At Skin Renewal, we're big fans of botulinum injections, often referred to as Botox®. It's one of the most effective ways to vanquish or soften wrinkles around the eyes and on your forehead. You can also maintain your fresh new face with just a few more injections as the effects begin to wear off. But about that… Have you ever wondered if there was anything you could do to extend the life of your Botox®? As it turns out, you can!
Here are a few of our top tips to help ensure you get the most' bang' for your Botox® buck:
Watch your meds
Ever noticed that your Botox® wears off faster in winter? It might be due to the use of flu-fighters like Viral Choice, Med-Lemon and Corenza C. These often contain stimulants and high doses of vitamin C that can inhibit the optimal uptake of Botulinum toxin. Also, certain antibiotics and many other drugs might have a similar effect. This is why it's always a good idea to chat to your doctor about what medication and supplements you're taking, as they might suggest you put the brakes on some of them in the run-up to your appointment.
Know your zinc levels
Zinc is essential for Botox® to bind with your neurons in a way that causes the target muscles to relax. If you're deficient in zinc, this may affect your results.
Say no to ciggies
You don't need us to tell you how bad smoking is for your skin. Not to mention the fact that it'll certainly increase your risk of cancer. However, you should know that smokers' Botox® results appear to have a much shorter life span.
Mind your metabolism
First up, you need to know that Botox is a protein. This is why it doesn't last forever in our bodies which are designed to break it down. The thing is, everybody breaks down proteins at a different rate. While this is largely out of your control, anything that revs up your body's metabolic rate can break down neurotoxins faster. This is why patients taking fat burners or consuming a lot of caffeine tend to require more frequent top-ups.
Fight inflammation
Stress, unhealthy eating, and not getting enough exercise can all result in chronic low-inflammation levels in our bodies. Alas, inflammation will see us burning up proteins – including Botox® – at a faster rate. This is why it's important to live mindfully, in a way that ticks all the boxes for health and happiness.
Invest in a good sunscreen
On the subject of cellular inflammation, you should know that unprotected exposure to damaging UV rays is the fast track to exactly that. This is why it's important to wear a high protection factor sunscreen every time you set foot outside. You're also going to want to use something that contains antioxidants that will protect you from Blue Light, something else that can cause low-level inflammation in the skin. We like Lamelle Helase 50+ for full-spectrum protection.
Ultimately, there's a lot you can do to help your Botox® results go the distance – keeping you wrinkle-free and fresher-faced for longer! Because who wouldn't want more of that?