Don’t we all strive to age gracefully and to look our best? The cosmetic industry works hard to achieve these challenging goals by offering a variety of treatments. The most popular and effective anti-aging procedure is Botox. Following your treatment, you may be wondering how to make your botox last longer.
How does Botox work? During the procedure, type A botulinum toxin is injected into your facial muscles, weakening the connection between your nerves and muscles. This, in turn, prevents those muscles from contracting as much, especially when you smile, resulting in a smooth surface over the fine lines and wrinkles. A taut, wrinkle-free, lifted skin follows after treatment. A recent study by Scientific Reports found that botox works as a highly effective treatment against facial lines and wrinkles.
The popular, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment generally lasts for up to six months and is quite expensive. After investing your hard-earned money, you would want to extend the benefits of the treatment without spending an extra penny.
To enjoy younger-looking skin for a little longer and get a better idea of maximizing your Botox treatment, here are some easy tips you can follow.
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#1 Get more collagen
Collagen supplements in conjunction with Botox treatment can make it last longer and improve the skin’s appearance. Simply put, as we grow older, our bodies produce less collagen (the most abundant body protein), leaving us with dry and saggy skin.
By taking collagen supplements consistently, your skin’s hydration, texture, and elasticity will improve. A study confirms that consuming collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity, firmness, and moisture. By increasing collagen density, collagen peptides ultimately maximize your Botox treatment effects. Apart from supplements, adding foods rich in collagen to your diet is another way to increase your collagen levels.
#2 Stock up on zinc supplements
One of the ways to get the most out of your treatment is to supplement your diet with zinc. In a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 92% of patients using zinc and phytase supplementation noticed an average improvement in Botox, whereas those taking a placebo saw no benefits. The study concluded that zinc supplements might potentially extend the duration of anti-aging treatment.
Dermatologists recommend the supplements to people who are deficient in zinc because it speeds up the process. Take these supplements at least 3-4 days prior to your treatment.
#3 Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Hydration is essential for achieving good skin. After Botox, your skin may experience inflammation and dehydration. To prevent this, dermatologists suggest drinking more liquids, especially water.
When it comes to skincare products, opt for humectants. Hyaluronic acid acts as a magical ingredient to instantly hydrate your skin, intensifying the effects of the treatment.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open published a study wherein botox and hyaluronic acid was injected into the subjects’ wrinkled facial skin. The result? Post-treatment, there was an improvement in fine lines on the crow’s feet and forehead. Moreover, the skin became hydrated and formed a strong moisture barrier at 4 and 8 weeks.
#4 Skincare dos and don’ts
There may be a slight irritation around the injected area. However, avoid rubbing or massaging it. By doing so, Botox can move into the wrong areas, altering the final result.
During the first few days, use a mild face cleanser. The Botox treatment can last longer if you follow a proper skincare routine that includes moisturizing your skin regularly with your regular moisturizer.
Unless your esthetician says otherwise, avoid damaging your skin with exfoliators, peels, or masks for at least a week. Doing so can damage the areas that have been injected with Botox, which can even reverse the effects of the treatment.
Apply serums that contain antioxidants to heal the skin. At the same time, refrain from applying any active serums, such as retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs for at least three days after treatment.
After the procedure, it is a good idea not to put on makeup for at least 24 hours. Instead of brushes, use clean fingers to apply makeup.
Moving your face around after getting Botox is highly recommended — smile, frown, and raise your eyebrows — of course, without touching your face.
#5 Cut back on the stress
Stress can take many forms: from last-minute presentations to an uninvited pimple. Stress can often lead to excessive frowning and tense facial expressions, which can significantly reduce the effects of Botox injections.
After your Botox injections have been performed, avoid stress as much as possible to maintain your skin suppleness.
#6 Eat better
There are two rules to follow for good skin post-procedure: eating right and keeping active. A good diet containing proteins, vitamins, and minerals is essential when you regularly take Botox treatments.
Pre and post-treatment, resume your usual diet — however, avoid alcohol, caffeine, aspirin, ibuprofen, Niacin supplement, high-sodium and high-sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods as these contribute to inflammation.
If you regularly chew gum, you may want to stop for a few weeks. Chewing gum strengthens your masseter muscle and accentuates your jawline — the exact opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish — minimizing the results.
