Just Got Botox? Here’s How to Care For Your Skin

“Botox in a bottle” is an enduring TikTok trend, but there will always be the classic; Botox in a syringe isn’t going anywhere. Even “baby” doses of the injection cast a smoothing spell on crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and fine lines. Plus, the right Botox aftercare skin care routine can enhance Botox’s effects.

Knowing about Botox aftercare and how to treat your post-injection skin means knowing a bit about what you’re injecting—Botox is made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which temporarily paralyzes muscle and is used to smooth wrinkles on the face, treat neck spasms, sweating, migraines, and more. 

So, if you just got Botox, know that there are do’s and don’ts following your injection to ensure its success and prevent migration of liquid. Herewith, two top dermatologists and a plastic facial surgeon who’s billed as NYC’s “Botox Queen” share what to do—and what not to do—following a treatment. They also reveal the after-Botox skin care products that keep their patients soothed, smoothed, and hydrated in the tender hours after an injection. 

The Don’ts: Botox Aftercare

Consider the day of your Botox appointment to be a day of rest. “I advise my patients to avoid physical activity, especially strenuous exercise, for 24 hours following a treatment,” facial plastic surgeon Dr. Yael Halaas says. She explains that working out can cause the treatment to spread to muscle groups it wasn’t meant to hit. 

A spa day isn’t the ideal road to recovery, either. Halaas warns against getting a massage, as this too can cause the Botox to spread. Dermatologist Dr. Michael I. Jacobs tells his Botox patients to steer clear of facials for several hours after an injection. As a rule, any services using dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, radiofrequency, or lasers also could cause the filler to spread out. 

Sitting in a sauna or steam room is also a no-go: Excessive heat increases blood flow to the face, which can cause the filler to dissipate. And actually, bending over in any climate could have similar effects. “If you need to pick something up, avoid bending over with your head down,” dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf advises. “Instead, bend at your knees in an upright position to pick it up.”