Mala McAlpin You’ve probably already heard of the ‘glass skin’ trend sweeping Korea – well it’s now, at last, slowly making its way to our shores. The concept encourages consumers to achieve a poreless and glowing complexion so clear and luminescent that it is reminiscent of glass – which is understood by most consumers to only be achievable through an extensive active skincare regime, and a small treasure trove of serums. In fact, this concept may or may not have given birth to the 12-step routine movement.
Now, it seems, Korea is experiencing rapidly growing popularity in another method designed to achieve ‘glass skin’ that doesn’t equate to homecare. The answer? Botulinum.
Dubbed “Skin ‘Tox” or “Mesotox”, the treatment is reported becoming one of the most requested treatments in Korea, with consumers aiming to achieve that same flawless glow. Botulinum toxin is used across the entire face on a much more superficial level to improve overall skin texture and appearance, and providing a plumped and lifted look. Different parts of the face are also treated with various needles. Pore size is also said to be minimised due to skin tightening.
Another reason for its popularity is that, since product is injected at such a top level, consumers do not experience the same reduced muscular movement as regular anti-wrinkle injections.
As with standard botulinum, results reportedly last around 3-6 months.
Currently in Australia, this technique is not widely used and considered by most aesthetic practitioners as ‘off-label’ – since it hasn’t been officially registered with the Therapeutic Goods Association for this particular use, and manufacturers will not comment on this type of use either.
One of the few clinics in Australia currently offering this type of anti-wrinkle administration is Youth Lab in Perth.
“The micro dosing of Botulinum Toxin, commonly known as wrinkle relaxers, has been around for many years and is certainly not a new concept,” says Youth Lab owner Dr Kate Jameson. “ I have recently seen a surge in popularity, primarily due to my own focus on a multifactorial approach to the skin. The technique involves the injection of the toxin into the dermis, rather than intramuscularly at a much more dilute concentration. We are not targeting the muscle to paralyse it but rather utilising the effects of the toxin directly on the skin.”
According to Dr Kate, the treatment also has a list of additional benefits. “We see a reduction in sebum and oil production which helps control acneic skins and reduce congestion. Pore size is also reduced through the diminished action of the eccrine sweat glands. This stops the shine from makeup and gives a flawless finish to the skin.”
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