Over the years, wellness conversations have been shifting, and, of course, everything isn’t picture-perfect, but what we can appreciate is the transparency we’re seeing in beauty. Whether it’s our favorite celebrities diving into what keeps their skin glowing or influencers letting us into their world and showing us behind-the-scenes of cosmetic surgeries, we’re in a space where we can talk about it, which brings us to today’s Black Wellness Edit topic: Botox.
In the spirit of National Botox Day, we’re here to dive into all the things you need to know about the injections with the help of Reena Gray, CRNP, founder of Gray Aesthetics, to chat about some of the major concerns, myths, and helpful tips surrounding the treatments.
“We’re in a season where wellness is just as important as how we look on the outside,” Gray told EBONY. “The conversation has shifted from ‘fixing’ to ‘enhancing’ and even supporting our overall health, and with more people being open about what they’re doing and why, it’s helping others understand that Botox isn’t just cosmetic—it can be part of a thoughtful, holistic care plan.”
There are many common misconceptions about what it means to have Botox, and if you’re thinking about giving the injections a try, it’s important to have all the facts. Grab your pen and paper, and let’s dive in.
What is Botox?
According to Gray, Botox, also known as Tox, is a neuromodulator that temporarily freezes commonly used muscles. “The most common areas are the 11’s or in between your brows, forehead, and crow’s feet or the areas around the eyes,” Gray said. “It helps relax those dynamic movement that helps give the skin a natural glow.”
Botox is Used for Health Reasons
Despite what the internet and social media say, many people indulge in Botox for things like chronic migraines, jaw pain, or teeth grinding and excessive sweating. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that it ‘freezes your face’ or makes you look fake,” Gray said. “When done correctly, Botox is incredibly subtle—it simply softens expression lines and helps you look more rested, not overdone.”
Botox can be used at any age, despite the common misconception that it is only for a certain demographic or those with noticeable signs of aging. “It is truly for anyone who wants to age gracefully and with intention,” Gray said.
If You’re Going to Do Research Through Social Media, Follow the Experts
Whether we like it or not, social media is the place where people get most of their information. While it’s your choice what you put into your digital diet and algorithm, it’s important to at least have experts on your timeline. Gray embraces social media as an outlet to debunk many myths as an aesthetic expert. “People are now learning directly from licensed professionals and real patients, not just from glossy ads or word of mouth,” she said. “With reels, TikToks, and lives, there’s a level of transparency that didn’t exist before. It’s also helped correct myths and show people what the process actually looks like.”
Own Your Routine & Lead with Education
If you find yourself nervous or hesitant about what Botox involves, remember that education is key. There’s no need to feel shame or want to hide when things are rooted in science and expertise.
“We’ve reached a point where Black women are reclaiming the narrative around beauty and self-care,” Gray said. “For so long, we’ve been told that ‘black doesn’t crack’ and investing in oneself can come off as superficial, but now we are seeing more Black women feel more empowered and become more transparent with their treatments to the right audience. It’s not about hiding—it’s about owning our routines and showing other women that there’s nothing shameful about doing what makes you feel good. That level of honesty helps break down stigma, especially in our communities.”