Botox works by binding to nerve endings beneath your skin. In doing so, it inactivates those nerve endings, preventing them from triggering your muscles to contract. This results in a smoother, more youthful look with fewer wrinkles and fine lines. Over the coming weeks and months, though, the botulinum toxin dissipates and your nerve endings regenerate, causing the Botox shots to basically wear off within a few months.
This may leave you wondering if you can make Botox injections last longer. While there's nothing you can do to make the results permanent, there are some steps you can take that may extend the results a few extra weeks or maybe even an extra month.
Stay inactive right after your shots.
After you get Botox, go home and relax. Don't stretch, don't do strenuous exercise, or eat anything that requires you to chew too much. Stick with these habits for one to two days. The hope is that by keeping your face less active and your blood pressure lower, you can ensure more of the toxin binds to your nerve endings — and also that it bonds better — which can help your results last longer.
Stay hydrated.
If you stay hydrated, your nerves and skin will stay healthier. In other words, your existing nerve endings may stick around longer, which means they won't be replaced by new nerve endings — ones that aren't affected by Botox — as soon. Drink water throughout the day. If you don't love water, add some lemon juice or fruit juice to it. Try to avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages, though, as these can be dehydrating.
Take a multivitamin.
Taking a multivitamin is also a good way to keep your nerves and skin healthier, thereby extending your Botox results. Look for one that contains vitamins E and C, zinc, and magnesium, as these vitamins and minerals are really good for skin and nerves.
Don't smoke.
If you are a non-smoker, keep it that way! If you are a smoker, now is the perfect time to quit. Smoking tends to make wrinkles develop faster, which may counteract the effects of your Botox. It can also be hard on your nerve endings, causing them to regenerate faster. Join a support group, start using nicotine patches, or find some other way to quit, once and for all.
So, can you squeeze a few more weeks out of your Botox injections? If you follow the tips above, this is likely possible. Good luck!
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