needle or no?

Should I Get Botox in My 20s?

August 22, 2017

I have this line. A deep, menacing line smack dab in the middle of my eyebrows. It's all I see when I look in the mirror (and all I think about when I take my makeup off at the end of the day). Just a GIANT wrinkle, staring back at me. I blame years of terrible vision and having to squint for most of my life for the premature "11" I've been so generously gifted with. But I didn't ask for this "gift." In fact, I hate it — and now I want it gone.

After many (read: MANY) failed attempts at filling in my, ahem, wrinkle with topical treatments, I've starting seeking alternative treatment, like Botox, to smooth my line (and ease my mind). (Quick refresher: Botox, scientifically known as Botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein that, when diluted with saline and injected into the muscles (under wrinkles), can temporarily relax the muscles, creating a smooth, wrinkle-free canvas. The effect lasts for about four months.)

But, you see, as an injectable virgin, if you will, I'm hesitant to jump the gun while I'm still chasing down the tail end of my 20s. Even though injectables are on the rise, I'm not sure if I'm ready to join the masses — just yet.

So, as one does with any big life decision ahead, I've recruited a few of my closest VIPs, along with a couple of trusted medical professionals, for their insight and expert opinions. Here, my friends, fam, and derms weigh in on this rather important question: Should I Get Botox?

"I think you should do whatever you want to do. Do I think you need it? No. But I support any decision you go with." —David Carr, my boyfriend

"I think you look fine with that line, butttttt you have to decide if it's the right choice for you! If you think Botox will make you feel better, then I'm okay with it. Do your research and let me know." —Julie Kinonen, my mom

"I personally don't think you should. I think you should hold off a little bit longer until the lines are more defined. I understand both angles — I've talked to derms and I see the difference between preventative versus necessary Botox, but I just think at 26, you have a couple of years to go. Just see what happens — you're still growing." —Sophia Panych, deputy digital beauty director at Allure, a.k.a. my colleague

"Botox works. It's safe. If you try it for a while, and then you decide, 'You know what? It's just not that important to me,' and you stop, you'll just go back to where you were. It's definitely more popular among young people because a lot of them are seeing themselves more than previous generations." —Min S. Ahn, facial plastic surgeon based in Boston

"If you want Botox, I say go for it. If you want to take care of wrinkles, go for it, booboo." —Ben Kinonen, my brother

"I'm all for injectables because — like makeup, tattoos, and hair dye — they are another way to experiment with beauty. Botox only lasts a couple months, though. That's great if you hate the results. However, if you love it, you're going to have to deal with the upkeep. You're pretty good about staying on a schedule, so I say go for it!" —Devon Abelman, digital beauty reporter at Allure, a.k.a. my work soulmate

"I think once you start seeing lines at rest, it's appropriate. You have a high forehead, which means you're going to have to do it in the line and above the forehead, so you're doing a full forehead of Botox for many years to come. If you can stall it a little bit, because you have beautiful-shaped eyebrows and [the line] is barely there, you should. Once you start doing it, it's going to be a while. You're 26, so you'll be doing Botox for 60 years." —Patricia Wexler, dermatological surgeon in New York City

"Where is your wrinkle?! If it's just for one wrinkle, why not?" —Lindsay Morris, my childhood best friend

So, will I get Botox? The jury's still out. (I'm literally the most indecisive person on the planet — I'm sorry!) But here's what I do know: When (and if) the time for Botox arises, at least I know I have a group of lovely, supportive people in my life who will back my decision — needle or no needle — 100 percent.