I’ve never tried BOTOX. I always thought of it as something the uber wealthy housewives of Orange County do, but then my sister called me and told me she got it. At the end of the conversation, she stated “‘You know Rae, the age you start it is the age you stay.”

This got my attention so I started to poke around. Turns out, BOTOX in your late 20s and early 30s is more common than I thought. Several friends, both male and female, were getting it. It was even showing up on Gilt City and Groupon. So what gives? Was she right? Did BOTOX not only reduce wrinkles but could it also delay them? Is preventative BOTOX really a thing?

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is BOTOX?

BOTOX is made from Botulinum toxin and is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing the underlying muscles; it can also be used to treat excessive sweating, migraines and some muscle disorders.

Preventative BOTOX takes it a step further. According to Dr. Doris Day MD, it’s used to “retrain facial muscles and improve facial posture that can cause wrinkles.” Basically, by freezing these muscles, it prevents muscles from moving, resulting in less wrinkles. Think about it this way, if you scrunch your forehead all of the time, you’re constantly using those muscles. However, if you inject BOTOX in those muscles, you can no longer move them, which in turn stops the wrinkles from forming (added bonus, you may actually train yourself to stop scrunching your forehead so much, preventing further wrinkles once the injections wear off).

Interested in BOTOX?

If this is something you’re interested in (and let’s be real, it’s kind of tempting), make sure you do your research. Different doctors have different methods, procedures and frequency suggestions. Know just how far you want to go – there’s a difference between smoothing some lines and looking permanently surprised. Also, make sure to check out pricing. BOTOX can range from $200-$500 per session; this can add up quickly if you’re going every other month.

Just know your budget ahead of time.

Obviously, there are many ways to fight the inevitable aging battle. For starters, we’re pretty big fans of regular exercise to feel younger for longer. For some, sunscreen with a high SPF, an exfoliating facial and a regular skin care routine will do the trick (and is a little more cost effective). However, if you’re looking for a more aggressive route, preventative botox in your late 20s or early 30s may be beneficial and have pay offs all the way through your 50s.