Researchers at Proctor and Gamble (the folks who sell Oil of Olay) have been looking at data from the Human Genome Project, and they have found not just one, but about 1500 individual genes linked to wrinkles. The hope is to move away from mere topical moisturizers: “[I]f specific genes can be controlled or stimulated, then anti-aging products of the future can and will yield better results by doing exactly that.”

But of course there’s a caveat: “Skin ages in eight separate ways, each one controlled by its own group of genes. Whether you grow old gracefully depends partly on your lifestyle and partly on these genes.” Things like sunscreen will still play an important role in looking good as we get older. After all, “Research demonstrated that skin not exposed to the sun had about 3,800 genetic mutations whereas the same selected genes in sun-aged skin rose to nearly 10,000.”

This should make a dent in the pricing of Botox treatments: Dysport, a competing preparation of Botulinum toxin has been approved for use int he US. This is probably ultimately not the best thing for the American consumer. Already, there have been global problems with misuse of Botox including problems with people mail ordering it for home use. Further the FDA has become increasingly concerned about possible overuse of these compounds to the point of issuing an FDA warning that, surprise, these compounds are poisons.

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A major dermatology journal has confirmed what we already knew. It takes more Botox to get the same results in men. This isn’t new information but having a peer reviewed article like this one might help men understand better why it costs so much more for their Botox than it does for women.

Botox is a commodity product that prices out by the unit. Often when a provider charges “per area” they are figuring towards 15-20 units per area of the face. That’s enough to be sure that most women will get a good result. Obviously, with men needing often twice that much it’s much more difficult to price “per area.” Per unit pricing makes more sense for everyone.

Don’t get confused or ripped off with “per area” pricing. Make sure that you’re getting what you are paying for. Here in Las Vegas, the going rate for Botox Cosmetic seems to be about $12/unit. That means that a $240 “area” should be 20 units. Make sure you’re getting what you pay for. Interested in laser treatment? Check out the moxi laser before and after here!