In an era where self-care and anti-aging practices are advancing at an unprecedented pace, the question on everyone’s lips is whether having healthy habits alone is enough to maintain a youthful look. 

The truth is that whilst eating well, drinking lots of water, getting better sleep, staying out of the sun, and exercising regularly can go a long way in helping us look and feel our best for years to come, it is not always enough in a world where the pursuit of eternal youth is relentless. As Dr. Sheryl Smithies, a top aesthetic dental surgeon and facial aesthetic practitioner based in Cape Town, explains, we always need a helping hand, and in the field of self-care, that comes in the form of non-invasive anti-aging treatments. 

“Technology advancements have paved the way for revolutionary skin treatments that provide not only a more youthful yet natural appearance but also natural beauty that is now very much on trend,” she says. 

Embracing Authentic Beauty

While traditional Toxin injectables remain a gold standard, Dr. Smithies emphasises their expanded uses, from pore tightening to migraine treatment. “The new era of fillers introduces competition in the form of biostimulators, which unlike traditional fillers that focus on bulking and sculpting, actually targets building better collagen within and below the skin. This approach aims to enhance the skin's integrity and supporting structures, ushering in the era of natural beauty,” she explains. 

Toxin injectables work by temporarily relaxing facial muscles by paralysing the muscle fibres, and the technology has evolved beyond just reducing wrinkles. They can now be strategically used to limit grinding force, protecting tooth structures, and alleviating headaches and muscle tension. 

That’s because toxin consists of Botulinum Toxin Type A, while fillers primarily contain cross-linked Hyaluronic acid. Biostimulators are the new players in the game, combining a mixture of vitamins, peptides, uncross-linked hyaluronic acid, and other polymers designed to stimulate collagen growth.  

“Biostimulators also contribute to building the structural integrity of the skin and supporting structures by encouraging the growth of better and stronger collagen bands. This not only extends the longevity of fillers but also provides enhanced support for the skin,” she adds.

However, like any aesthetic treatment, potential side effects include bruising and swelling, with more serious effects like eyelid drooping or tissue necrosis are possible. To reduce the chance of this happening, Dr. Smithies emphasises the importance of seeking reputable aesthetic injectors for these treatments.

The frequency of treatments varies too with Toxin requiring a treatment every 4-5 months, while biostimulators need just 3-4 initial sessions and then once a year top up. Fillers typically need a top-up session every 9 months to a year, but Dr. Smithies suggests starting as early as the late 20s to proactively protect the skin for a beautiful future.

As the beauty industry continues to evolve, Dr. Sheryl Smithies stands at the forefront, offering not only the latest in Botox and filler options but also valuable insights into their successful  applications. 

For more information and personalised advice on getting the perfect balance between youthfulness and natural beauty, visit www.drsherylsmithies.co.za, follow @sheryl_smiledr on social media, or contact  her via WhatsApp at +27 (0) 71 534 5859.

-- ENDS --

MEDIA CONTACT 
Nadia Hearn 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | M. +27 (0) 74 923 3835