Do you want to look terrific for the fall and winter holidays with beautiful skin? Botox® injections can soften or erase facial lines and wrinkles, giving you a younger, fresher look.
But the effects of Botox® treatments wear off over the space of a few months. How can you make those rejuvenating effects last longer? Here are 10 great tips.
1. Work With a Skilled and Experienced Practitioner
Effective Botox® treatments require skill, medical knowledge, and an understanding of facial aesthetics. So, the first step in getting beautiful and lasting results is to choose your practitioner carefully. Look for an expert who can advise you on whether Botox® or a related injectable, such as Dysport®, will give you the results you’re seeking, and whether you might combine these muscle-relaxing injections with dermal fillers or other cosmetic treatments for better and longer-lasting effects.
2. Follow Your Immediate Post-Treatment Instructions
For the first day or two after treatment, we recommend that you don’t rub your face, and avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat. For long-lasting effects, follow all post-treatment instructions carefully.
3. Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Protect your skin from damaging UV rays and extend your Botox® results by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, shading your face with a wide-brimmed hat, and wearing sunglasses. Avoid being out in the sun during peak UV hours in the middle of the day.
4. Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial to preventing facial lines of wrinkles from returning. Apply moisturizer faithfully as part of your morning and evening routines. And stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
5. Use Collagen-Stimulating Skin Care Products
with ingredients like retinol or peptides can help to prevent the return of wrinkles and lines by strengthening the skin and making it more resilient. Retinol and peptides boost the skin’s production of collagen, a protein that is essential to keeping skin smooth and young-looking.
6. Manage Your Stress
Stress accelerates the aging process throughout your body, including in the skin on your face. Worried and anxious expressions also work against the muscle-relaxing and line-softening effects of Botox®. Be attuned to signs of stress and counter them with techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Practice gratitude and habits of positive thinking to break the cycle of worry and negativity.
7. Eat Healthy Foods
The foods you eat affect your skin’s health and resilience. Eat a healthy mix of foods, including lean proteins, whole grains, and several servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Avoid processed food and added sugar. Healthy eating habits reduce inflammation, which can damage skin, and help you maintain a healthy weight.
8. Take Zinc Supplements
Some studies have shown a link between the effects of Botox® and the amount of zinc in the body. Many people have a slight zinc deficiency. Taking zinc supplements may help make your Botox® treatment last longer.
9. Get Regular Exercise — in Moderation
One of the factors in the duration of Botox® results is the speed of a person’s metabolism. So by all means, keep exercising. It’s critical to your health. But be aware that intensive, frequent, and long workouts may speed the breakdown of Botox® and shorten the effects of treatment.
10. Plan for Maintenance Treatments
The best way to extend your Botox® results is to schedule regular touch-up treatments before the effects wear off. Over time, this helps train the treated muscles to stay relaxed, causing them to respond to the treatments for longer periods.
Learn More in a Personal Consultation in Annapolis
Dr. Sandel and Dr. Duggal have extensive experience in providing cosmetic facial treatments with Botox®, Dysport®, and dermal fillers, and have established a reputation for their ability to provide beautifully customized and natural results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation in Annapolis.