Beauty Without Compromise: Thoughts on Aging, BTX, and Self-Care
/Hot Flashes, “Midlife Disease” and the Tox Break Up
For me, 2025 didn’t start with a bang, but with a flash…as in hot flashes.
Yup, on January 2nd, menopause started for me. Some wise women from my cold-water swim group joked, “Welcome to the Crones Club!” Gee, thanks. When I got plantar fasciitis a few years ago, someone also said, "Welcome to midlife disease." Gee, thanks. Chatting about my year starting with hot flashes got a good laugh though. It opened up a whole new conversation about how our mothers and grandmothers never talked about it - they suffered in silence without the choice to age gracefully.
If we embrace the aging process and use science-based skincare products, natural methods, and technologies, we can look our very best. We can achieve regeneration without compromise or consequences by taking care of our bodies - aided by advanced technologies.
The Veil is Lifted
The new year marked the start of the next phase for me. Last year, I began to speak up and set boundaries. It might have ruffled a few feathers, but I realized it’s either stuff my feelings down with food or speak my mind.
As I move into this next stage of life - aging and "menopausing" - I’ve also discovered shocking information about The Tox (neurotoxin injections widely known as BTX) and other injectables. It woke me up, and like a toxic relationship, it was over for me - I broke it off.
Unspoken Side-Effects
Like many practitioners, I had the blinders on. But even a quick look on Wikipedia explains the real risks. My heart had always whispered doubts, and with just a little investigation, I finally listened.
Neurotoxin definition: A poison that acts on the nervous system.
Injectables are made from a neurotoxin called botulism. A neurotoxin acts on the nerves by blocking the signals between nerves and muscles, causing temporary muscle paralysis.
It’s like a veil has been lifted. I feel called to speak up - especially for women, and especially young women - who are being sold the idea of "baby BTX" as early as in their twenties.
Fillers are another slippery slope. Hit the wrong vein, and you could be in serious trouble. At first, it’s just a little…then it becomes the norm…and then you want a little more. And when do you stop? 60? 70? 80? Seriously - when do we embrace aging gracefully and naturally?
Some will say these treatments are "purified," but poison is poison. Neurotoxins kill nerve endings to paralyze muscles (including some very close to the brain!). Our incredible bodies work to regrow those nerves, but that’s why the effects wear off and why repeat treatments are needed.
A Shift in Perspective
Clients often ask me what I think about neurotoxin injections. My answer used to be, “I’m not completely for or against it.” But my tune has changed. Many have expressed relief to hear a professional encouraging total health and wellness in a world filled with social pressure to take extreme risks for beauty.
Yes, we have offered this treatment at Nivali in the past. I thought it would complement my business. I wondered why so many naturopaths offered it too - it felt counterintuitive - but I didn’t question it deeply until now.
Providers are now using the term "neuromodulator injections" to soften the language, but it’s just clever marketing.
While visiting an IG page called @nevertox, I found a podcast featuring a lawyer (Ray Chester) who represented clients with BTX injuries. It raised the question: why aren’t people being clearly warned that these injections can cause adverse reactions including paralysis, nerve disorders, and even death? (FDA label source, WHO botulism fact sheet). If you’re interested in learning more about civil trial lawyer Ray Chester and his clients, check out this podcast episode.
Plain & Simple: What Do Toxins Do to Our Skin and Body?
Toxins are free radicals that age us. Yet somehow injecting botulism to "look younger" has become normal. Droopy eyelids after injections? Don’t worry - they offer more injections for that! Headaches after a neuromodulator? Blurred vision? Dry eyes? Many clients have told me their symptoms disappeared after stopping tox injections.
I drank the Kool-aid too - I’ve had neurotoxin injections about six times over the last eight years. It erased my forehead stress lines, but made no real difference in my life. Oddly, I accepted headaches after injections but switched hair dye brands when one gave me headaches. Go figure!
Our values at Nivali - read our About page here - stand stronger now. Nothing much has changed, but my purpose and passion for wellness, skin health and natural beauty have deepened.
Part of me was scared to write this article. Afraid people would feel judged. I’m not here to judge - only to plant a seed and invite others to be more informed. Clients have expressed relief to hear a professional encouraging total health and wellness in a world filled with social pressure to take extreme risks for the sake of beauty.
The Solution = Self-Care
My morning practice of getting up early has changed. My husband also gets up to do his morning practice and I like the space to myself, so I moved ‘teepees’ out to our deck. Bundled up and with coffee in hand, I sit in the crisp air, under the stars and moon for my silent prayer.
No sound of birds this early in the morning yet, but once they start it’s my cue to get up a bit earlier and move into a spring sleep cycle. I have realized that my body needs more sleep in the winter. The more I practice a morning routine the more my body, mind and soul crave it. I pause and practice having faith, and feel a sense of peace when I hear the soft voice inside me. Even so, it’s still easy for my mind to default to fear and busy-ness.
Many things can be considered self-care: healthy eating, meal prep, dancing, bath, skincare, working hard yet playing full out, resting instead of ‘doing’, community, holiday time, saying hi to a stranger, making food for a neighbor, clearing clutter and immersing in nature.
Following our passions and doing what we love brings joy, just as having faith, finding peace, and embracing stillness does. Good health shows in a sparkle in our eyes, glowy skin, healthy hair and bright smile.
Where Does This Leave Nivali?
I have always been about rejuvenation, skin health, collagen stimulation, natural beauty, rest and holistic wellness.
True skin rejuvenation comes from the inside out. We all want to age well - what does that mean? Beautiful skin comes from the inside, deserving of caring for ourselves, pausing and resting, filling our own cup to be of service to others, and good science based skin care. Plus, of course, seeing a good skin care specialist as your skin’s needs change from season to season. Science-based skincare is also an incredible way to achieve skin rejuvenation: microneedling, retinol, sunscreen… proven methods that offer safe, real results.
People are often surprised by my age. It’s not magic - it’s a commitment to health, joy, balance, faith, lots of laughter, and staying curious about life. My biggest supports? My husband, my friends, great coaches, and my faith in God - which, honestly, I have to remind myself to lean on every single day. All is well.
For Further Reading:
If you want to dig deeper into some of the information I mentioned:
Disclaimer: This post reflects personal experiences, opinions, and information intended for general knowledge and discussion purposes only. It is not intended to provide or substitute for medical advice. Readers should always consult a healthcare provider regarding any medical or aesthetic treatments. Nivali makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes based on this information.