4 Botox Alternatives That Smooth Wrinkles and Plump Skin for Less—No Needles Required

You’ve entered menopause, and suddenly the skin you see in the mirror doesn’t look quite like the skin you’re used to. Perhaps you’ve considered Botox to reduce wrinkles to restore that volume in your cheeks that seems to be missing lately, but you’re not thrilled about the cost or the needles. That’s where we come in! We spoke to a top dermatologist about more affordable, needle-free Botox alternatives that may help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give your skin that collagen boost you’ve been wanting—minus the pain and hefty price tag.

Why we lose collagen during menopause 

“Collagen is a structural protein that helps keep the skin firm, smooth and supported,” explains Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and assistant clinical professor at Weill Cornell Medicine. “As we age, collagen production naturally declines, contributing to fine lines, wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity.”

And when you’ve officially reached menopause, meaning you’ve gone 12 months without a period, your body’s collagen levels can shift, explains Dr. Garshick. “Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining collagen, and its decline during menopause can accelerate collagen loss, contributing to thinner skin, reduced firmness and increased dryness,” says Dr. Garshick. 

Collagen loss can show up on the face in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, a less defined jawline, skin texture changes and a shift in skin’s elasticity, adds Dr. Garshick. That’s why so many women turn to Botox. Dr. Garshick explains that Botox temporarily relaxes facial muscles by blocking the nerve signals that tell them to contract. “This helps soften dynamic wrinkles, such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet, that develop from repeated facial expressions,” she adds. 

4 Botox alternatives for firmer, smoother skin during menopause 

While some women find Botox helpful for combatting signs of aging, for others, the cost and injection pain keep them from giving it a try. And if you fall into the latter bucket, you may feel like there’s not much you can do to help your skin. But there are several anti-aging skincare products worth trying as an alternative to Botox. 

Although Dr. Garshick says no other skincare product can fully replicate Botox, she says certain skincare ingredients can temporarily help improve hydration, soften the appearance of fine lines and even support collagen production over time. Here are her top four recommendations: 

Peptides 

“Peptides can be used to boost collagen production and some may also work through a similar mechanism as Botox to help prevent the signals that cause facial muscles to contract,” says Dr. Garshick. 

Product pick: The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% ($9.70)

Dr. Garshick says this budget-friendly serum provides a lightweight option that may also help soften the appearance of expression lines. “It is best to apply a few drops as directed on the label, and it can be used once or twice daily,” she adds. “While it does not replace Botox, it can be used in combination or for someone who prefers to avoid injections.” 

Hyaluronic acid

“The use of a humectant like hyaluronic acid can help to plump the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Garshick.

Product pick: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($39.99)

This serum helps retain and attract moisture, helping plump skin so fine lines are less noticeable, explains Dr. Garshick. “Apply a few drops daily as directed,” she adds. 

Retinoids 

“Retinoids help to boost collagen production, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Garshick. 

Product pick: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Triple Serum ($37.99)

Looking for a skincare product that pulls double duty for menopausal skin? Dr. Garshick says this product can help boost collagen production while also improving both skin texture and fine lines. “Start two or three nights per week and increase as tolerated,” she recommends. “Retinol works gradually, not like the immediate muscle-relaxing effect of Botox.” Just be sure to avoid retinoids during pregnancy.

Barrier-supporting moisturizers

“Ingredients like ceramides or sea buckthorn can be used to help support the skin barrier, which can help the skin retain moisture,” Dr. Garshick says, which may help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Product pick: Sibu Sea Buckthorn Oil Rejuvenating Night Cream ($39.95)

This product can make fine lines look softer, support the skin barrier and replenish moisture, says Dr. Garshick. “Apply nightly,” she recommends. “Products to support the skin barrier primarily improve hydration and skin comfort rather than producing Botox-like muscle relaxation.”

The bottom line on Botox alternatives for smoother skin

If you’ve noticed changes in your skin’s tone and texture since entering menopause and want to do something about them, know there are Botox alternatives that can help. “We can take meaningful steps to protect collagen and improve the appearance of our skin,” confirms Dr. Garshick. “Daily sun protection, a gentle moisturizer and a well-tolerated retinol can make a real difference over time, and a simple, consistent routine is often more valuable than spending money on lots of products.”

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