Avoid limiting your food proportions to lose weight, especially on the face. It can easily distort the effectiveness of Botox treatment, eventually wearing it down.
#7 Say hello to sun protection
Strong UVB and UVA rays can do great damage to youthful skin. In fact, these bad guys are to blame for the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet on the skin. Not only that, but these harmful rays generate free radicals that destroy anything underneath your skin, particularly where Botox neurotoxins are injected.
Be sure to wear medical-grade sun protection at an SPF of 30 or higher as an essential step in your skincare regime. There is a golden rule: the more SPF, the more powerful it is.
During the hottest parts of the day, you should avoid being outside between 12 and 4 PM. In this way, the skin cells will be less damaged, and the Botox procedure will be more effective and longer-lasting.
#8 Maintain an ideal weight
If you are a workout enthusiast or train hard, take a break from your fitness regimen — for a day or two. Following this period, you can perform less strenuous exercises like walking and cycling.
The reason behind light exercises is, doing continuous physical activities can pump your metabolism, which can lead to Botox chain breaking, which will ultimately bring down the effects of the Botox injections.
In some cases, your dermatologist will recommend facial exercises if you want Botox to last longer. According to some studies, nearly 70% of these exercises show significant results not immediately but over time.
#9 Avoid heavy workouts
Following your procedure, ideally, wait for at least a day or two. To stay on the safe side, wait up to a week before exercising. A heavy workout can drastically affect your treatment:
- First, regular exercise causes sweating. When you wipe it off, you might apply unwanted pressure on your face without even realizing it.
- Second, as your blood flow increases, Botox diffuses from the injection area, which could temporarily paralyze surrounding muscles. What’s worse, increases in blood pressure can cause bruising or swelling at the injection site.
- Third, because exercising involves a lot of movement, frequent changes in head position can cause the Botox to migrate. Even low-impact workouts like yoga or pilates can put enough facial strain to reduce the results.
One by one, a botox treatment can go wrong for any of these reasons, and it will show a straight impact on the area treated with Botox.
To avoid all these consequences, do not plan your exercise schedule around your treatment, at least for the time being. Taking a break also allows us to prolong the Botox treatment’s life a little and enjoy its benefits longer.
#10 Stop smoking
Everyone has always been at risk from smoking cigarettes. Did you know this habit speeds up the process of wrinkle formation and makes you appear older than you actually are?
Especially after Botox treatment, you must follow proper care. Pay attention to the areas where you have been injected, and smoking is a strict no-no.
Smoking causes your muscles to contract regularly, which may damage your treatment after-effects. Smoking robs your skin of oxygen and nutrients. So, if you keep smoking, it may take longer for any bruising from the treatment to heal. This surely does not allow the Botox to last longer and might even leave some permanent scars.
For the treatment to be effective, refrain from drinking alcohol 24 hours before and after the treatment.
#11 Undergo a maintenance treatment program
How many months does a Botox treatment last? Does Botox last longer the more you use it? Why does my Botox not last long? These are all common questions that your esthetician will address better.
Botox injections are extremely popular, so some of us incline to use the treatment frequently. However, your facial muscles are sensitive, and this approach might cause your skin to become more vulnerable to damage.
Discuss maintenance treatments with your doctor if you experience any side effects after the treatment. In this way, you’ll be able to schedule appointments before your results tail off.
Some Extra Tips
- Don’t touch your face unnecessarily, especially on the areas treated with Botox.
- You should also change your sitting posture so that the effects of the injections do not change.
- Avoid sleeping on the side especially where it has been injected. Therefore, you will be less likely to pressure the affected areas.
- Go makeup-free for at least a day immediately after receiving the injections, as some cosmetics can irritate the skin.
- Stay calm and relaxed through the entire Botox treatment process. As with all good things, it takes time for them to reach us, so the longer it takes to heal, the more fascinating the treatment outcome will be.
Final thoughts
Follow these effective methods to make your Botox last longer and maintain its efficacy on your skin.
Avoid scheduling regular sessions of Botox injections and only make an appointment after three to seven months of your latest treatment.
Even better, if your facial muscles begin to train themselves to contract less, the time period for each treatment will be considerably longer than usual.
A well-planned schedule will only reduce the chances of any noticeable changes on your face in the long run.
