Backlash Against Rachel Arderi Over Cosmetic Procedure Advice: "Don't Give Such Guidance to Youth"

The Cuban influencer Rachel Arderi has stirred a storm of criticism on social media after sharing a reel on Instagram where she documents her second botox session and advocates for the preventive use of the procedure starting as young as 18.

In the video released on Thursday, the 23-year-old Arderi explains that she had previously undergone one botox application but chose not to disclose it publicly until she felt fully convinced and pleased with the results. The procedure took place at a Miami aesthetic center.

“You don't have to wait until you're 40 or 50 to start using botox, because if you delay until that age, the process becomes much more tedious and the results take much longer to appear,” the content creator asserted in her reel.

Arderi argued that botox serves a preventative role against expression lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes, adding that "even someone from the age of 18 can start using botox." She clarified, however, that her intention was not to incite but to share information about aesthetic procedures that she believes are often misunderstood.

The reactions were swift. Some followers questioned both her personal choice and the message she is sending to her young audience. "Girl, don't give that advice to youth; what you're saying isn't true, and many young girls admire you and are influenced by you. Very bad advice. At 23, you don't need botox," one user commented.

Other commentators were more blunt in highlighting the misinformation. "Exactly, she's totally misinforming. She says you can use it at 18. Oh my God, you don't start losing collagen until after 25," another follower responded.

A 27-year-old user shared her own experience: "I tried to get it done, and the clinic wouldn't let me; they gave me reasons and effects. I gave up and try to stick with less harmful products. I just think when she reaches my age, she'll look older."

Not all feedback was negative. Some supporters defended her right to make decisions about her own body: "It's true you don't need any cosmetic procedure, you're already beautiful without it. But if you want to do it for prevention, it's perfect."

Arderi is no stranger to controversy. Earlier in March, she faced criticism for appearing at the gym without filters or makeup, and she has publicly responded to detractors regarding her personal style and life choices on several occasions.

From a medical standpoint, the debate over preventive botox in young individuals does not have a clear-cut answer. Experts consulted by Infobae indicate that it might be valid with clinical indication between the ages of 20 and 30 but warn that in most young people without significant expression lines, there's no clear recommendation. True prevention of skin aging primarily revolves around using sunscreen and maintaining healthy habits.

Arderi concluded her video with a reflection that encapsulates her stance: “It's not that I don’t want to get old, but I feel that as long as we can improve our body, our skin, our face, why shouldn't we?”