Conotoxins – or cone snail venom products, as they are also known – are gaining popularity as potential at-home Botox substitutes. However, can these creams and serums have the same effect as professionally injected Botox? We’re dubious. Nonetheless, conotoxins are a developing trend in the aesthetics industry that should be monitored.

The world has yet to be taken by storm by conotoxin products, and consumers aren’t exactly clamouring to get their hands on them. Americans are willing to go to great lengths in order to combat wrinkles and achieve a more youthful appearance. Snail venom, on the other hand? At-home Botox alternatives that don’t necessitate a medical or aesthetics office trip could revolutionize the aesthetics industry.

Conotoxins: What Are They?

Snail venom, MU-conotoxin, conopeptide and conotoxins are synthetic compounds that mimic the venom’s ability to relax facial muscles. The result is an immediate but short-lived reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Because so few people are aware of conotoxins, they’re being dubbed the “secret Botox alternative” by some.

Cone snails, native to the southwestern shores of Australia and use their venom to paralyze enemies to consume them, are not harvested to make products containing conotoxins, so no animals are harmed. There is no negative environmental impact.

What Role Do Conotoxins Play in the Body?

Both natural and lab-created products inhibit muscle contraction by blocking NAV1 receptors on the nerve endings. Conotoxins reduce wrinkles and expression lines. The structures beneath the skin loosen, resulting in a more youthful appearance of the face. According to proponents of the limited clinical research, wrinkles can be reduced in as little as 2 hours after topical application.

The Health Benefits of Cone Snail Venom

If you’re looking for a quick fix for wrinkles and other lines, you may want to look into purchasing over-the-counter products that contain synthetic cone snail venom. According to AMA Laboratories’ findings from a two-week study, women who used one such product saw a 64% reduction in visible wrinkles. Some received a 90% reduction or more. According to some experts, that’s better than many other topical creams and better than the results of six months of retinol treatment on the face.

On the other hand, Botox can provide a long-lasting reduction in wrinkles from just one in-office treatment. A professional injector uses Botox in a targeted manner rather than using it at home by a person who may not be trained to use it effectively. Botox’s results can be enhanced even further when used in conjunction with dermal fillers by smoothing out deep, long-standing wrinkles.

The long-term effects of conotoxins and their possible cumulative side effects are unknown. Long-term benefits have yet to be demonstrated, but muscle relaxation training can be practised over time. It is also possible to reap this benefit by using Botox on an ongoing basis.

Wrinkles and lines on the face can be treated with various methods. The safest bet is a cosmetic procedure that has been studied for years and is currently being used by millions of people. Botox is a popular procedure for reducing the visible signs of aging.

It is possible to learn how to administer Botox injections without the risk of side effects or waste with Dentox, an educational program for medical and aesthetic professionals. Get in touch with Dr. Howard Katz to learn more about Dentox courses. Alternatively, you can sign up for a live online or on-demand course or attend a seminar in person at one of several locations across the United States.