It seems more women my age are getting Botox than ever before, myself included. Here’s why I did it and why I chose to have it done at Skin Secrets in Fort Langley.

In my early 30’s I swore I’d never give in to Botox. 

That was back when I still had supple line-free skin naturally smooth as a baby’s bottom. Also, none of my peers raved about the treatment – yet. But when I turned 39, and the reality of my rapidly approaching 40s set in, I became Botox curious. Even though I eat right (most of the time), exercise regularly(ish), manage to get eight hours of sleep a night, and haven’t touched a drop of alcohol in almost four years, I always looked tired. Seriously.

“Kristyl, you look so exhausted… are you okay?” 

I got asked that a lot.

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Well, with my sagging hooded eyelids and deeply-etched crow’s feet that seemed to appear overnight on the eve of my 35th birthday, my peepers were deceiving.

I started telling people, “Oh yes, I’m so tired!” to save them (and me) the embarrassment of letting them know I had a fantastic night’s sleep and felt amazing.

Never say Never

For the past year, I’ve been reconsidering my stance on Botox and decided to finally go for it this past July. Since then, I’ve had one more session and plan to keep it up. Here’s why…

As a lifestyle blogger who loves trying out the latest beauty products and procedures, and who’s often in front of the camera, I was curious to see whether it would help me appear more refreshed.

I figured I’ve tried microblading, powder brows, ZOOM whitening, microdermabrasion, eyelash extensions, eyelash lifts and tinting (wow, that’s a mouthful), so why not? Even if I decided I didn’t like the effects, they’d disappear in 3-4 months. 

Introducing Skin Secrets

After researching all the pros, cons, and possible side effects, I made my decision. It was time to pop my proverbial Botox cherry. But first, where would I have it done? I discovered there is no shortage of options in the Fraser Valley, but I had three requirements:

1. The place had to come highly recommended with a stellar reputation for being clean and COVID-safe (I wasn’t about to nab the first Groupon that popped into my inbox).

2. Had to be local (I’m not about to drive over any bridges or parallel park).

3. Couldn’t break the bank (this Valley Mom is on a budget).

Several friends and a fitness instructor at my gym raved about a new medical aesthetic clinic that opened a few years ago in Fort Langley called Skin Secrets. It is arguably one of the best-kept secrets in the local beauty scene, and just so happens to be one of the most affordable spots for Botox in Langley.

Unlike your typical medi-spa, every service, treatment, or product that Skin Secrets offers is physician selected and directed by Dr. Neitzel MD. This medical director is an anesthesiologist who in addition to being an expert in human physiology, medical physics, and pharmacology, has specialized knowledge and experience in treating pain. He takes a ‘less is more’ approach to aesthetic medicine that works with your natural features to create a subtle and balanced result. That was a huge relief for me as I didn’t want to end up having that overdone frozen look that can make you look older. Remember Joan Rivers?

What age to get Botox?

While the Skin Secret’s clientele includes first-timers (like myself) of all age groups, I discovered the most common age to start Botox/filler is the late twenties and early thirties.

I guess I’m a bit of a late Botox bloomer!

The Cost

When it comes to price, all of Skin Secret’s botox treatments are priced per area (forehead, crow’s feet, frown lines, etc.)

The areas I had lightly treated were my crow’s feet and forehead. Skin Secrets also offers an amazing Rewards Program and it’s super easy to bank rewards. After your first visit, 5% of the total visit is automatically added right back into your rewards account as a spendable dollar amount.

THE PAIN FACTOR

Yes, there is a slight pinch when the needle pierces through your skin, but I’d equate the pain level as close to having your brows waxed (like a 2.5 out of 10). Honestly, it was no biggie at all. Afterward, there is slight swelling at the site of injection that looks like little white mosquito bites. Those went down within the hour, and there were no marks or bruising left behind.

HOW IT WORKS

Botox is a successful and popular preventative treatment. In essence, botox limits movement within the muscles that are being treated preventing deep lines from developing, maintaining a more youthful appearance.

HOW LONG DOES IT TYPICALLY LAST?

After your treatment, Botox typically takes about two weeks to realize the full effects of the procedure. How long the product lasts is subjective. Currently, I’m right at the three-month mark and have noticed it has started to wear off.

In very general terms, the treatment will typically begin to lessen at 2-3 months.

WOULD I DO IT AGAIN?

Heck ya! It’s so subtle that nobody has noticed I had anything done, including my kids. They notice everything.

What I have noticed is that I haven’t been asked once if I’m tired in the last three months, so that has to tell you something.

Ta-da!

Obviously my hair colour is different, but I can’t help but notice how more awake and refreshed I look these days. It’s subtle — you wouldn’t look at me and think ‘she’s had work done.’

A huge thank you to the incredible team at Skin Secrets for helping me to look and feel like my youthful self again. I have a little more pep in my step lately thanks to your team!

BOOK YOUR BOTOX APPOINTMENT TODAY & SAVE WITH PROMO CODE

USE PROMO CODE: VALLEYMOM

VM is thrilled to partner with Skin Secrets to for a very exciting promotion. Simply use promo code VALLEYMOM when booking your Botox appointment to receive 10% off any products or services. Please note, this promo is for first-time clients only. You must show this blog post or take a photo of this special offer to qualify.

Skin Secrets

9084 Glover Rd

Fort Langley

www.skinsecrets.ca

Disclaimer: My Botox services was complimentary in exchange for an honest review of my experience. I reserve the right to refuse to promote any business or service that I wouldn’t recommend to my closest friends and family.