‘I want to be forever young,’ once sang Alphaville. And while it’s impossible to turn back time, there are several ways to combat aging skin without going under the knife. Out of millions of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed every year, Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, has been performed more than any other.
That’s no surprise. When it comes to smoothing out those pesky facial wrinkles and frown lines, Botox might be the most effective solution. But to ensure desired results, it’s important to follow specific guidelines, which will help prevent the liquid from migrating.
So what are the do’s and don’ts in Botox aftercare? Let’s dive in!
Plan your day the right way
Botox may seem like a quick and easy procedure, but to maximize your results, you should let your body and face rest, which means saying ‘no’ to some activities.
While it may be tempting to stick with your gym routine, for at least 24 hours following your Botox treatment, you should avoid any physical activity. Otherwise, you risk Botox spreading to other muscle groups it shouldn’t.
The same goes for spa procedures, including massage, dermabrasion, microneedling, lasers, and similar treatments.
Sit up
Four hours after getting Botox, it’s best to stay upright and avoid bending or lying down. This will ensure the protein doesn’t spread to other areas of your face and there is no bruising.
Skip alcohol (and drink plenty of water!)
Having a glass of wine might sound like an excellent way to celebrate your new look, but another important rule after getting Botox is skipping alcohol for a day or two. Since alcohol widens blood vessels, drinking it after the procedure can increase the risk of bruising.
However, keep in mind that the procedure can dehydrate the body, so you should drink more water than you usually do.
Stay out of the sun
Spending too much time in the sun is never a good idea, but after getting Botox, avoiding direct sunlight is even more critical. In fact, you should also minimize your skin’s exposure to heat. This means no saunas, steam showers, or hot baths! Since heat increases blood flow, it can cause swelling and bruising in your injection areas.
Use gentle skin care products
Now that you know what you shouldn’t do after an injection, what can you do? Give your skin some extra love and care!
To reduce swelling, you can apply ice packs or cold compresses. You can also use soothing products that won’t cause additional irritation to your skin. Just make sure not to overdo it! Your post-Botox beauty routine should be as simple as possible. Lightweight moisturizer, sunscreen, and a little serum should do the trick.
Our tip: Use a serum with hyaluronic acid – this will ensure your skin is moisturized and plumped!
Final thoughts
One of the best parts about getting Botox is that it’s quick and easy. Injections themselves usually take about 15 minutes!
Still, that doesn’t mean you should approach the treatment carelessly. The results of the procedure depend on how closely you follow the provided instructions. If you have any questions about post-Botox care or wish to schedule an appointment, get in touch with our team here. Also, don’t forget to follow our Instagram for more tips and tricks, and exclusive offers.