Longer Lasting Botox This Summer
Summer has arrived, and so has the season of sunshine, vacations, and always being event-ready; but the sun and heat can bring challenges to keeping your Botox fresh and effective. Whether you're new to wrinkle relaxers or a seasoned toxer, understanding how lifestyle and environmental factors affect your treatment can make a big difference in how long your results last.
At SkinFusion, we want you to look and feel your best for all things summer, so here are our top expert-backed tips to help you extend the life of your Botox.
1. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make your skin appear dull and deepen the look of fine lines, which can mask the smoothing effects of Botox. Keep your skin hydrated and plump by:
Drinking at least 8 glasses of a non-caffeinated beverage (water is always a great choice) per day
Using a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid (find our favorite here) twice a day to pull water into the skin and maintain moisture balance
Schedule an IV Infusion if you’re having trouble keeping up on your water intake
Local Fave: Check out Elevate Nutrition in Altoona for a healthy and hydrating refresher
2. Use (and Reapply) SPF Religiously
UV rays break down collagen and decreases the longevity of your results. That bright sunlight can also increase muscle activity from squinting and frowning, which may decrease the length of time your Botox is effective.
Make sunscreen a daily habit:
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (preferably zinc oxide-based). Find our Go-To here
Reapply every 2 hours when out and about and during any periods of prolonged sun exposure
Choose a powder SPF for easy reapplication, like Jane Iredale’s Powder-Me SPF
Pro Tip: Consider a cute ball cap and sunglasses to further protect against the rays of the sun, as well as to reduce squinting. You can find some super cute options at Style By Desiree!
3. Chill Out…For Real
Stress increases cortisol levels, which can accelerate aging and potentially interfere with how long Botox remains effective. We know summer can feel stressful due to busy schedules, kids activities, and never-ending events, so incorporate some self care to bring down your cortisol:
Take a yoga class or meditate
Take a nature walk
Schedule a facial with your favorite esthetician
4. Avoid Heat-Intensive Activities Right After Treatment
Directly after getting Botox, avoid extreme heat for at least 24–48 hours:
No Hotwox, saunas, or tanning (which we REALLY hope you aren’t doing anyway)
Get your intense workout done for the day BEFORE your Botox appointment
Avoid massaging the area, laying on your face, or wearing a restrictive hat for the rest of the day after treatment
Excess heat and movement may increase blood flow to the area, which can cause the Botox to disperse and reduce efficacy, AND might lead to unwanted side effects, like a droopy eyelid.
5. Stick to a Regular Botox Schedule
Trying to stretch your results beyond 3-4 months can backfire, as it allows full movement to come back, which will start deepening the creases in your skin again. We like an every-four-month schedule and offer incentives for you to pre-book your next appointment within 120 days.
Ready for that summer refresh?
Give us a call at 515-967-0587, or schedule online to get started and to learn more tips for maintaining your treatment results.