Botox injections only take a few minutes, and the injections themselves are painless. However, just because this procedure is quick and easy doesn’t mean it’s over and done with when you walk out the door. You have to take care of your skin after Botox injections if you want to get the most out of your procedure and heal efficiently. Learn how to do so below.
Avoid Touching or Pressing Your Face
Botox is injected in a liquid form, and if you touch your face, you run the risk of causing the liquid to migrate to unintended areas of the skin. To avoid this, don’t rub or massage your face, and try not to sleep on treated areas. If you’re a side or stomach sleeper, consider propping your head up with a neck pillow to keep yourself from tossing and turning. Of course, if you have an itch or need to wipe your face, you can. You just need to be very gentle with how you touch your face. The good news is if migration does occur for some reason, Botox fades over time, so it’s not permanent.
Exercise Facial Muscles
Exercise the muscles in your face about 24 hours after the treatment. To relax the muscles, Botox has to bind to the nerves, and exercising your facial muscles can help with that. You should smile, frown, furrow your eyebrows, and then raise them at least once. You can do these exercises once every few hours for three to four days.
Have a Skincare Routine
This one is a little controversial, as some practitioners have different instructions on how to wash your face. Therefore, if you want to get the best Botox results, you should follow their post-care instructions to a T. However, as a general rule, you should avoid products with AHAs and BHAs, and avoid any other skin treatments. Typically, you’re safe to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and a light lotion. Just be sure not to press or massage too hard.
Don’t Wear Makeup
When you get Botox done as a cosmetic procedure, it’s understandable that you’d want to look your best. Unfortunately, applying makeup is an easy way to cause migration, even if you’re gentle. This means no powder, blush, foundation, eyeshadow, or lipstick. However, once your first 24 hours are up, it’s safe to gently apply your typical makeup routine without dispersing the product.
Ultimately, a gentle touch is the best way to care for your skin after Botox injections. Your main priority is to avoid migration and keep the liquid in place as best as you can. Once you’re fully healed, you can continue your typical routines as normal. Then, you can feel free to sleep, exercise, and wear makeup however you’d like while enjoying radiant, smooth skin.
