One day after school, I was scrolling through my TikTok feed, when I came across a video asking the question: “What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?”. This video really got me wondering what topics do I know enough about and am passionate enough about to give a full monologue on? So, for my last blog, I thought I would deviate from my narrative stories a little bit and write on a topic that I could talk forever (a speech that I have given to my family many, many times)- the importance of Botox, and its impact on society. 
Most people would never willingly put a deadly poison into their bodies. However, the injection of botulism toxin, a bacterial neurotoxin that, in its natural form, is a lethal substance, has become the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States, under its more well-recognized and much less intimidating name: Botox. During World War II, it was even rumored that Germany was prepared to use botulinum toxin as a biological weapon, which is a very dark history for a product millions of people use. Annually, Botox sales reach into the billions, because of its famous ability to smooth complexions, reflective of its obvious cultural impact. But, it is more than just cosmetics- it is a revolutionary treatment that has helped patients in many ways, such as migraine and phantom pain relief, and many urinary issues, among many other applications.
To explore the science behind the product a little bit, Botox is from Clostridium Botulinum, a bacteria with properties that are able to cause paralysis in the human body, which botulinum toxin can be derived from. The Botulism toxin operates by stopping the release of acetylcholine, halting muscle activity by blocking this neurotransmitter. That is how the product Botox smooths wrinkles; by paralyzing them away temporarily, also allowing it to paralyze muscles and treat spasms, giving it numerous medical applications. 
The impact of Botox has reached into all of our lives, in some ways more obvious than others. It has shifted the way we take care of ourselves and changed the ways of popular culture, mass media, and the world’s beauty standards as a whole, promoting the prevention of aging. However, its purpose has extended into usage well beyond these bounds, and into arenas such as health, wellness and the economy, which is why it has been so important to society.
Health and wellness, a person’s holistic state of well-being physically, socially and mentally, is a subject in which the usage of Botox has impacted greatly. Botox can greatly improve an individual’s health and quality of life, especially for people who struggle with different chronic ailments and disorders, including blepharospasm, hair loss, excessive sweating, cervical dystonia, muscle spasms, and cerebral palsy. These are just a couple of the utilizations Botox has, providing a medical basis for the usefulness of the injection.
Furthermore, Botox has massively impacted the economy, stimulating a new and booming industry that is continually progressing. Botox has left a clear mark in culture and the way we take care of ourselves and present ourselves, but it has also paved the pathway towards growing the cosmetic procedure and osteopathic fields. Osteopathic medicine is a more holistic approach to medicine that can help their patients manage chronic pain. The field has experienced exponential growth in the past decades, and is one of the fastest-growing medical fields. Its growth is parallel to the popularity of Botox. Botox is known as somewhat of a “beginner” cosmetic procedure, along with lip injections and filler, because it is non-invasive and non-surgical, making it easy for osteopathic practices to use and market, simultaneously increasing the popularity of botox and osteopathy. Similarly, the cosmetic procedure industry has experienced astronomical growth, which can be greatly credited to the increased usage of Botox. The product draws in a large number of consumers each year because it is such a normalized, non-invasive procedure, making it a well-known and trusted treatment with high amounts of effectiveness. Botox not only has cultural and medical benefits, but has also fostered growth in the economy and built massive industries. 
So, now you have it- the importance of Botox, and its importance in modern society, a subject I find absolutely fascinating. This blog definitely comes off a lot like a Botox ad, but there are also a lot of downsides to the usage of the product, relating to an unrealistic standard of beauty and affiliated problems. But, the downsides of Botox is another 40-minute presentation for another day, but the effect the product has had is undeniable. Its impact extends far beyond its plastic surgery fountain-of-youth reputation; it has single-handedly grown both the cosmetic and osteopathic markets, and revolutionized culture and mass media, truly changing the world, one injection at a time.
Well, hello Joanna! In all honesty, when I originally started reading this blog I thought it was quite an odd topic you chose. Especially since I know you are allergic to botox! But honestly, from a layman’s perspective, I could not agree with you more. I love the idea of having soft skin for the rest of my life or never sweating again. Even though that sounds great, I still would need to understand the full effects of botox before injecting it into my body. I have heard that botox only works to its full potential if you start receiving treatments at a young age. It is meant to be a preventative precaution, not a curable treatment. I liked how at the end of your blog you also included a counterclaim. It is important to be aware of the very real effects of botox before making any decisions that are permanent. I also had no idea that it was used in WWII or even that it was a toxin at all. It truly has affected society in different ways than beauty standards but also bacteria tactics. Overall you did a great job on this piece and I am glad you kept your personal experience out of the post. This way readers create their own opinion solely based on the facts.
Hi Joanna! I really like how put together your blog is; it’s very informative! I’ve always had a one track mind and just associated botox as something cosmetic. I didn’t know how much history was behind botox, with it starting as something lethal but it being used a ton within society. I actually very recently learned that botox can be used to help chronic pain as my piano teacher has gotten it before. I know it’s kind of a weird topic to talk to her about but it’s harmed her in a lot of different ways. She’s mentioned how it’s helped the pain, but it also deteriorated her muscles. However, I’ve seen botox helping a ton of people. It’s not dangerous to use in appropriate doses, it’s an inexpensive way for people to feel more confident, and it can even help with a better quality of life. Botox is a flexible way to target all sorts of issues people face without having to constantly seek out different professionals. I like how you touch upon the cosmetic and medical benefits botox has on society but also adding in the precautions people should take despite how easy it may seem.
I learned a lot from your blog!
Hello Joanna, this is such a cool blog post about such an interesting topic! Ooh I love how tik tok inspired you to write this intriguing blog post! Honestly, I didn’t know that botox had so many toxins in it until this post! I also never knew that botox was potentially used against people during world war 2. I think it is so cool how Botox goes beyond cosmetics- can even provide relief. It is so fascinating what goes into Botox, and how it operates! Yes, botox has definitely changed the way society views the beauty “standard”. While I believe everyone should do what makes them happy, sometimes I feel sad that others may feel pressure upon society to follow this, just to feel that they fit in. However, if one genuinely feels more confident in their own skin by getting botox done, I agree you do you. Botox has definitely increased revenues and popularity within the beauty category of the economy. Botox is for all of ages and all genders, which makes it a very popular cosmetic trend. I have some friends who want to be nurses, but specifically cosmetic nurses, one who will be assisting in cosmetic appointments. While botox may have been used years ago, it wasn’t this popular. Overall love the post!