30 Women of All Ages Share Why They’ve Never Had Botox

Skincare routine: “Other than my makeup during the day, I only use one product on my face at night, and that’s Rosehip Oil ($12). It’s super cheap — I get it off Amazon. I put one to two pumps on my face every night. At first my face feels very oily, but when I wake up, it’s all absorbed and my skin is left so soft and radiant."

Why I’ve never had Botox: “It seems like a lot of hassle for the sake of getting rid of a few lines and wrinkles. I’ve had many friends, my age and older, who routinely get it done and either they don't look natural, or I don’t notice a change in their face. It seems like a very easy thing to get addicted to. It makes me nervous that once people get it, they’ll start noticing other flaws. To me, if you're unhappy with your wrinkles and fine lines, there are other things to try first, such as moisturizers or other firming products.”

Open to it in the future? “Hmmm . . . I think I'll probably entertain the idea once or twice as I get older, but I don't think that I'll ever do it. My face might have imperfections, but at the end of the day it's me, and I wouldn’t want Botox or anything else to alter it forever.”

Skincare routine: “I’m fortunate to have very good skin. My face isn't oily — if anything, it just gets a bit dry in the Winter. I never breakout and rarely get pimples. I find the best way to take care of my skin is to eat healthy, exercise, and wash my face twice daily with soap and water. I moisturize with a generic lotion and use Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes ($8) if I’m wearing makeup.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I believe in all-natural beauty and aging; however, I think Botox is a personal choice. If it makes someone feel more confident and happy with their appearances, then I support them.”

Open to it in the future? “Not unless it was for health reasons, like treating bad migraines.”

Skincare routine: “My skin is very oily and prone to allergic reactions and breakouts. I wash my face morning and night with Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser ($9). For whatever reason, my skin loves it. Since I have oily skin, I keep things light in the morning. I usually use an exfoliating toner like Pixi Glow Tonic ($35) post-cleanse. After that, if I'm feeling dry in some areas, I'll apply Bioderma Hydrabio Serum ($10), a light eye cream, Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel ($20), and a dedicated SPF. At night, I remove makeup with Bioderma Sensibio H2O ($11), wash with Vanicream, and then use more serious serums and exfoliants.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “Frankly, it's not something I want to spend my money on. Also, my mom and my aunts on both sides of my family have aged really well, and I’m 90 percent sure none of them have had Botox. Still, even though it's not something I want to do, I really don't like when people shame others for choosing to have cosmetic work done, including Botox. You should be able to do what you feel is right for your skin.”

Open to it in the future? “I'll try anything once, but I doubt Botox will become part of my skincare routine in the future.”

Skincare routine: “I use Origins everything! I swear by every single one of their products. I wash my face every night before bed (I've missed maybe three nights a year, tops) and follow with a night cream. I love Origins Night-A-Mins ($44) or Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum ($59). I also use an anti-aging eye cream. (The best results happen while you're sleeping!). I wash my face daily and follow with a day moisturizer and brightening eye cream. In addition to basic cleansing and moisturizing, I exfoliate and use a mask once a week, switching it up between rose clay, charcoal, and a peel.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I get nervous when I think of the harmful chemicals entering my skin. I also think I'm too young! I know they say 29 is the ideal time to start, but I honestly don't think I need it!

Open to it in the future? “I'm possibly open to it (never say never), but I know if I stick to my skin regimen now I probably won't ever need it!”

Skincare routine: “I'm the discount queen who loves a good deal. I'm not extremely brand loyal to a particular skin care brand, but lately I’ve been purchasing Aveeno because they've been on sale at Costco and (shameless tidbit) I'm a big Jennifer Aniston fan. I typically wash my face with a soap-based cleanser when I shower — sometimes twice a day if I workout in the morning, too — and apply an SPF-based lotion in the morning and night. I also make sure to wear a hat if I'm going to be in the sun for a while. I'd say the number one reason my skin is in tip-top shape is related to my diet. I eat a predominantly plant-based diet because I actually love the taste of nature's candy. It's not to say I don't love sweets too, but the nutrient density of my diet plays a huge role in how I feel about my skin.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I've never been too concerned about my face. I struggle more with weight fluctuations due to infertility treatments.”

