Before You Book Your Botox: 11 Low-tox Ways to Age with Intention

You and I both know aging is a privilege. *Cue Brandi Carlile’s “The Story” and sing it like you mean it.* Every laugh line, every crease tells a story—and I’m all for loving the skin you’re in, at every age.

But honoring the years doesn’t mean surrendering to them. You take care of what you love, and you can honor the passage of time and still invest in healthy, low-tox ways to support your skin along the way.

Growing older gracefully doesn’t mean throwing your hands up and letting life do what it will.

If you’re like me—curious about what’s possible without needles, risks, or long-term commitments—you’re in the right place. Here are 11 low-tox ways to age with intention.

Section 1: Daily Habits + Topical Skincare

1. Daily SPF: The #1 Anti-Aging Product

If you’re doing nothing else for your skin, this is the one to start with. Sun damage is responsible for up to 90% of visible signs of aging. Daily use of a non-nano zinc oxide SPF protects your skin from premature wrinkles, dark spots, sagging, and loss of elasticity. Unlike injectables, SPF prevents the damage before it starts. Think of it as your daily insurance policy against aging.

I know it’s not fancy or bougie, but it really is your skin’s best, and should be your first, line of defense. Consistency is key! Use your facial sunscreen every single day, even on cloudy days, and even in wintertime! If you skip the facial SPF, you are canceling out any benefits you may get from things you might try from the rest of this list. 

My personal favorite facial SPF can be found right here: Tinted SPF, Non-tinted Facial SPF

Note: I did a full blog post on sun damage/sun protection right here if you want a more in-depth look at that! 

2. Frownies & Face Tape: Gentle Muscle Retraining

These retro-looking paper patches might seem too simple to work, but don’t underestimate them! Frownies and other facial taping methods work by physically holding the skin in place overnight to help retrain the facial muscles responsible for expression lines.

With consistent use, they can reduce the appearance of forehead lines, crow’s feet, and 11s. It’s a completely non-invasive way to minimize wrinkles without freezing your expressions.

These results aren’t instant, so have patience! Some people see improvement within 30 days, while others take longer. Your age, skin texture, and the depth of existing lines all factor into how quickly you’ll notice a difference. Hang in there and be consistent!

Pro-tip: For better adhesion, do your nightly skincare routine a little earlier than usual. Let your night cream soak in for about 30 minutes or so before applying Frownies or facial tape. 

Note: I know, I know, I know… Frownies doesn’t disclose the ingredients in their adhesive, and facial tape brands don’t either. This is an area where you just have to weigh the pros/cons. This is one of those low-tox vs. toxin-free choices. It’s definitely a safer alternative than Botox or fillers, but if you’re aiming for 100% ingredient transparency, it’s something to consider.

Check them out here.

3. Vitamin C Serum: Brighten, Protect, Glow

When it comes to anti-aging staples, a good vitamin C serum is one of the most researched, trusted, and well-loved ingredients on the skincare scene—and for good reason. 

So, why is it such a big deal in the fight against aging? It’s all about free radicals—the harmful molecules that come from environmental stressors like sun exposure, pollution, smoking, and even toxins in our food. These free radicals cause oxidative stress in the skin, which is like the same process that causes an apple to turn brown after it’s cut. That’s oxidative damage at work! 

But here’s the good news: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it helps to neutralize these free radicals before they can harm your skin. 

Using a stable form of Vitamin C like Ascorbyl Glucoside or Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate helps: 

• Brighten the appearance of dull or uneven skin 
• Improve the look of dark spots and sun damage over time 
• Support collagen production for a firmer, more youthful-looking complexion 
• Enhance the effectiveness of your SPF by providing additional antioxidant defense 

And here’s the bonus: While SPF helps prevent sun damage, vitamin C helps support your skin when some of that damage still manages to sneak through. It’s the dynamic duo you never want to skip. 

Pro Tip: Apply your vitamin C serum in the morning before moisturizer and sunscreen for maximum protection and glow. And like all actives, consistency is key—visible improvements in tone and radiance typically show over several weeks of daily use.

My favorite, tried-and-true vitamin C serum can be found right: here.

4. Reduce Sugar Intake

I know, I KNOW!! We don’t want to hear this one. But it’s true. It’s not just about what you put on your skin—what you eat matters too and the simple truth is…excess sugar ages your body. The British Journal of Dermatology reported that the damage sugar does to a woman’s skin can begin to show as early as age 35! 

Wrinkles and deep lines can occur when excess sugar molecules attach to collagen fibers, weakening their structure and flexibility—a process called glycation. This weakens those structural proteins and causes the skin to lose its firmness and elasticity. The result? Sagging, wrinkles, and dullness.

