In this modern era of technology, though blackberry smartphones are known to give you unlimited connectivity, they come with their own set of hazards.Women who spend a large part of the day scrunching their face to peer at the small screen are developing early wrinkles and then in desperation try to counter the problem by resorting to a form of Botox treatment, popularly dubbed as "BlackBerry Botox".
According to the London based anti-aging cosmetic expert, Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh, "This phenomenon is not unusual with women living in London and the South-East. It can be seen on anyone who has and regularly checks a BlackBerry or iPhone.
"The natural tendency is to squint at the screen when reading messages and as a result some people develop this area of tightness/small frown lines between the brows, which is easily rectified with the light use of Botox by an experienced doctor.”
Why excessive use of smartphones causes premature frown lines?
Wrinkles are primarily caused by the natural aging process of our skin, which unfortunately is unavoidable and inevitable.
However, the practice of constant squinting and intensely concentrating at the tiny screens creates an area of tension around and between the brows, triggering the appearance of unwanted frown lines.
The working of Botox
Dr. Sebagh who caters to the rich and famous, including Cindy Crawford uses Botox to erase the fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox is a natural protein that works to relax the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses. The result is the wrinkle softening and a good looking face.
The injected protein tends to last from four to six months, but most patients require retreatment to remove wrinkles and lines as they begin to reappear.
However, after each injection the wrinkles return as less severe as the muscles are trained to relax.
Alternative to Blackberry Botox
London beauty therapist Nichola Joss has also noticed early lines among some of her female customers addicted to their BlackBerry or iPhone.
Ms Joss stated, "I've noticed a huge difference over the past 18 months in my clients' faces - it's the constant peering intently down at that mini screen. It's the same with an iPhone."
She recommends a daily DIY massage to relieve muscle tension in the face and improve blood and lymph circulation, instead of the blackberry botox.
