Botox vs. Skincare Products: Which is Better?
The goals are very similar – vibrant, smooth, beautiful skin – but Botox and skincare products are two very different approaches to achieving this goal. Today we would like to explain some key differences between treatments like Botox and topical skincare products like serums, creams, and moisturizers.
First… What is Botox, and how does it work?
Botox is a particular brand name for a product in the neuromodulator category. Other products are in this category, but Botox is the largest by far. Botox is a purified protein that prevents the underlying muscle from contracting to varying degrees based on your provider’s dosage. Because the skin that lies on top of the muscle is not being “folded” onto itself, creating more lines and wrinkles, your skin has the ability to rejuvenate without forming more lines and wrinkles. This helps reduce wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes.
And… What do skincare products do?
Skincare products like serums, creams, and moisturizers penetrate into varying depths of the skin and help to improve the appearance and texture of the skin from within. Different ingredients in each skincare product have different effects, such as helping to fight breakouts, stimulating the skin to make more collagen, or protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Botox vs. Skincare Products: Key Differences
How They Work
As mentioned above, Botox is an injection treatment that works by temporarily limiting the amount of contracting in specific facial muscles. Skincare products contain ingredients that repair and support the skin from within and protect the skin’s surface.
Convenience
Botox treatments are performed in a doctor’s office. On average, a single Botox treatment can last 3-4 months. This means you will need to visit your Botox provider roughly 3 times a year to maintain your results. The treatment itself is quick and takes less than 10 minutes.
Skincare products, on the other hand, can be conveniently used in the comfort of your home and are completely pain-free. Plus, you can purchase quality medical-grade products from the comfort of your home online through retail providers like Village Dermatology.
Effectiveness
If you want to get rid of existing fine lines and wrinkles that are present even when your face is relaxed, Botox is the gold standard. Botox is a non-surgical option that can quickly and effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead, giving you instantly smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
Onset of Action
Botox works almost immediately. You can see a noticeable improvement in your skin in 3-4 days. Most people get the full results of Botox in 10-14 days. Skincare products can take 3 months or more to make a noticeable difference. This is because your skin begins to grow and develop healthier skin over time, not immediately.
Duration of Results
Botox results are temporary. This means if you want to maintain your smooth skin, you’ll have to go back to your Botox provider roughly 3 times in a 12-month period.
Skincare products produce results that are also temporary. If you stop using the products consistently, then you can expect your results to begin to diminish eventually. This is because the aging process does not stop. However, as long as you consistently use quality products on your skin, you can expect these results to continue as well.
Risk of Side Effects
Botox is a very safe procedure when performed by a licensed and experienced provider. Generally, the most common side effects are minor redness at the injection, which goes away after about 15 minutes.
Skincare products are very safe as long as you choose the right type of product for your skin. If you are not sure whether a specific product will suit your skin, you can consult with our Skincare Specialists at our Skin for Life Boutique.
Botox vs. Skincare Products: Which one is better?
Here’s the thing… you don’t have to choose one over the other. Both Botox and skincare products have an important role to play in helping you look your best. In fact, most of our clients here at Village Dermatology compliment their Botox treatments with effective skincare. This is a great skincare practice and helps protect and maintain the investment you have made in your skin.
Some of our Favorite Botox and Skincare Combinations
This amazing retinol product is designed with an antioxidant complex called PhytoShield™ Complex. This complex is great for minimizing irritation and improving skin texture. Retinols are effective products for enhancing skin tone and texture while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
UV protection combines with hydration in this fantastic sunscreen. This sunscreen has hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and boost moisture retention. EltaMD UV Daily goes on easily and absorbs into the skin quickly because of how lightweight it is. Plus, you get to choose from tinted and untinted versions.
Revision Vitamin C+ Correcting Complex
This powerful skin brightening product contains the most stable form of Vitamin C available and has ingredients that help support a healthy skin microbiome. Plus, it is packed with a powerful antioxidant complex. This is one of the best skin brighteners in the category.
Other Articles You May Enjoy
5 Ways to Protect Your Skin this Spring Break
5 Best Sunscreens for Every Skin Type
What Does the “DEJ” in Revision DEJ Products Mean?
How Oxidative Damage from Free Radicals Affects the Skin
The Skin Benefits of Vitamin C
Skin Care for Rosacea and Sensitive Skin