Sugar also attacks your body’s natural defenses against free radicals, leaving your skin more vulnerable to damage from environmental stressors.

Cutting back on added sugars can help preserve your skin’s resilience and slow the signs of aging—from the inside out.  Your skin is a mirror, reflecting what’s happening inside your body.. When you take the holistic approach to wellness and anti-aging, your whole body reaps the benefits…the side effects of less sugar when it comes to your overall health? Priceless. 

5. The Power of Peptides for Firmness & Glow

When it comes to the fight against aging, peptides are your secret weapon. Peptides are powerhouse ingredients that work by signaling your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, both of which are essential for keeping your skin firm, plump, and youthful-looking. 

As we age, our skin naturally produces less collagen, which leads to sagging, wrinkles, and dullness—but peptides can help reverse this process by stimulating collagen production at the cellular level.

A good (toxin-free) peptide serum is a must for improving the hydration, firmness, and smoothness of your skin over time. Peptides help improve the appearance of your skin on both the surface and deeper layers for smoother, more youthful-looking skin without the need for invasive treatments.

My absolute favorite clean peptide serum can be found here.

It’s a super potent serum with a clinically proven 15% Multi-Peptide Complex and arnica to visibly lift, sculpt, and firm your skin. For preventative purposes, use it daily as part of your evening routine to help lock in moisture, restore firmness, and support collagen production while you sleep. For restorative purposes, use both AM and PM.

Consistent use leads to long-term results, so stay patient and enjoy the glow-up!

6. Crunchi’s Daylight Advanced Moisturizer

I don’t want to sound like a commercial, but I LOVE, love, love this stuff! I had the honor of being part of the product testing team for this gem, and let me tell you…I’m hooked. It’s by far my favorite skincare product!

Packed with actives like: 

•  Azelaic acid– which helps to gently exfoliate and fade the look of age spots and discoloration, while calming inflammation that can contribute to premature aging.
• Bakuchiol (a natural alternative to retinol)- which supports collagen production and smooths the appearance of fine lines—without the irritation.
• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (a stable form of vitamin C)– which penetrates deeply to brighten skin tone, boost radiance, and protect against environmental stressors. 

Together, they work to reveal a more youthful, even, and glowing complexion over time. I never miss a day of this in my skincare routine. It’s so incredibly soothing and packs quite the anti-aging punch!

But why bakuchiol over retinol? While retinol has long been a staple in many anti-aging routines, it’s not always the best choice for everyone. Retinols can be irritating to the skin, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin. They often cause redness, peeling, and increased sun sensitivity, which can be frustrating and even counterproductive if you’re trying to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Plus, retinols can take time to show results and may require a slow introduction to avoid irritation.

That’s where the beauty of bakuchiol comes in! Unlike retinol, bakuchiol offers similar anti-aging benefits—boosting collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin texture—without the harsh side effects. It’s a gentler, plant-based alternative that’s perfect for those looking for a more soothing option for their skin. 

If this wasn’t enough to convince you, just check out my 30 day before/after right here:

I know, right? Marionette lines? Where? Nasolabial fold? TIGHTENED! Don’t get me started on the texture and clarity!

Grab your goodness right here.

Even the best products need backup. Great skin is the result of consistent skincare and the way you care for your body overall. Before you even think about needles, build your foundation with daily habits and intentional, low-tox care. You might be surprised what your skin can do when it’s supported from all sides.

Now for the more “hands on” approach to aging with intention!

Section 2: Hands-On Skin Techniques

The way we touch our skin matters just as much as what we put on it. These low-tox, high-impact practices boost circulation, support lymphatic drainage, and give your skin that natural, lit-from-within glow—no needles required.

7. Gua Sha: Sculpting and Lymphatic Drainage

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese practice that involves gently scraping a (typically stone) tool along the skin in specific patterns. On the face, this is done more delicately than body gua sha, the focus being on lymphatic drainage, fascia release, and muscle relaxation.

Here’s how that can help with softening fine lines and wrinkles:

Muscle Tension = Expression Lines

Many fine lines are caused by repetitive facial expressions and chronic muscle tension. Think of how furrowing your brow all day leads to those “11s” between your eyebrows.

Gua sha relaxes those overactive facial muscles, especially in areas like:

• The forehead 
• Between the brows 
• Around the eyes 
• Along the jaw 

When these muscles are softened, the appearance of lines is diminished, often noticeably—even after a single session.