Open to it in the future? “I can’t say I’d never consider it because I've had friends who've done it and it makes them feel better. If a pal feels better after a round of Botox, who am I to judge? It's her life and as I like to say, you do you.”

Skincare routine: “From a very young age my grandma always told me to drink lots of water and wash my face to keep my skin healthy, which I'm so grateful for because now I have OCD-like discipline when it comes to washing my face every morning and night! I use Rodan + Fields Redefine Regimen ($200 — don't roll your eyes, the stuff REALLY works), and add in the RF Active Hydration Serum ($108) at night to give my skin a healthy, youthful glow that lasts through the next day. I only wear makeup for auditions and on set, and go makeup-free on my days off, which I actually prefer. I love the way my skin looks without makeup!”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I just don't need it. The products I use are anti-aging and keep me wrinkle-free. I'm still going out for young/mid-twenties roles, which made turning 30 kind of awesome.”

Open to it in the future? “I don't think so. I see my mom, grandma, and the other women in my family who are older and they all are beautiful. I think wrinkles and lines that come with age are honest and beautiful and I'm ready to embrace that when it happens.”

Skincare routine: “I take a daily multi-vitamin, drink water 24/7, exfoliate twice weekly, and always wear sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen! Although I'm a woman of color, there's this urban myth that we don't need it. The fact is that we do, so I make sure to apply it under my makeup no matter the season. Plus, add all of the above with the love of laughing and a sense of humor, and it makes for the perfect recipe to keeping my skin happy.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I love embracing my natural beauty, from the tiny curves where my smile meets the corners of my lips to my complexion and everything in between. Plus, my skincare routine is much more affordable than getting Botox!”

Open to it in the future? I'm proud to say I've never had Botox and don't plan on it in the future. Don't get me wrong, procedures of any kind are fair game to anyone who wants or feels the need to have them done. But my skin has a lot more years to live and enjoy life, so I'm remaining Botox-free for now!”

Skincare routine: “I never go to the beach without a hat and SPF 50+ on my face. I also eat a healthy diet, loading up on vital greens and healthy fats, and drink plenty of water, especially first thing in the morning. Fitness is a big part of my life. Getting those endorphins has a ripple effect on my skin. I take supplements: evening primrose oil and omega 3. That has really improved my skin, especially after years of acne. My skin is fairly sensitive, and I’ve found that a lot of products aggravate my skin. I do love rosehip spray — it’s super refreshing and hydrating. I have eye serums and creams, masks and moisturizers, but I only use natural products. With my busy schedule, I must confess that my skin routine is definitely inconsistent.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I’ve never felt I needed it and I would prefer to spend that money at a health food shop. I do my best to stay in a preventative frame of mind rather than wait for a solution. By all means, I think anyone who gets botox should not feel bad about it. We all need to do what makes us feel our best and confident in our own skin.”

Open to it in the future? “If at some point in my life I feel that my body doesn't reflect my mind and I can make some tweaks, I would consider it.”

Skincare routine: “SPF is my best friend. I also keep my skin moisturized, stay hydrated, and wash my face with Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash ($7) morning and night. Farmacy Green Screen ($36) is my moisturizer of choice and it has SPF 30. I suffer from hyperpigmentation, so I also get a chemical peel with my dermatologist every year to improve acne discoloration.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I don't feel like I need it. I already look much younger than my age. No woman should ever feel like she has to opt for a beauty enhancement. We put too much pressure on ourselves when it comes to beauty. That being said, if it makes you feel more confident and doesn't break the bank, do you.”

Open to it in the future? “I'm not looking to try Botox anytime soon, but wouldn't swear it off.”

