Sally Foran: I’m a beauty editor who doesn’t get Botox — here’s what I do instead

Sharing her experience as a skincare creator, Sally Foran explains why she has avoided botox

I am often asked why I don’t get Botox (or any other invasive procedures for that matter – more on those another day).

Firstly and most importantly, as a skincare creator, I wouldn’t be able to show the true results from the ‘anti-ageing’ skincare products I trial. It would be impossible to tell whether it was the product or the Botox that had given me my results.

I actually like my smile lines. They’re evidence of good times. I don’t want to erase them and they’re also a privilege, a sign I’m ageing and, unfortunately, many people don’t get that chance.

Botox works on the muscle underneath to target facial muscles and stop dynamic wrinkles, while skincare treats the skin’s surface and layers to support overall health and texture. You can get all the skin treatments you desire, but if you’re not applying SPF every day, cleansing your skin properly and having a good skincare routine in general, it’s a waste of time and money. Plus Botox and fillers can’t help with dark spots, skin laxity, pigmentation, clarity or texture.

Finally, I want my daughter to know wrinkles are normal and I think it’s worrying seeing so many young girls thinking that preventative Botox works.

So what do I use instead?

One of my favourite alternatives is Electric Daisy.

According to consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall, this has a topical anaesthetic effect that affects facial muscles and their constriction in a similar way to Botox. It can have both a preventative effect and a restorative effect (as well as an almost instantaneous effect).

Of course, a topical treatment will not be as effective as an injectable substance, but if you’re looking for an ingredient that gives similar results over a slower pace of time, it’s worth trying.

Another favourite alternative that my following have coined “Botox in a bottle” is Holos anti-ageing oil, which I use alongside all of the following:

SPF

UV rays are responsible for up to 90% of ageing. Right now, I am enjoying Solas Skin SPF 50, €34.99, Brown Thomas.

Solas Skin SPF 50, €34.99, Brown Thomas.

Antioxidants

such as Vitamin C, they mop up free radicals that cause premature ageing. I use Holos C Serum, €49, holos.ie

Holos C Serum, €49, holos.ie

Exfoliating acids

Which one you need depends on your skin’s needs and type. I’ve sensitive skin so use the PHA renewal pads from Neostrata, €36, Millies.

Peptides

These stimulate collagen which leads to plumper, smoother, younger-looking skin. Try Ella and Jo Advanced Skin Support Serum, €45, ellaandjo.ie

Ella and Jo Advanced Skin Support Serum, €45, ellaandjo.ie

Retinol

The gold standard for fading pigmentation marks, smoothing lines and tightening pores. I’ve progressed to retinal and I am now using Skingredients new Retinal + Peptides serum, €49, theskinnerd.ie

Skingredients Retinal + Peptides serum, €49, theskinnerd.ie

Hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids

These hydrating acids prevent dehydration and plump up surface and deeper lines. The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid, €16.90, LookFantastic is great.

The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid, €16.90, LookFantastic

Ceramides

These are essential for strengthening the skin’s barrier, which keeps skin looking youthful. I love Poco Beauty’s Skin Flood, €38, pocobeauty.com

Poco Beauty’s Skin Flood, €38, pocobeauty.com

Probiotics

Applying probiotics topically helps strengthen the skin’s immune system against aggressors, preventing premature ageing. Try Ground Wellbeing’s Biome Plant Water, €32, groundwellbeing.

Ground Wellbeing’s Biome Plant Water, €32, groundwellbeing

Beyond skincare

I sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase. I drink cacao instead of coffee and green tea instead of regular tea as they’ve higher levels of antioxidants. I eat oily fish, as it’s rich in omega 3s to nourish and plump skin. I eat lots of fruits and vegetables to give skin a natural glow.I wear sunglasses to prevent squinting in the sun.

I take skin supplements — Q10, omega 3, collagen and a probiotic.

I don’t smoke — nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow, reducing oxygen flow and nutrients to skin cells. I limit alcohol as it dehydrates skin. I exercise daily — it increases oxygen delivery which helps preserve collagen. Finally, I try to get at least seven hours sleep every night.

Non-invasive treatments

• Kobido massage — a facial sculpting massage using lymphatic sculpting and Japanese Kobido techniques to tone, lift, rejuvenate, improve circulation, smooth fine lines and reshape the face.
• Face yoga — A transformative Sculpt Pro Facial combines buccal massage, facial cupping, Gua Sha, 3D myofascial work and lymphatic drainage to lift, tone and sculpt the face.
• Cosmetic acupuncture — This blends acupuncture, radiofrequency, microcurrent, LED therapy and facial cupping to stimulate collagen, relax facial muscles, tone, tighten and lift the skin.
• Codage Paris’ magistrale facial — A transformative treatment featuring more than 450 precise, sculpting hand movements plus a glycolic acid peel to stimulate fibroblasts, boost collagen and elastin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• The zone face lift — created by facial reflexologist Ziggie Bergman, this combines reflexology, Gua Sha, rose quartz crystals, lymphatic drainage and Japanese facial massage to naturally lift, tone and sculpt the face while boosting circulation and promoting collagen and elastin production.

I’m not anti-Botox — I firmly believe each to their own, it’s simply not for me.I’ll use great skincare, eat well, and enjoy non-invasive treatments, but I don’t want to erase every sign that I’ve lived, laughed and loved.

I simply want to look like the best version of me.