Myofascial Release = Smoother Skin
Gua sha helps release tight fascia (connective tissue under your skin), allowing the skin to sit more smoothly over the muscles. This can result in a lifted, smoother appearance, especially along the jawline and cheeks.

Boosted Circulation + Lymph Flow = Healthier Skin
Gua sha increases microcirculation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, which creates a glowy, plump look. It also improves lymphatic drainage, helping reduce puffiness and under-eye bags. With consistent practice, the benefits are more noticeable! You can find great tutorials on YouTube to perfect your technique, and I love this playlist for lifting and tightening with Gua Sha (I also use their stone).
The playlist also utilizes facial cupping, and you can get a set of silicone cups with a rose quarts Gua Sha tool right here.

8. Angellift Derma Strips for Lips: Restoring Fullness and Strength

As we age, the skin on our lips starts to lose strength, just like the skin on the rest of our face. Collagen production decreases, and the elasticity that once kept our lips plump and youthful starts to fade. This process can make our lips appear thinner and less defined, and those once-full lips can seem to deflate over time.

Recently, a friend told me that she noticed fuller lips after using Invisalign. While her teeth were shifting, the added support and tension in her mouth area seemed to also give a subtle lift to her lips. It’s fascinating how strengthening the underlying structures can have such a visible impact on the surface!

That’s where Angellift’s derma strips come in. These strips work by gently stimulating and strengthening the muscles around your lips. Just like how Invisalign works on the teeth, Angellift’s technique helps to firm up and smooth the delicate skin around your lips, giving them a fuller, more defined look.

With regular use, you might see: 

• Strengthened lip muscles, leading to a firmer, plumper appearance 
• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles around the lips 
• A smoother, more youthful lip contour 
• Subtle but noticeable fullness that comes from within

It’s a non-invasive, simple way to reverse the signs of lip-aging without needles or fillers. The best part? Angellift can also help reduce the appearance of those vertical lines above your lips that can be a telltale sign of age.

Pro Tip: For optimal results, use the derma strips consistently, and don’t forget to hydrate your lips! The combination of internal strengthening and external hydration is the secret to keeping your lips youthful and full.

Section 3: At-Home or Pro-Level Tools: Invest Time, Not Just Money

Let’s be real—not everyone has the time, budget, or desire to visit an esthetician regularly. The good news? There are powerful tools you can use right at home that mimic the benefits of professional treatments. Yes, they’re typically less intense than what you’d get in a clinic, but with consistent use and proper technique, they can still deliver impressive results.

This is where a little effort really pays off: If you’re willing to learn how to use these tools safely and correctly, you’ll be able to address fine lines, firmness, skin tone, and even collagen support—without the hefty price tag or potential side effects of more invasive procedures. Consider it the sweet spot between spa and self-care.

9. Red Light & NIR Therapy (Like LumeBox)

I know—red light therapy might seem like a total fad or gimmick. But it’s actually FDA-approved and has been around for a long time. Back in 1903, Niels Ryberg Finsen even won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for successfully treating smallpox and lupus using red light. It’s widely used in traditional medical clinics all over the world—Japan, Canada, Ireland, Latin America… but for some reason, the U.S. and Western Europe have largely ignored it until quite recently.

Red light can penetrate the skin up to 10 millimeters. Both red and near-infrared (NIR) light work at the cellular level to increase ATP (your cells’ energy source), support collagen production, and reduce inflammation. Incredible devices like the LumeBox bring that spa-level technology right into your home.

Here are just a few of the many benefits:

• Increased circulation and collagen production
• Better immunity
• Faster wound healing
• Tissue repair
• Hair loss treatment
• Improved joint health
• Reduced depression and fatigue
• Better thyroid function
• Support for skin issues like psoriasis, rosacea, acne, and eczema

I know that’s a lot more than just the anti-aging angle we’re talking about today, but listen—this is one of the pricier items on the list, and I want you to see it’s not just for your face. You’ll find yourself reaching for this bad boy daily—for so much more than just smoothing fine lines.

But yes, when it comes to anti-aging, consistent red light use can help improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and speed healing—all without the downtime or risks that come with more invasive treatments.

Pro tip: For best results, always use on clean skin, but before your skin care routine!

Check out the Lumebox here. I was able to score you a $260 discount, it’s attached to that link.

10. High-Frequency Wand: Old-School Tech, New-School Glow

This tool might look like something out of an old, low-budget sci-fi movie, but don’t be fooled—high-frequency wands have been used in professional esthetician settings for decades, and for very good reason!

These little handheld tools use a gentle electrical current to create oxygen-rich molecules and a tiny bit of heat. Sounds fancy, but here’s why it matters: that oxygen helps cleanse and energize your skin, while the warmth boosts circulation and encourages your skin to heal and glow. It’s like a mini workout for your face—waking up tired skin and helping with things like fine lines, breakouts, and even scalp health.