Skincare routine: “I wash my face with a mild soap in the morning and at night. I moisturize with Dolled Up's Vitamin C Beauty Oil ($12). I drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, use breathable makeup, and take a multivitamin and vitamin D supplement daily.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “My skin is pretty smooth and wrinkle-free. I've just never felt the need to have it rejuvenated.”

Open to it in the future? “I wouldn't discourage anyone from getting Botox if they feel it would enhance their beauty. But for me, I think aging is a natural process that should be embraced. I work in senior living, so I see women in later life, loving, and appreciating the skin they're in. It's encouraging. I think adopting their attitude early on has given me a positive outlook on aging — wrinkles, gray hair, and all!”

Skincare routine: “I deep clean my once a week with tea tree oil and black seed oil. On the other days, I just use water. I drink a gallon of lemon water five to six days a week and very little juice or soda.

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I want to show my daughter how to embrace the aging process. I want to show her that it isn’t a bad thing and she doesn’t have to endanger her health to remain beautiful as she ages.”

Open to it in the future? “I remember when Botox became popular in the early 90s. I saw the women on the talk shows — they were horrific. I was put off and never wanted to try it. Even though I know that they were exaggerations, I still don’t care to try it.”

Skincare routine: “There are times I wake up in the morning and it looks like I've perfected the smokey eye, when in reality, I've fallen asleep with my makeup on. I do have a skincare regimen, but don't always follow it because . . . life (and falling asleep while snuggling with one of my kids!). About 75 percent I wash my makeup off with Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes ($7), use the Clarisonic and a couple of pumps of Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash ($7) to wash my face, apply Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner ($8), and then Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Lotion with SPF 15 ($10). I apply Laneige Water Sleeping Mask ($25) weekly and will randomly use Retin-A on my forehead. I'm very expressive with my eyebrows, so my most obvious wrinkles are on my forehead. At the beach or pool, I always sit in the shade and wear sunscreen on my face along with an oversized sunhat I like to call my beach sombrero.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I’m afraid of needles and potential side effects. Plus, I'd rather spend my money elsewhere like on a really good date night with the husband, a bathing suit I feel great in, or 20 cases of LaCroix.”

Open to it in the future? “I’m open to having it in the future, but would want to do more research on potential side effects.”

Skincare routine: “I’m pretty simple. I keep my skin hydrated by drinking lots of water and wash my face twice daily with Dove — I’ve used it all my life. After washing my face, I always apply a Vitamin A eye cream along with Chantecaille Bio Lifting Serum ($216), which I love! Pricey but worth it.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I don’t have a desire to take away my facial expressions. When I’m smiling I want you to know I’m happy. When I’m mad, I want you to know. Also, the idea that I’m injecting botulism into my face, even though you can't catch it that way, just doesn't sit well with me. I’ve seen friends and clients have bad reactions or allergies to it and it was not a pretty sight. I’m going to embrace my fine lines and future wrinkles with open arms and wear them proudly.”

Open to it in the future? “No. I simply plan on doing my best with applying sunscreen, drinking lots of water, moisturizing my face, getting the proper amount of sleep, and keeping things natural and simple.”

Skincare routine: “My skin is typically very dry. Over the last 10 years, I’ve typically utilized the following on my skin: a combination of handmade soap from various artisans, plus Suave. That’s it. No specialized creams or prescriptions.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I work in the entertainment field and have seen many friends get Botox in attempt to preserve their outer physical beauty. It saddens me to see so many women find themselves desperate to appear as if they’re not aging and using a course of cosmetic Botox as a fix all. Life finds us all aging and, one day, all dying. I know some women who’ve suffered negative consequences from Botox, such as droopy eyelids.

Open to it in the future? “No. I am who I am, flawed and all. These stretch marks, extra fat, and wrinkles are signs of life, love, sadness, sorrow, and birthing of live humans. These are things I can say I lived through and can tell the tale! I don’t want a doctor to alter or add to them.

