INJECTABLES 101

A pinch of info to help determine which poke-if any-is for you

- HEATHER MUIR MAFFEI

WE'RE AGING AND we're grateful for it! If you love your lines, skip this story. If you're ready for something more serious than skin care, read every word. With more than 25 years of experience, Ellen Marmur, MD, creator of MMSkincare and founder of Marmur Medical in New York City, walks us through three popular injectables. "The most important part is finding a board-certified dermatologist who understands all the muscles that make up the puzzle of your face," she says. Go to find-a-derm.aad.org to pinpoint (heh) a qualified MD near you. And feel free to bring these pages with you to your appointment!

Neuromodulator

WHAT IT IS "A live toxin called botulinum that's injected in tiny amounts to block muscles in your face that create wrinkles," Marmur explains. Brands that are FDA-approved include Botox (the original, with the longest track record); Dysport; Daxxify (which Marmur says tends to last the longest); Xeomin (which has fewer additives than the others); and Jeuveau. They're all pretty similar, and the one used will depend on your derm's preference.

WHAT IT DOES Smooths wrinkles so you look younger and more relaxed.