A mother has spoken out about the social pressure she feels to get Botox after receiving comments about her wrinkles.
Imogen Horton, from Brighton, says she has been pregnant or breastfeeding for the past four years of her life.
The full-time content creator took to her Instagram page, where she has over 330,000 followers, to open up about her feelings about aging as a woman in her thirties.
The 31-year-old said: ‘I sat down to do my skincare routine and wanted to talk about the social pressure I feel to get Botox.
‘I feel very lucky with my skin. I am very grateful and blessed by my grandmother because she gave me beautiful skin.
Imogen Horton took to her Instagram page, where she has over 330,000 followers, to talk about how she feels about getting older as a woman in her thirties.
Imogen says she has been pregnant or breastfeeding for the past four years of her life.
“I love my skin. Lately, more than ever, I feel very confident about my skin and I go out without makeup. I feel very lucky about that.”
Imogen, who often shares videos of her family online, said she hasn’t had a break from breastfeeding for three years straight.
“Maybe I’ve wanted to get Botox. Maybe there’s been a part of me that’s wanted some Botox because I’ve felt like my lines are getting worse,” she said.
But Imogen admitted she doesn’t see herself stopping breastfeeding any time soon, meaning Botox is out of the question.
Doctors are unsure whether Botox, which is made from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, can be transferred through breast milk to babies, according to Health line in an article published in 2017.
The outlet claims that toxins produced by the bacteria can cause paralysis.
“It’s probably an insecurity. When I go places I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb and that’s definitely in the back of my mind,” Imogen explained.
‘I feel like people are looking at my lines and if they look at my forehead I think (to myself) ‘They’ve seen the lines.’
Imogen admitted that she doesn’t see herself stopping breastfeeding her children anytime soon, meaning Botox is out of the question.
Imogen admits she was very lively and adds that she won the award for “most expressive face” when she was at university.
The mother of two said she made her video to raise awareness that we all have insecurities.
She admitted she worries that skincare brands won’t want to work with her and fears she’s a “gaunt 31-year-old woman.”
The full-time content creator said she’s received “beautiful” comments about her skin, but admitted she’s also received plenty of comments about her lines.
‘I guess it must be social pressure that makes them think, “Oh my God, she has wrinkles, she needs some Botox.”
“People can put filler under their eyes and my dark circles are big. I haven’t slept well in three years, my son still doesn’t sleep.
Users took to the comments to discuss the video, with many saying they understood how Imogen felt.
“I’m just going to try to appreciate my lines because I’m not in a position to get Botox anytime soon.”
Imogen said she is not trying to offend anyone with her opinions and believes everyone should get whatever treatments they want, as long as they are safe.
Users took to the comments to discuss the video, with many saying they understood how Imogen felt.
One wrote: “I’m deeply sorry, especially as an influencer, but I’m really fighting the urge to botox my face again and accept reality again.”
Another added: “People aren’t used to seeing natural faces anymore. I love your face and being able to see your expressions. It’s good for your kids too!”
A third said: “I’ve watched your videos for years and I’ve never noticed any lines on your face. You are beautiful and the world needs more natural beauties.”
A fourth commented: “You have the right to feel how you feel my love, never apologise for it. And I think you look amazing.”