women’s lives, their thinking, thinking of their male colleagues, preference of marketing and promotional companies, fashion trends and so on.

Naomi wolf is troubled by a different kind of social control, which, she argues, may prove just as restrictive as the traditional image of homemaker and wife. It’s the beauty myth, an obsession with physical perfection that traps the modern woman in an endless spiral of hope, self-consciousness, and self-hatred as she tries to fulfill society’s impossible definition of “the flawless beauty”.

There is no doubt that the role of women in modern society continues to be judged by how she is perceived by men and women, and not by her real worth, her own merit, her own individuality, irrespective of normal socially acceptable norms of beauty. Naomi is especially sharp on “beauty” aspect, and asks “are women beautiful or aren’t we?”

It is no doubt that appearances are always important as they project the first impression. Happiness and beauty are two concepts that are universally regarded as intrinsically inter-linked. Therefore, beauty is not a myth, pleasant appearances, together with pleasant body language and manners go a long way for success. Therefore, women wanting to look beautiful is the most natural way of living.

This is the reason for the multi-billion cosmetics industry that knows no recession and has continued to grow across the world. Today, anti-aging creams, for example, can no longer make absurd claims for their products, as they did a decade ago. Ten years ago, cosmetics companies regularly declared that their youth creams “erased” signs of age, “restructured” skin on a “cellular” level, and “renewed” tissue “from within” – all of which are physically impossible, since their ingredients were not able to penetrate the epidermis.”

The new medical procedure to restore young looks now is botox injection. Botulinum toxin A is the most commonly used form that is injected into the facial muscles and, within a few hours, it attaches itself to the nerve endings of the motor muscles, thereby affecting the nerve transmission to these muscles. It takes anywhere from two to ten days to block the nerve transmitters which innervate the muscles where it was injected. The effects of Botox lasts approximately three to four months depending on various factors, and when the patient sees the wrinkles reappear, the she needs same treatment again.

However, there can be serious side effects. The injections may cause minor bruising, to be concealed with make-up. Botox cosmetic can spread to nearby muscles and cause temporary drooping.  It occasionally causes a headache, nausea, or flu-like symptoms. It can react adversely with certain herbal remedies, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and heart and Alzheimer's drugs. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid botox injections because the risks to a fetus or nursing baby have yet to be determined.
Botox Cosmetic company also issued the warning that it may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening, and advises to call doctor or get medical help right away if one has any of these problems any time after the injection of botox:

-“Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing, due to weakening of associated muscles, can be severe and result in loss of life. You are at the highest risk if these problems are pre-existing before injection. Swallowing problems may last for several months

-Spread of toxin effects. The effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas away from the injection site and cause serious symptoms including: loss of strength and all-over muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice (dysphonia), trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria), loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities”

Our take: Use safest, and reliable for centuries, the herbal organic beauty formulations for most skin-friendly, durable and inexpensive beauty enhancing routine.