The effects of botulinum toxin and filler procedures are temporary.
Their longevity depends on many factors, such as:
All these factors are beyond our direct control, but there are certainly ways to assist the rejuvenating effects of botulinum toxin and fillers to continue to look more youthful.
To prolong the effects of botulinum toxin and fillers, you would essentially need to improve the condition of your skin. It is all about prevention and rejuvenation. The following tips do not directly prolong results of treatments, but it extends the time in between each procedure.
UVA and UVB exposure accelerates aging, as it destroys cells and hinders their ability of regrowth. The usage of sunscreen prevents photo-ageing and preserves skin elasticity as it shields you against damaging rays.
We recommend the use of sunscreen even when staying home, as UVA/B rays still penetrate through windows and reflect. Blue light emitted from digital devices can also cause photoageing. While at home though, just applying once a day is enough. For further protection, one can consider taking Heliocare oral pills to reduce overall inflammation and pigmentation production.
Regular and ample hydration keeps your skin supple and moisturised. Products containing moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid would help reduce fine lines due to dry skin by keeping your skin supple and plump! Again, regular moisturising would not directly prolong botulinum toxin or filler results, but it can reduce the frequency of such treatments.
SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier, which amplifies the skin’s own hyaluronic acid is a popular product of choice. The SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid is a great humectant and occlusive – it locks in hydrating skincare, maintains your skin barrier and prevents your skin from losing moisture.
Including acids and peels such as retinol peels into your skincare routine can help renew skin by peeling off the old outer layer. The key to great skin is a good skin cell turnover rate and ample hydration.
The faster your skin cells reproduce healthy, newer skin cells, the more collagen they will produce. A retinol peel stimulates the removal of older superficial skin cells and promotes a new layer of skin to the surface. It also increases collagen production, and extends the time between botulinum toxin or filler injections. SkinBetter Science’s Alpharet Overnight Cream is a good addition to start with, especially for those with sensitive skin.
UVA and UVB exposure accelerates aging, as it destroys cells and hinders their ability of regrowth. The usage of sunscreen prevents photo-ageing and preserves skin elasticity as it shields you against damaging rays.
We recommend the use of sunscreen even when staying home, as UVA/B rays still penetrate through windows and reflect. Blue light emitted from digital devices can also cause photoageing. While at home though, just applying once a day is enough. For further protection, one can consider taking Heliocare oral pills to reduce overall inflammation and pigmentation production.
Regular and ample hydration keeps your skin supple and moisturised. Products containing moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid would help reduce fine lines due to dry skin by keeping your skin supple and plump! Again, regular moisturising would not directly prolong botulinum toxin or filler results, but it can reduce the frequency of such treatments.
SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier, which amplifies the skin’s own hyaluronic acid is a popular product of choice. The SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid is a great humectant and occlusive – it locks in hydrating skincare, maintains your skin barrier and prevents your skin from losing moisture.
Including acids and peels such as retinol peels into your skincare routine can help renew skin by peeling off the old outer layer. The key to great skin is a good skin cell turnover rate and ample hydration.
The faster your skin cells reproduce healthy, newer skin cells, the more collagen they will produce. A retinol peel stimulates the removal of older superficial skin cells and promotes a new layer of skin to the surface. It also increases collagen production, and extends the time between botulinum toxin or filler injections. SkinBetter Science’s Alpharet Overnight Cream is a good addition to start with, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Skin boosters, when planned properly with a doctor, can be used to boost the moisture retention effects of a filler or hydrating skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, and this can plump up your skin significantly, which means you might need fewer filler sessions and can extend the interval between treatments!
Heat-based treatments like HIFU or Sofwave, when done regularly, helps stimulate collagen growth and tightens the skin. This slows down ageing and keeps you looking perky!
Skin boosters, when planned properly with a doctor, can be used to boost the moisture retention effects of a filler or hydrating skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, and this can plump up your skin significantly, which means you might need fewer filler sessions and can extend the interval between treatments!
Heat-based treatments like HIFU or Sofwave, when done regularly, helps stimulate collagen growth and tightens the skin. This slows down ageing and keeps you looking perky!
There are no topical products available that can 100% replace botulinum toxin or fillers. You may have seen videos online on products that claim to give you the botulinum toxin or filler effect within an hour. These are temporary, and often at a higher cost. They contain high amounts of peptides, which temporarily smooths the skin and wrinkles, but do not work like botulinum toxin, which is administered directly to the muscle. Once the peptides are absorbed, the results go away as well.
Certain ingredients such as peptides, specifically hexapeptides, may help reduce the appearance of light wrinkles – however, don’t count on it to replace botulinum toxin, as it does not hinder muscle movement. To quote Paula’s Choice: ‘Other studies on topical use of a moisturiser containing a 10% concentration of acetyl hexapeptide-8 have shown it does not penetrate beyond the uppermost layers of skin, even after several hours. That means it cannot affect factors in the underlying layers that lead to the formation of expression lines. Still, like all peptides, acetyl hexapeptide-8 has water-binding properties and skin-restoring ability. It’s not a throwaway ingredient, but neither is it as miraculous as the manufacturer would lead you to believe.‘
In conclusion, “botulinum toxin lasts forever” is… a lie. However, a great skincare routine can help to delay the ageing process and reduce the need and frequency of such procedures.
Want to speak to a doctor about how botulinum toxin or fillers can help you?
Contact us at 9384 8915 for more information!
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before starting any new skincare routine or treatment, especially if you have existing skin conditions or concerns. Results may vary from person to person, and individual needs may require different approaches.
Dr Tan Ying Zhou, known as Dr YZ Tan, is the founder and Medical Director of Mizu Aesthetic Clinic.
His journey into aesthetics began with a medical degree from St. George’s, University of London, followed by an internship in Dermatology at the National Taiwan University Hospital.
Some of his favourite aesthetic procedures include nose augmentation and anti-ageing solutions, and he also serves as a trainer for emerging aesthetic doctors.
His philosophy revolves around personalised treatments tailored to each individual’s ageing concerns, aiming to transform the ageing process gracefully into a pleasant journey towards confidence and wellness.
