Inside the January|February issue of Irish Country Magazine you will find our feature, The Botox Debate. In it, we delve into the topic of Botox, sharing the facts on what it does, how it works and how much it costs. We also speak with five women on their varying attitudes towards it. This article is a snippet from one of the women we interviewed.
The topic of Botox is one that always divides opinions. Over the last decade we have seen the use and accessibility to Botox become a commonplace maintenance treatment for many people. However its ease doesn’t mean that it is an option for everyone. Whether you’re pro-tox or no-tox there’s no judgement here, but it’s important to have all of the facts before making a decision for yourself. We chat with one Irish woman on why the neurotoxin is not for her.
Meet Erica Bracken, a 33-year-old freelance PR and Yoga Teacher from Cork, currently living in Lisbon. As part of her teaching and way of life, she believes that Botox is not something she wants right now or for the foreseeable future. Here she shares her thoughts on why.
Why is Botox not for you?
“For me, it comes down to energy. Botox is the antithesis of energy. It literally paralyses muscles and nerves, which means it blocks the natural flow of energy (what we call prana in yoga or Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine).”
Sharing what she does for work, Erica continues: “As a yoga teacher, I help people move energy through the body to create balance, vitality, and emotional freedom, so doing something that stops that flow, even in the face, doesn’t align with the deeper intentions of my personal practice and teaching.”
Do you think you’ll ever change your mind?
“Never say never, and I’m speaking here about Botox for cosmetic use. In medical settings, the benefits can outweigh the potential downsides.”
She continues: “But at this stage, I can’t see myself choosing something that contradicts what I teach and believe in. My values around health, energy, and authenticity feel stronger than the social pressure to look a certain way. If anything, my perspective keeps deepening as I learn more about how emotional expression and natural movement support vitality and aging well.”
What does your skincare routine look like?
“I focus on supporting my skin and energy holistically. It’s not just about being focused on the face but on the flow of energy, blood and lymph all over the body, through movement, hydration, nutrition, rest and stress management.”
Erica also says that face workouts are something she likes to do. “I try to incorporate some facial ‘workout’ daily, such as scalp and face massage, gua sha and tongue and facial muscle exercises. This releases tension, boosts lymphatic drainage, and keeps my facial muscles supple.”
“I’m also a committed advocate of using high-quality skincare that boosts collagen and cell renewal, and I’m trying to incorporate facial treatments that boost collagen production a couple of times a year, too.”
You can read the full feature, along with 4 other Irish women’s opinions in the January|February issue of Irish Country Magazine, on shelves now.
