You may have heard that Gwyneth Paltrow partnered with the medical aesthetics company Merz a couple of years ago to promote and basically become the global face and spokesperson for the injectable neurotoxin, Xeomin. It was a pretty big move on Paltrow’s end and surprised many of her followers as she’s always taken a very natural approach to her own personal skincare and self-care overall.
That said, it’s also not so so surprising, as Xeomin has gained a reputation as the purest and cleanest form of Botulinum toxin type A (the same foundational ingredient found in Botox), supporting Gwyneth’s approach to clean beauty—just with a little help from modern science. And she’s always been a proponent of doing what you need to do to feel good and confident in your own skin and not feeling any shame over that.
This ideology is not so far from our own here at MD Beauty Clinic. We love natural. Our goal is always to enhance natural beauty, not stifle it, and we love all the tools we have to make this possible thanks to scientific and technological advancements in the cosmetic industry.
So what’s so special about Xeomin? Why is it Gwyneth Paltrow’s number one neuromodulator? Here’s what may be at the heart of her love for this Botox alternative.
What is a Neurotoxin?
Xeomin belongs to the neuromodulator family which consists of competitors like Botox, Dysport, and the new kid on the block, Nuceiva.
What do neurotoxins or neuromodulators do? They’re an injectable treatment that block the nerve signals that basically tell your muscles to move. In other words, they cause the muscles in your face to relax so that they produce less wrinkling and furrowing.
Most people who have regular neuromodulator treatments use it as preventative measure in order to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the face over time, but they can also be used for other indications, including for medical reasons, like for treating migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and so much more.
All neurotoxins work more or less in the same way. You’ll typically see results in about two weeks following treatment and they last anywhere from 3-4 months. But some are formulated slightly differently, which is where Xeomin has recently gained quite a bit of traction and a name for itself.
The Science Behind Xeomin
So what exactly is meant when Xeomin is described as the purest, cleanest form of Botulinum toxin type A?
Well it doesn’t mean that it’s “natural.” It actually just means that it is Botulinum toxin in its purest form and that the neuromodulator has been purified of any protein additives, unlike its competitors Botox and Dysport that do contain these ingredients.
This is not to say that the protein in Botox or Dysport is bad. The protein actually often helps the body to eventually absorb and metabolize the neurotoxin. But some individuals find the proteins cause irritation or that they have a higher tolerance to neurotoxins like Botox or Dysport, making them a little less effective.
But again, this is really personal, and really just depends on your overall anatomy and how your body tolerates different neurotoxins.
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The other interesting fact about Xeomin, and may be why it’s been so effective for the furrows between Gwyneth’s brows (apparently where she often has it injected!), is that it actually doesn’t spread the way that other neuromodulators have the tendency to after being injected.
Xeomin can really manipulate targeted muscles, lifting some and lowering others, with the ability to really give shape, especially in the brow area, creating a very natural and beautiful result. That said, you really need a skilled injector who is very knowledgeable in facial anatomy and has a lot of neurotoxin experience to inject Xeomin. Unlike with Botox or Dysport, if your injector misses the targeted muscle, then the injectable won’t work due to that lack of spread.
Xeomin is bit unforgiving in this sense. If the targeted muscle is missed with other neurotoxins then there’s a chance they will spread and eventually locate the right muscle, but not with Xeomin.
Finding Your Neurotoxin Match: Botox vs. Xeomin
Just like Gwyneth Paltrow we’re big fans of Xeomin at MD Beauty Clinic. We love how versatile it can be and how it can suit pretty much anyone, and how solid the science is behind its capabilities.
That said, we’re not knocking on our other neuromodulator friends. The key to any neurotoxin treatment—and this really goes for any cosmetic treatment—is that when you’ve found the right product or treatment for you and your skin goals, it is literally a match made in heaven. Why mess with a good thing?
Xeomin clearly really works for Gwyneth Paltrow, and we’re so happy she’s found her match, but if Botox, Dysport, or Nuceiva are your secret skin weapons, no need to jump on the Xeomin train. Stick with what’s working for you and what’s making you feel nothing less than amazing ☺
