“FOREVER young, I want to be forever young. Do you really want to live forever? Forever and ever.”
Does it ring a bell to you? These were the lyrics of the chorus part of the song “Forever Young” popularized by the band Alphaville in 1984. Today, so little is heard of this band yet the song’s title “Forever Young” has transcended different generations. In this era of anti–aging, age-defying and whitening products, it is but common that most people dread aging. They always associate youthfulness to beauty and that “appearance is performance”. Hence, the timeless catchphrase “Forever Young.”
Men and women have their equal share of vanity themselves especially on the thought of growing old. However, as I watched other women who aged gracefully especially among celebrities, I got curious with their secrets and I was tempted to do some readings. I also have these edgy observations every time I sneaked into my favorite nook in a salon for my nail regimen...I can’t help but note that vanity is embedded in most women. They are unmindful of the countless hours they spend on saunas and beauty spas and the excessive amount they spend on beauty products. That search for the youthful glow...the secrets to staying young or perhaps discovering the elixir of life as described by Paulo Coelho in his novel The Alchemist.
We are in the age of modern science but did we find the answers? According to the 2019 Bupa Health Pulse, a 12-country survey by the British health care company, women around the world seem to worry about aging more than men do. Unwanted wrinkles.... unsightly neck bands...irksome crow’s-feet. They wanted these to be removed, banished and cleared.
As I stared back at myself in the mirror, I noticed my “worry lines” and “laugh lines”. Further, I saw the neck bands and crow’s feet which were mentioned in the articles I am reading. I readily told myself, “Well, the tell-tale signs are there.” So, the creams I am using might not be working at all. Then I stumbled upon an article on Botox. I read further and dug deeper since I have heard so much about it. My vain side got entangled into these interesting details as I explored more information with the wonders it could possibly do to my creases and frown lines.
Here are some interesting facts I got. I learned that Botox is a trade name for botulinum toxin A. It is successfully used to treat blepharospasm, strabismus, and cervical dystonia. These are all conditions that in some way involve spasms and involuntary muscle contractions. Its other applications are currently under investigation. There were also reported findings that spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder that affects the muscles of the larynx, responds well to Botox treatment. It has also been used to treat other dystonias, such as writer’s cramp, including facial spasms, head and neck tremors and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). A recent study was also conducted to observe its use in treating chronic neck and back pain.
With its varied uses in the field of medicine, it also comes with some risks. These risks include headache, an upset stomach and numbness. However, the most serious symptom of botulism is paralysis. Sounds pretty scary but paralysis is the ultimate reason why women would want to have this toxin injected in their facial area.
When the drug is administered, the botulinum toxins attach themselves to nerve endings. Once this happens, acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions, cannot be released. Basically, the botulinum toxins block the signals that would normally tell your muscles to contract. Botox works by blocking the acetylcholine receptors on the muscle side of the junction. Then when the nerve sends a signal to the muscle to contract, acetylcholine is released, but it cannot bind anywhere on the muscle. The muscle has no idea it is supposed to contract.
You might be wondering why anyone would want to have a botulinum toxin injected into his or her body and worse on the facial area. The answer is simple: If an area of the body cannot move, it cannot wrinkle. So when you are upset, anxious, worried, surprised, lonely or even incredibly happy you won’t have to worry about unsightly lines on your face.
This is when paralysis becomes magical and an extraordinary experience especially for women. No movement of such muscles mean no “laugh lines” or “worry lines”. Botox injections are commonly used to temporarily lessen wrinkles and other types of facial lines. Cosmetic surgeons use diluted botulinum toxin. In its diluted form, it safely relaxes muscles to create a more youthful appearance. Some even have a “frozen look” on their face after the first few days from a Botox session. One should also remember that it is created from such a dangerous substance. Therefore, only trained physicians should be administering the injections as they are able to manage any side effects that may occur.
To put it simply, with Botox, facial muscles do not and cannot contract and when these muscles cannot contract, wrinkles are out of sight. The clinical effects of a Botox injection become noticeable around 5-10 days. Over the next three to six months, the muscle gradually develops new receptor sites and is able to contract again.
So how do you find that? I guess for some, especially those in the movie industry where beauty is always equated with a youthful glow, this can be a defining moment. This is paralysis at its best...whenever and wherever you like it. Saying goodbye to frown lines, neck bands, crow’s feet or even the creases in your forehead and hands for a while...these are changes wrought by time yet you can do something about it.
Apparently, men and women do have great options to look and feel good yet it comes with a corresponding obligation and perhaps a greater responsibility to one’s self. We do have great options nowadays. To B or not to B. To try Botox or no to Botox. At the end of the day, you can always evaluate your steps, routines and moves on staying young. If you have the resources, you might give it a try. If you are doubtful, better stay on your usual regimen. Being beautiful and young always come in different packages.
I should say that the lofty goal on cultivating an inner beauty that transcends the outer packaging should never be forgotten. The old folks are still right and several researches had also proven them. “Get enough sleep, watch your diet, exercise regularly, laugh, learn to relax, stay engaged with the world.” I keep hearing these lines until now which still holds true in this age of modern science.
“Forever Young” maybe a song title, a catchphrase or everyone’s tagline. Forever Young might be a calling ...a dream... a hope...an aspiration and even a mystery for some. The choices are real with the corresponding stakes and deals. As for me, overcoming your own biases will keep you young. Being comfortable in your own skin and body and exuding that warm and genuine character to all people you have met in your life is being eternally young.
“You’re as young as you feel” may be a cliché, but it’s true. Do good and feel good. Feel good and look good. Look good and stay “Forever Young”.