How I Ditched the Botox

In my early twenties, I worked for luxury beauty brands - and I used a lot of skincare. I wanted to try everything (so I did). By my late twenties, I’d added “preventative” Botox to my eleven-step skincare routine, convinced it was the secret to glowing skin. Spoiler: it wasn’t.

What I actually needed was skincare purchased with intention - kinder products, hydration from within, and protection for my epidermis. Once I made some changes to my daily rituals, the results spoke for themselves. I was finally able to step away from those needle top-ups every four months. Now, in my mid-thirties, my skin is the best it has ever been. Here’s how I did it.

Retinol < Retinal < Bakuchiol

Retinol is a real buzzword — everyone seems to be using it. But did you know that our skin can’t actually absorb retinol directly? It has to convert it first into retinal, and then into retinoic acid - which is the active form responsible for that cell renewal and anti-ageing effect we love.

The problem is that retinol can be harsh. It often causes dryness, sensitivity, and can make skin more vulnerable to sun damage. That was definitely my experience. After introducing retinol, my skin became dry, dull, and lifeless. Botox gave me back some glow, but I wanted more from my skincare — not injections.

So, I switched to retinal, which our skin can process more easily. It helped, but I kept searching for something gentler and more natural. That’s how I discovered bakuchiol — a plant-based alternative that offers the same benefits as retinoids without the harsh side effects. It’s also photostable, meaning you can use it during the day (just don’t skip your SPF!).

Every product at A Banana Moon I have formulated for myself, to meet my own high standards. You’ll find bakuchiol in our Hydra-Firm Face Cream, alongside a blend of organic, nourishing ingredients that truly cherish your skin. Its non-greasy texture makes it perfect for layering under SPF or makeup while still keeping skin hydrated.

That “Glass Skin” Look

When I started researching natural ways to support ageing skin, I kept coming across facial yoga, massage, and lymphatic drainage. It makes sense — we work out our bodies, so why not our faces?

As a busy mum, I rarely have the energy at bedtime for a full routine, so I found a realistic compromise: one minute of facial massage with a gua sha. These little tools are amazing for sculpting, promoting drainage, and helping calm the nervous system through gentle, rhythmic movement. I don’t always manage it, but when I do, I notice the difference.

If you’re new to gua sha, always use it with an oil so it glides smoothly over your skin. Which brings me to my next pillar of good skincare…

Epidermal Protection

For years, I believed skincare spend should focus on the cellular level — supporting the “mother cells” deep down that new ones replicate from. While that’s important, I’ve learned that the outer layer deserves just as much care. Those surface cells might be at the end of their journey, but they still need nourishing.

One of the best things I did for my skin was simplify my cleansing. I stopped cleansing in the morning (yes, really). Now I wash with just water, unless I’ve had a particularly tough night. In the evenings, I use our Blue Tansy Cleansing Balm to remove mascara and SPF, followed by a mild cleanser. I also swapped harsh acid toners and exfoliants for gentler, hydrating options.

To protect my skin barrier further, I always finish with an oil. Because oil molecules are larger than those in water-based serums, they sit on the surface — sealing in moisture, boosting radiance, and soothing the skin. My go-to is our Recovery Oil, made with jojoba (my favourite oil for the face), vitamin E, and botanical extracts of rose and frankincense. It’s perfect as the final step in your routine, and works beautifully with a gua sha or even just your fingertips for a calming massage.

Youth From Within

Of course, no skincare routine is complete without talking about hydration. When we sweat, we lose water and essential minerals, salts, and lipids. So simply drinking water isn’t enough to keep skin truly hydrated. If you’re not hydrated internally, your face will be the first place to show it.

The fine lines I once relied on Botox to smooth? They were mostly dehydration. My epidermal focus combined with adding electrolytes to my daily routine eliminated them. I used to avoid electrolytes because of the synthetic flavours, but there are now so many near-tasteless options — and I couldn’t imagine being without them.

Other game-changers include a collagen-rich diet (I use a hydrolysed collagen supplement) and, of course, an extra half hour of sleep whenever possible. Your skin will thank you.

In summary

Ditching Botox wasn’t about rejecting cosmetic treatments; it was about rediscovering what my skin truly needed. By nourishing, protecting, and hydrating my skin with intention, I discovered that radiance doesn’t come from quick fixes — it comes from care. The result? A clearer complexion (bye bye foundation), velvety softness, and a naturally lifted glow that feels completely my own. 

If you fancy trying this approach, our Facial in a Box is a beautiful place to start. It comes with travel-sized versions of our best-loved facial products and a rose quartz gua sha — the perfect way to bring a little ritual into your evenings.