Botox

If you are wondering what Botox is you should expect two different answers.  There is the scientific answer that will probably shock you a little bit (if not a lot) and then there is the material answer, which is so easy to understand you’ll probably be delighted.

Botox is a trade name for botulinum toxin A. In this way, Botox is related to botulism. Botulism is a form of food poisoning that occurs when someone eats something containing a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin A is one of the neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum.

The most serious symptom of botulism is paralysis, which in some cases has proven to be fatal. The botulinum toxins (there are seven -- types are A through G) attach themselves to nerve endings. Once this happens, acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions, cannot be released.

A series of proteins, VAMP, syntaxin and SNAP-25, are essential for the release of acetylcholine. Certain botulinum toxins attack these proteins. Botulinum toxin A (Botox) affects the SNAP-25.

So basically Botox is injected into the skin where wrinkles are found and paralyses them.  The wrinkles go taut and they basically stay that way for up to eight months.  That’s how Botox stops the signs of aging.

The Material Answer

Science aside, Botox has been approved by the FDA and is generally considered safe if done by a trained professional.  With this reassurance million of men and women (including Presidential Candidate John Kerry) have used the treatment to look and feel younger.

In fact, the treatment has become so popular that all across America people are getting together to have Botox parties.  This strikes me as hilarious considering that after I go to a party I usually wake up looking several years older, not many years younger.

So investigate further and try the latest scientific advancement in the battle against aging.