Why a Chemical Peel is the Perfect Complement to a Botox Treatment

If you’re looking for skincare solutions that do not involve going under the knife, having a chemical peel done after getting BOTOX injections has become a growing trend that you may want to consider. In a 2023 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, participants aged 30-70 received a chemical peel immediately followed by Botox injections. Thirty days after treatment, 60% saw improvement in wrinkle severity, 59% saw skin pigmentation improvement, and 70% saw improvement in their skin tone — making this match a synergistic duo.

Keep reading to learn more about how these two procedures complement each other and give you the skin rejuvenation you’ve been searching for.

Understanding Botox and Chemical Peels

First, let’s look at each treatment and understand how they work.

Botox Injections

Botox, an FDA-approved neuromodulator composed of botulinum toxin, is an injectable treatment that helps the facial muscles relax. It treats wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and various medical conditions such as excessive sweating or chronic migraines. Small injections are made to problem areas around the face, with results typically lasting up to three to four months.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that resurfaces the skin by applying a chemical solution to remove the top layer of damaged and dead skin cells. This controlled injury has an exfoliating effect, encouraging skin cells to regenerate, creating new skin cells, and increasing collagen production.

The result is a smoother, more even skin tone. Chemical peels can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, fade age spots and sun damage, and improve the appearance of acne scars.

The Benefits of Combining Chemical Peels with Botox

When you combine the power of two highly effective treatments, you get a harmonious combination that truly nourishes your skin type and skin texture.

Enhanced Overall Results

Chemical peels exfoliate the top layer of skin, revealing a smoother, more refined texture. Botox temporarily relaxes facial muscles, which minimizes the appearance of frown lines. Combining Botox with a chemical peel can leave the skin looking brighter and give you a more youthful appearance.

Longer-Lasting Results

What’s great about a chemical peel after Botox is that it can help the Botox chemical penetrate deeper into the skin, which could make it more effective and longer-lasting. With the relaxing effect Botox has on facial muscles, the chemical peel has a greater chance of penetrating deep and reducing underlying muscle activity, which contributes to aging.

More Customized Treatments

By consulting with your dermatologist, you can create a fully customized treatment plan that includes the specific type of chemical peel and the ideal number of Botox injections tailored to your needs.

Combining Botox with chemical peel treatments will help you address a wider range of skin issues, like wrinkles, expression lines, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and uneven skin tone, creating more optimal results.

Who Should Consider This Combination?

Those who want faster results and can commit to a regular treatment regimen at a medical spa are great candidates for combination treatment. Specifically, this skincare regimen is ideal for those who have concerns about aging, fine lines, and wrinkles, or for those who have uneven skin tone.

It also works wonders for people who want to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously. Combining chemical peels and Botox can positively affect your overall skin health, depending on your specific skin needs.

Understanding the Ideal Process and Timing

You’ll first want to consult with your esthetician to discuss your specific goals since each cosmetic treatment will be different for everybody. As a rule of thumb, experts recommend getting a chemical peel before Botox for a number of reasons.

After a consultation and preparing your skin (such as staying out of the sun to enhance how your chemical peel works), it’s time for your chemical peel. The chemical peel treatment is applied to the surface of your skin, and the depth and type of chemical peel will be unique to you.

After the chemical peel has healed, Botox injections are administered to various areas of the face to enhance the effects of your chemical peel. Following both treatments, follow your provider’s skincare routine instructions, such as avoiding the sun, wearing sunscreen, and applying skincare products to help your skin heal fully.

It’s important to note that for deep peels, it’s recommended to wait 24-48 hours before getting Botox injections. If you get a lighter chemical peel, like a VI peel, it’s usually safe to get Botox done immediately after. With either option, it’s always advisable to consult your dermatologist.

Is it Safe to Get a Chemical Peel and Botox Together?

Generally, yes, it is safe to get a chemical peel and Botox together. Depending on your skin type and the type of chemical peel you’re getting, your aesthetician may schedule it for the same day or on a separate day.

Typically, your provider will start with a chemical peel before injecting Botox. If done the other way around, you’ll need to wait at least 24 hours after the Botox injection to proceed with a peel.

Some individuals should avoid combining Botox and chemical peels, including:

Those with severe skin conditions, like active acne, eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea
Individuals who have recently undergone microneedling, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, or other invasive skin treatments
Anyone with sunburns or recent sun exposure
People allergic to Botox’s ingredients
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Those on medications that may interact with Botox treatments

Consult your dermatologist about your health and skin history to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Post-Treatment Care Tips

After receiving dual treatment from Botox and chemical peels, it’s important to follow proper aftercare instructions to reduce side effects and boost your skin’s appearance:

Use sun protection: Make sure to use SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure can irritate the skin and affect the longevity of both treatments.
Hydrate: Help promote healing and skin suppleness by drinking plenty of water after your treatments — this will also help avoid skin dryness.
Avoid using irritating products: Steer clear of harsh soaps, scrubs, or irritating skin products, and use only fragrance-free, gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
Avoid excessive heat: After a chemical peel, it’s important to avoid sun exposure as well as too much heat, especially after deep peels. Take a break from saunas, hot tubs, and sitting in front of a heater for a few days to help the healing process.
Follow your provider’s instructions diligently. Your dermatologist will provide detailed after-care instructions specific to you and the treatments you received, so be sure to ask questions and address your concerns.
Keep up treatments: Because chemical peels and Botox treatments are non-invasive (non-surgical), you’ll need to keep up with regular treatments to achieve long-lasting radiant skin. Talk to your provider about how often they recommend you come in to achieve skin maintenance.
Avoid strenuous activity: For the first few days after your treatment, avoid strenuous physical activity that causes sweating, as this could cut down on the longevity of your treatment’s effects.

How Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group Can Help

If you’re ready to discuss a new treatment plan for your skin to target signs of aging or other concerns, contact the experts at Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group. Our years of experience with the best chemical peels, Botox treatments, and thousands of successful patient stories can help you feel confident, beautiful, and happy in your skin.