They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but let’s be honest: beauty is an investment. We invest time, effort, and of course, money to maintain it. And just as it is with all investments, we want to reap their benefits for as long as possible. Take, for instance, Botox.
While it is one of the most affordable and accessible beauty treatments today, it still takes a few bucks out of the bank. No one wants to push that money down the drain in a snap (or a few injections), right?
We scoured expert advice on how to prolong the benefits of Botox. Consider this your all-in-one cheat sheet for this phenomenal injectable!
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What is Botox?
Botox, a.k.a. botulinum toxin in the medical world, is a neurotoxin that works as an anti-ageing elixir. Once injected into the skin, it works to ‘freeze’ the muscles and stops them from moving or folding. This injectable helps fill in wrinkles and fine lines, making your skin look younger and smoother.
It is a non-invasive treatment, so you won’t have to go under the knife. Anaesthesia is also optional, depending on your tolerance or your doctor’s advice. The entire Botox procedure takes less than an hour and produces instant results. Keep in mind that you may have to wait a few days to see its full effect.
How can I prolong my Botox injections?
There are a couple of dos and don’ts after your Botox injections. However, most of them are only to prevent adverse effects. Below is the list of expert-approved tips to maximise the results of your Botox procedure and enjoy its benefits for longer:
Protect your skin from the sun.
The UV rays emitted by the sun are the archnemesis of our skin. Not only do they cause sunburn and darkening, but they also supercharge ageing! So, when you have a Botox procedure, you have all the more reason to protect your skin from the sun. UV rays cause cellular inflammation that damages the skin and does nothing to help your neurotoxin’s lifespan. Additionally, they dilate your facial blood vessels and increase blood circulation. As a result, Botox molecules disperse faster, reducing the drug’s absorption in the nerve endings.
Collagen, collagen, collagen.
One of the main culprits for wrinkles and fine lines is skin folding. But the more potent your skin is, the less likely it is to fold. Reinforcing your skin structure by using collagen-infused skincare and supplements will help a lot in preserving your Botox.
Our top picks are retinol and peptides – these ingredients are the best in the anti-ageing game! Retinol binds to cell receptors that stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin to make it look younger. Meanwhile, collagen-stimulating peptides act as green light signals to your cells, allowing them to function optimally.
Keep your skin moisturised.
Hydration is quintessential with Botox injections. To keep your skin nourished, use products with deeply-hydrating skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. They draw moisture from the air and make your skin look plump and smooth. Aside from those benefits, hydrating ingredients can also reduce inflammation in the skin, prolonging Botox results.
Zinc works wonders.
This one is backed by a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Researchers discovered that people who received Botox and took 50-milligram zinc supplements witnessed significantly longer-lasting results. They also reported a 30% increase in the duration of their initial injections.
You should take zinc supplements twice daily (in the morning and night) four days before your treatment. Zinc supplements regulate the amount of zinc and phytase in the body and make Botox more effective.
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