The active ingredient in many cosmetic injections, botulinum toxin interferes with the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. This means that this purified bacterial substance effectively paralyzes muscles and prohibits their movement.
For this reason, botulinum toxin has been used to treat conditions that range from neck spasms to overactive bladders. It is best known, however, for its ability to reduce the appearance or severity of facial wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin’s wrinkle-fighting powers come about from the fact that elongated facial muscles don’t produce the same deep wrinkles that contracted facial muscles do. As the muscles beneath it are allowed to relax, wrinkled skin becomes softer and smoother.
