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21/11/2025Botox and Skin Care: How to Apply Together? Double the Youth Effect
In the world of medical aesthetics, achieving a young and healthy appearance is not a victory won with a single move; it is like a chess game where different strategies come together. The two most powerful players of this game are undoubtedly Botox and organized Skin CareIt is.
Botox and Skin Care: How to Apply Together? Double the Youth Effect
Two Different Fronts for a Flawless Skin: Muscles and Skin Surface
To understand why Botox and skin care should be used together, we need to look at the aging process of the skin from two different fronts:
- Deep Front (Muscles): The cause of dynamic wrinkles on our face (between the eyebrows, forehead, crow's feet) is not the surface of the skin, but the excessive movement of the muscles underneath. Even if you apply the best cream in the world, you cannot stop this muscle movement. Botox fights on this deep front and prevents the skin from wrinkling by relaxing the muscles.
- Surface Front (Epidermis and Dermis): Dullness, blemishes, pores and lack of moisture are not about muscles. They are about the quality of the skin. Botox will smooth your skin, but it won't brighten it, lighten blemishes or clean pores. This is where professional treatments (Hydrafacial such as the household products) and household products come into play.
In short; Botox “irons” the skin, while skin care increases the “quality and brightness” of that fabric. One without the other is always incomplete.
Professional Skin Treatments (Hydrafacial) and Botox: Can they be done on the same day?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions in our clinic: “Sir, can I have my care and Botox at the same time?” Answer: Yes, but under very strict rules.
The Golden Rule Ranking is Vital
If you have a time constraint and you have to have both procedures done on the same day, the order should definitely be as follows: First Skin Care, Then Botox.
Why? Because during Hydrafacial or classical skin care, the skin is steamed, vacuumed, massaged and pressed. If you get Botox first and then massage or pressure is applied to your face immediately afterwards, the Botox drug, which has not yet settled into the tissue, can be pushed out of the targeted muscle. This can lead to “unwanted muscle groups being affected”, such as droopy eyelids. For this reason, you should first have your skin thoroughly cleaned, your pores opened and then leave the clinic with your Botox injection at the last stage.
Ideal Scenario: Why Waiting 2 Weeks is Safest
Although “care first, Botox after” is possible, my medical approach and recommendation is to separate these two procedures if possible. In the ideal scenario:
- Before Hydrafacial or a similar treatment. Your skin will be cleansed and revitalized.
- Come to your Botox appointment 1-2 days after this procedure or when the sensitivity of the skin is completely gone.
- After the Botox treatment, for the next professional skin care at least 2 weeks (14 days) wait. This is the safety time required for the Botox to fully settle in the muscles and for its effectiveness to take effect.
Your Home Skin Care Routine and Botox: Friends and Foes
Having Botox does not mean that you have to give up your home care routine; it just requires you to make some small adjustments.
Retinol and Acids (AHA/BHA): When to Stop, When to Start?
Retinol (vitamin A) and acids (Glycolic, Salicylic acid) are powerful anti-aging ingredients and can sensitize the skin.
- Before Processing: Stopping the use of these strong products 2-3 days before your Botox appointment reduces the sensitivity of the skin and the risk of irritation at the needle entry sites.
- After Processing: For the first 24 hours after Botox application, do not use these products to avoid straining the skin barrier. After 24-48 hours, you can return to your normal routine if your skin is not sensitive. Retinol even supports the smoothing effect of Botox in the long term as it triggers collagen production.
Moisturizers and Hyaluronic Acid: Botox's Best Friends
What your skin needs most after Botox is moisture. Hyaluronic acid serums, ceramides and peptide moisturizers can be used safely even immediately after Botox. While Botox relaxes the muscles and opens the skin, these products saturate the skin with moisture, allowing you to achieve a “glass skin” appearance.
Facial Massage, Gua Sha and Jade Roller: A Big "NO"
In recent years, facial massage at home, facial yoga or applications with Gua Sha stones are very popular. However, if you have Botox, you should shelve these tools for a while. After Botox application for the first 10-14 days, It is strictly forbidden to apply hard pressure on your face, massage or sweep the skin with a Gua Sha stone. These movements may cause the botox to migrate. After 2 weeks, when the botox has fully set, you can gently return to these routines.
Skin Care Ingredients that Extend the Life of Botox
Some studies and clinical observations show that certain ingredients support the effect of Botox:
- Zinc Zinc mineral is necessary for the effectiveness of Botox. The effect of Botox may last shorter in people with zinc deficiency. It may be useful to pay attention to your diet or get support.
- Peptides (such as Argireline): “Serums containing Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline), also known as ”Jar Botox", may help modulate muscle contractions by exerting a mild Botox-like effect and theoretically support the duration of action of Botox.
- Sunscreen Although this does not directly extend the life of the Botox, it improves the quality of the smoothness created by Botox by preserving the collagen structure of the skin. Sun damage can cause wrinkled skin despite Botox. The importance of sun protection, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is constantly emphasized by.
A Guide to the First 24 Hours After Botox in the Skin Care Routine
On the day you have Botox, your skin care routine should be as follows:
- Cleaning When you wash your face in the evening, do so with very gentle movements and lukewarm water, without rubbing. Do not use facial cleansing devices (brushes, vibrating devices).
- Product Application: When applying your serum and moisturizer, do not put pressure on your skin and do not pull it upwards hard. Use your fingertips to apply the products with light tampon movements.
- Makeup If possible, do not wear make-up for the first 4-6 hours, ideally during the day. Keeping the pores and needle entry points clean reduces the risk of infection.
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Holistic Beauty Planning at our Clinic in Kadikoy
Kadikoy‘At our clinic in Istanbul, we don't just give our patients one injection and send them on their way. Our goal is to draw a holistic plan that improves both the surface and deep structures of your skin. In our consultation with you, we will review your current skin care routine, explain which products you should use and when, and plan how to safely combine your Botox treatment with professional treatments. Because true beauty is the result of conscious and regular care.
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As Dr. Melis Ülger Clinic, we prioritize reliability and natural results in medical aesthetic applications. We help you achieve a more vibrant, balanced and healthy appearance by tailoring the methods used specifically to your needs. For a comfortable and safe experience contact us.
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