That mild heat and “buzz” you feel? It’s increasing circulation, oxygenating the skin, and creating an environment that’s inhospitable to bacteria—all while giving your skin a subtle, instant glow.

Used consistently, high-frequency wands can:

• Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Stimulate collagen and elastin production
• Help reduce puffiness
• Improve overall skin tone
• Treat acne by killing acne-causing bacteria

And here’s a fun bonus: High-frequency isn’t just for your face. There are comb-style attachments designed specifically to help stimulate the scalp and support healthy hair regrowth! Awesome, right? Thinning hair as we age goes hand-in-hand with wrinkles and age spots.

Safety Tips:

• Always apply a water-based serum or conductive gel before use to avoid skin irritation.
• Don’t use it on broken or irritated skin, or if you’re pregnant or have a pacemaker.
• Clean the electrodes after each use with alcohol to prevent bacteria buildup.
  

This is one of those tools that may seem a little weird at first—but once you get comfortable with it, it’s easy to work into your weekly routine. Affordable, multi-purpose, and zero downtime? Yes, please. I love that it’s not a “use twice daily” product. Weekly/Bi-weekly? THAT, I can remember!

This is the updated version of the one I have. 

11. Dermastamping (Better Than Dermarolling)

Dermastamping is a powerful tool that promotes collagen production by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny punctures trigger the skin’s natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production over time. This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, fade dark spots, improve skin texture, and even minimize acne scars.

Unlike dermarollers, which use a rolling motion across the face, dermastamps use a direct up-and-down “stamping” technique. This method is gentler on the skin and often more effective for targeted areas. Rolling devices can sometimes drag the needles across the skin at odd angles—especially around curves like the cheeks and jaw—causing unnecessary microtears and increased irritation. Dermastamping creates cleaner microchannels with less trauma, making it a safer and more precise option, especially for sensitive or delicate skin.

Safety Notes + Cautions:

• Only use your dermastamp on freshly cleansed skin—free of makeup, sunscreen, or skincare residue.
  
• Never use dermastamping over active acne, open wounds, rashes, or eczema. Doing so can spread bacteria and make inflammation worse.
  
• Start slowly: once every 1–2 weeks is enough for most skin types, especially if you’re new to the practice.
  
• Choose the right needle length for at-home use. For safety, most professionals recommend 0.25mm–0.5mm for general facial use at home. Anything longer should be left to trained professionals.
  
• Avoid direct sun exposure immediately after a session, and follow with calming, non-irritating skincare (hyaluronic acid is a great post-stamp option!).
  

Sanitizing Your Stamp: NOT sanitizing your dermastamp is a deal breaker and can cause serious infections. 

After each session:

• Rinse the stamp under warm water to remove any residue.
• Soak the head in 70% isopropyl alcohol for at least 5–10 minutes.
• Let it air dry completely before storing it in a clean, dry container. Never share your dermastamp with anyone else, and replace it regularly (every 3–6 months depending on frequency of use) to keep the needles sharp and effective.
  

With consistent use and proper care, dermastamping can be a game-changer in your low-tox, pro-aging skincare routine—offering real results without injections or harsh chemicals.

Here’s a good youtube tutorial for dermastamping, and a .25mm stamp.

PLEASE, be careful with this one! Follow the instructions to the letter!

But What About Injectables?
Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers can offer quick results, but they’re not without risks. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, which may prevent some dynamic wrinkles—but it doesn’t treat deeper signs of aging like volume loss, collagen depletion, or skin thinning.

And while the results are temporary, the side effects can sometimes be long-lasting or even permanent: drooping eyelids, asymmetry, nerve damage, or allergic reactions. Over time, frequent use of Botox can also lead to muscle atrophy and changes in facial structure.

Fillers come with their own concerns, including migration, inflammation, and even vascular complications. While these risks may be rare, they’re very real—and worth considering before making any decisions.

Honor the Journey, Support Your Skin
Aging is not a flaw to be corrected. It’s a natural process that tells the world you’ve lived a life full of beauty and love! Choosing to support your skin with clean, low-tox methods is a powerful way to age with both grace and intention.

Whether you try one or all of these 11 alternatives, know that taking a more mindful approach to aging honors both your body and your well-being. You deserve to feel radiant and confident—without compromising your health to get there.

You’re not “anti-aging”—you’re pro-healthy-aging. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to be giving a closer look at all of these options! Follow me there if you want a more personal approach to how these options work!