Botox has tightened, toned, lifted, and rejuvenated the faces of millions of people since its appearance in 2002. It continues to reign among non-surgical treatments, with only one drawback – its short duration. However, experienced Botox patients know there are certain “hacks” that can prolong the treatment’s effects.
This article lists fifteen tips to help you make Botox last longer.
How to Make Botox Last Longer?
The mechanism of a Botox injection is straightforward: it blocks nerve signals whose function is to instruct the muscles to move. That way, target muscles become paralyzed, moving just enough to maintain their function, but not enough to wrinkle the skin.
Our bodies recognize Botox as a foreign substance, degrade it, and eventually flush it out. When this happens, the muscle can move again and create wrinkles. Follow these recommendations to ensure smooth, wrinkle-free skin for as long as possible.
1. Prepare for the Treatment Properly
During the consultation, the medical provider instructs the patient on how to prepare for Botox. It is important to follow all advice, especially regarding what medications, supplements, cosmetic products, and treatments to avoid before the session. Some of them can interfere with the procedure and cause inflammation, which accelerates Botox breakdown.
2. Refrain from Exercise After the Treatment
Most Botox providers caution their patients against vigorous exercise after the treatment. Physical activity increases circulation and speeds up metabolism, causing faster Botox degradation. Avoid intense physical activity for 24-48 hours. Even yoga and Pilates may compromise the treatment’s effects and longevity because some positions involve bending down, potentially diffusing the neurotoxin. Leisurely walking is the safest exercise after Botox.
3. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
UV radiation is the leading factor degrading skin-building proteins, collagen and elastin, and causing premature aging. It may also accelerate the breakdown of Botox molecules. Protect the skin from the sun with sunscreen (SPF 30+), wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
4. Avoid Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases the risk of swelling and bruising. Botox providers recommend staying away from alcoholic beverages for several days before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of side effects. It is generally safe to drink after this period, but alcohol also dehydrates the skin, accelerating wrinkle formation and negating the effects of Botox.
Note: Learn more about drinking alcohol after Botox and how it can affect the results.
5. Don’t Smoke
Nicotine is another potent skin-damaging factor. It constricts blood vessels, hindering the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. Cigarette smoke also degrades collagen, accelerating the formation of aging signs. Patients who smoke may need Botox injections more frequently to maintain the results.
6. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Processed, sugary, and salty foods cause oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to collagen degradation, dehydration, dull skin, loss of skin elasticity, acne, and other skin issues. Patients who receive Botox are advised to support the results with healthy, hydrating, and antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Note: Learn how antioxidants in skin care can help protect and nourish the skin, delaying aging signs.
7. Drink Plenty of Water
Health experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water to facilitate oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells and help the body’s waste removal system flush out toxins. This helps maintain hydrated, plump, and elastic skin, potentially delaying Botox degradation.
8. Use Zinc Supplements
Some Botox providers prescribe zinc supplements several days before the treatment to reduce inflammation, increase collagen synthesis, and maximize Botox results. The mineral is thought to increase the neurotoxin’s ability to block nerve signals to targeted muscles. Patients can use supplements or incorporate zinc-rich foods into their diet, such as oysters, nuts, and whole grains.
9. Treat Your Skin Gently
The effectiveness and longevity of a Botox treatment depends on how you treat your skin, especially during the first couple of days when Botox is still settling into target muscles. Wash your face gently, and don’t rub, press hard, or pick on your skin to avoid dispersing the neurotoxin. Refrain from facials, facial massage, Gua sha, and other treatments involving mechanical pressure for 10-14 days after your injections.
10. Don’t Use Harsh Cosmetic Products
Botox providers warn against using harsh, abrasive cosmetic products within the first several days of the treatment. Retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and other ingredients and exfoliating agents can irritate the skin and interfere with Botox results. Use mild cleansers and gentle, hydrating creams to facilitate recovery. After the Botox has settled, continue to nourish and protect the skin with quality products, as they will help maintain a smooth, wrinkle-free appearance longer.
Note: Read our ultimate skincare guide to learn how to properly care for your skin.
11. Sleep on Your Back
How you sleep after the treatment can affect the treatment’s outcome. Botox providers recommend sleeping on your back if you need to lay down within the first 4 hours after your injections. This will prevent pressure, skin creasing, and Botox migration to other areas.
12. Avoid Stress
Stressful situations contribute to increased contracting of facial muscles, causing Botox to metabolize faster. High cortisol levels also degrade collagen and weaken the skin barrier, gradually accelerating skin aging. Incorporate activities that reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation, light walking, seven to nine hours of sleep, and relaxing hobbies.
13. Get Regular Botox Treatments
Regular Botox treatments help maintain a smooth complexion. In some cases, they weaken the target muscles, training them to respond to Botox for longer periods and extending the results between treatments.
14. See a Reputable, Licensed Botox Provider
Botox duration largely depends on the Botox provider’s expertise. Small doses, imprecise injections, and inadequate product use can lead to poor, short-lasting results.
15. Combine Botox with Other Treatments
Rejuvenating cosmetic treatments, such as microneedling, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and laser resurfacing can enhance and prolong Botox results. By building collagen, adding more volume, and improving skin tone and texture, these complementary treatments create a more comprehensive anti-aging effect that lasts longer. Make sure to schedule them at least two weeks after your Botox treatment.
Note: Learn more about the best skin-rejuvenating products and treatments.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Our bodies gradually degrade and remove Botox from our system. This process usually takes three to six months, depending on the patient’s age, metabolism, and behavior. Improving lifestyle habits, nurturing the skin, and taking other steps to maximize Botox results help extend them for six months and possibly longer.
Conclusion
Wrinkles are the most apparent signs of aging and Botox can magically eliminate them, rightfully earning the reputation as one of the most effective cosmetic treatments.
To make the impressive results last longer, schedule your treatment with a reputable provider and diligently follow their aftercare recommendations.
