Natural Alternatives to Botox

Botox is quickly fulfilling the hopes of many mature men and women by helping to defy the signs of ageing.

And the global financial crisis has not dampened Australia's appetite for cosmetic surgery — spending on procedures like Botox and laser hair removal has increased 15 percent over the last year to $345 million.

But some people are not ready to take action as drastic as an injection to hide the wrinkles.

Thankfully, the revolutionary treatment that plumps up creases in the face has also sparked a boom in cosmetics that aim to reach the same result — without the needle.

See these natural alternatives:

Freeze-Frame

The product's beauty consultant Sonia Amoroso says the cream appears to erase wrinkles in the short term and contains a breakthrough peptide which also reduces the appearance of wrinkles in the longer term — 28 days.

"It is not going to freeze the muscles but over time it does relax the appearance of wrinkles," she says.

Freeze-Frame is exclusive to MYER stores and is available for around $90.

Liftmassage

Liftmassage claims it is a 100 percent natural alternative to botox. The skin workout is designed to stimulate tissues at a cellular level, were the fibroblasts are.

Fibroblasts are responsible for the collagen and elastin production that gives skin its firmness and elasticity.

In just four sessions, Liftmassage aims to repair the visible effects of aging- lines, wrinkles and loose skin.

Kosmea Eighth Natural Wonder

Kosmea dubs it's Eight Natural Wonder facial serum as "nature’s answer to cosmetic surgery". Hibiscus extract and organic rose hip oil aim to "freeze" fine lines and wrinkles.

Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-on

Aussie beauty recommends Garnier's roll-on eye cream infused with caffeine for dark circles and puffy eyes.

Boots Vitamin E by RoC

Love classic, simple skincare with added benefits? This range is perfect for you. No fuss, just good, basic skincare that contains Vitamin E (essential for retaining skin’s moisture) and helps to repair, smooth and soften your skin. The range also contains wheatgerm oil, which can help nourish and condition the skin. The new and improved range consists of 11 great products including a 2 in 1 Cleanser (great for ladies on the go), Moisture day cream and Eye Cream (with SPF 15 for added protection).

Like the natural approach?

A website founded by women for women could help you find effective natural alternatives to cosmetic surgery and save you from going under the knife.

"We want to build a social network for women so they can say 'I'm a without surgery person'," she says.

"It's not an advertising platform. This site is an authentic site to tell women that we've tried and tested something and it does work so you should try and test it yourself."

More than 5000 women have already joined the website since it's launch two months ago. Members can post their unedited feedback on treatments that they believe don’t work, or are a waste of money.

Natural treatment versus the real thing
Associate Professor Greg Goodman from the Dermatology Institute of Victoria says lotions and potions just cannot compete with Botox because they cannot get through the skin.

"They will not give the effect that consumers are expecting to get. They will sit on top of the skin," he says.

"Real botox in injected under the skin where the muscles are that actually cause some movements."

Many dermatologists say the conventional anti-ageing approaches are still the best:

Avoid the sun

Dont' smoke

Don't use solariums