Twenty-four-year-old Natalie Garcia started using Botox two years ago. Why would anyone that age turn to Botox? You may be surprised to learn that Botox can prevent future wrinkling. “I like having nice skin, it makes me feel confident, so why not? When my skin actually starts aging, during my later years, I think it’ll be beneficial.” Natalie is not the only 20-something to use Botox. CBS Chicago, Dec. 4, 2012, reports on the growing trend of young people who get Botox injections to prevent wrinkles, not to erase them.

This trend is not limited to women. Twenty-seven-year-old Blake Troiani started getting Botox injections this year. “Forehead lines were my biggest concern. I think they make you look older, a little more tired.” Since receiving his injections, he’s enjoyed compliments from family and friends that he looks rejuvenated and much younger.

The science behind Botox is simple. Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the facial muscles. If you start using Botox at a younger age, you’ll need injections less often because attacking the fine lines early on will prevent future deep wrinkles from forming. “Because the muscles can’t move anymore, those lines don’t get etched into the skin,” said the co-director of cosmetic dermatology at Rush University Medical Center. He also said, “Some people, they can go seven, eight, nine months even a year without Botox because they just keep those muscles in check.”

Doctors said patients could become addicted to Botox injections, because they love the results. The average cost is $200 to $600 for each area on your face that’s treated. To start out, to keep your forehead wrinkle free, most people need Botox injections every three to four months.

If you’re interested in Botox injections, follow these rules to get the best results: have the injections in a licensed medical facility, make sure you are being injected with Botox cosmetic and, most important, make sure your injector is board-certified in an appropriate specialty such as plastic surgery or dermatology.