Tarek El Moussa is keeping it real with his fans—and they’re here for it. To celebrate his birthday, the Flipping El Moussas star took to Instagram to give a special shoutout to his favorite cosmetic treatment: Botox. While his honesty has earned praise from many of his 1.3 million followers, it’s also sparked a lively debate among those less enthusiastic about the wrinkle-reducing treatment.
“OMG I still can’t believe I’m 43!!!” Tarek wrote in the caption. “Huge shoutout to whoever created Botox! 🤣🤣🤣 So… I celebrated my birthday in Tampa last weekend with the boss lady and incredible friends! The trip was the perfect blend of business and pleasure – exactly what we needed! From sunny adventures to unforgettable moments, it was a birthday to remember. Thank you all for the amazing birthday wishes!! I appreciate all of you.”
For those new to Botox Cosmetic (officially known as Onabotulinum Toxin A), it’s the oldest and most popular brand of neurotoxin on the market—so much so that the name “Botox” is often used to refer to the entire category. As Woodbury, NY, oculoplastic surgeon David Schlessinger, MD, told NewBeauty, “All neurotoxins work in the same way. They block the release of acetylcholine, the chemical that causes muscles to contract, from being released from the motor nerves. The nerves regenerate and movement to the muscles return.”
In simpler terms, Botox temporarily reduces muscle activity in the treated area, with effects typically lasting three to four months. It limits certain expressions—like frowning or squinting—that contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. By softening these repetitive movements, Botox helps prevent existing lines from deepening and smooths the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. (Don’t worry—you’ll still be able to make facial expressions; it just targets the muscles where it’s injected.) It’s these line and wrinkle-reducing benefits that have Tarek giving it a shoutout on his birthday.
And as promised, his fans didn’t hold back in the comments. One declared, “I love how open you are about Botox! Botox is for men too!!!” Others applauded his honesty: “‘Huge shoutout to whoever created Botox!’ Hahaha just keepin’ it real. I love you.” Another took the opportunity to ask for his advice: “What age should I start Botox?”
The critical comments, however, came from those who prefer natural aging or misunderstand neurotoxins. For example, one person wrote: “Surprised you need Botox at only 43.” To answer that and the question, “What age should I start Botox?” Louisville, KY, plastic surgeon M. Bradley Calobrace, MD, explains it’s best to start “when age lines are minimally visible or unformed,” which for most people happens in their “late 20s or early 30s.”
Remember: “Botox can help relax the expression and avoid that line from becoming permanent or getting deeper,” New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD previously told NewBeauty. Most importantly, “Your doctor will be able to best guide you if it’s really the right time for you.”