Skincare routine: “I remove my makeup with coconut oil-based face wipes and then apply argan oil as my moisturizer instead of a commercial brand that may include alcohol as a drying agent. I have oily skin, so it seems counterintuitive to apply oil, however I find that my skin doesn’t produce as much oil when it’s kept very moisturized. I also live in a very humid climate most of the year, so having the oil in my pores before I apply my makeup keeps it from soaking in or sliding off in high temps.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I don’t like the way it looks. I’m all about smiling and don’t like when I see people whose muscles are frozen in place by toxins.”

Open to it in the future? “Only for medical purposes — never to reduce wrinkles.”

Skin care routine: "In the morning and every evening I use a spinner brush with cleanser, toner, Vitamin C and argan, oil, fade cream, and in the evening a retinol cream."

Why I've never had Botox: "I want to know the woman I will become as I age."

Open to it in the future? "No, absolutely not."

Skincare routine: “I use Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($10) in the morning and at night. I apply Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer ($8) in the a.m. before using Lancôme foundation ($47) with SPF. Also, at night, after cleansing, I use L'Occitane Ultra Rich L'Occitane Comforting Cream ($34).”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “The thought of someone putting needles in my face is terrifying. I had a horrible skin as a teenager. I mean horrible. I used every kind of cream and prayer to get rid of my acne. Throughout my twenties, I thought I’d never have good skin, so now that it’s pretty good I'm so grateful. Also, philosophically, I just feel like I've earned my wrinkles and would rather use that money to buy more lipstick and get more pedicures.”

Open to it in the future? “I guess I'm open to it, but have no plans to use it. I have only admiration for people who do get Botox.”

Skincare routine: “I'm very careful about what I put in, and on, my body. I believe beauty starts on the inside, and my skin seems to agree. I'm a strict vegetarian, don't smoke or drink, and have never been a sun worshipper. I also only use cruelty-free, vegetarian or vegan, and ideally organic products on my face. I stay hydrated, don't use harsh cleansers on my face, and wear very little makeup. If I’m not wearing makeup, I simply cleanse with water, using a washcloth for gentle exfoliation, and finish with a moisturizer. This has kept people guessing my true age for years (they are always shocked when I tell them how old my kids are). While water alone has been my friend for years, my current skin care regimen follows the 10-step Korean method.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “Putting toxins in your body in order to look better? Never! Plus, you can almost always tell when someone has had Botox.”

Open to it in the future? “Absolutely not!”

Skincare routine: “My skin regimen includes eliminating processed foods from my diet and incorporating more organic fruits and veggies. I limit alcohol to the weekends and drink mainly filtered water. Eating this way also helps balance my hormones, which is important for perimenopausal and menopausal women. As far as what I put on my skin, I use a high-quality organic sunscreen when going to the beach and stay mostly under an umbrella. My daily routine is to wash my face in the morning and evening with a organic cream cleanser followed by a toner, vitamin infused serum, moisturizer, and eye cream. I'll use a scrub or mask once or twice a week and a pumpkin enzyme peel once or twice a month. All of my makeup is organic and free of toxins.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I’ve been concerned with side effects and the potential to have an expressionless look. As a health coach, I'm constantly looking at limiting the toxins we’re exposed to in our environment. Why would I want to inject myself with more?

Open to it in the future? “At this point in time, I don't see myself having Botox treatments. I'll continue with my healthy lifestyle habits and spend those dollars on better quality nutrient dense foods.”

Skincare routine: “In the morning, I wash my face with a creamy cleanser and add moisturizer when I go to the gym. When I get back and shower, I wash it again, do a treatment with a skin stimulator, add a serum, moisturizer, and then my makeup. At night, I take off my makeup with a foam cleanser and washcloth followed by a grainy substance and a brush. Then I add serum, night cream, and that's it. Yes, it takes time, but, hey, my look is important in my line of work.”

Why I’ve never had Botox: “I’ve had lots of surgeries (16, to be exact) and am a three-time breast cancer champion, so just didn't want any more poking and prodding.”

Open to it in the future? “If I knew it would make a big difference and could afford everything it took, maybe, but it would have to be proven to me. And, think about it, I’ll be 80 in six months so . . . do I really want to start now?”