What is Botox?
Botox is a protein and a purified from of botulinum toxin. It is commonly used in injection form to minimize the appearance of wrinkles in the skin. Its effect on the skin is temporary though; so those who want real smooth skin need to have the injection every few months or so.

Botulinum toxin was discovered several years ago and it was isolated and used for a variety of purposes. During the 1950s and 1960s, it was discovered that this particular toxin in a purified and crystalline form was effective in temporary muscle relaxation. This discovery led to the use of the toxin in treating monkeys with crossed eyes. Later on, testing was done on human subjects and ophthalmologist Dr. Alan B. Scott found out that the toxin is also effective in treating people with crossed eyes.

In 1987, another ophthalmologist in the name of Dr. Jean Carruthers used the purified form of botulinum toxin or botox in one of her patients with blepharospasm. During this time, it was discovered that botox can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Because of this effect, botox became widely popular in the world of cosmetic treatments and skin care.

Botox is actually a brand name for the purified form of botulinum toxin. But it got so popular that people use the term “botox” for any botulinum toxin injection. It works by controlling or relaxing the muscles on the face leading to a smoother skin appearance. For most people it may take 2 to 4 days to see a smoothening of wrinkles. Every injection will last for about 3 to 6 months only.

But aside from its cosmetic benefits, botox is also used in the treatment and/or management of other illnesses and conditions. These conditions include excessive sweating, migraines, cervical dystonia, enlarged prostates, neuropathy, and even some types of depression.