The Botox Booklet

is it ok to wear makeup after botox — Image Credit: @q2han & @javindeseoul

Ok so to answer this common question you just googled right away: Yes, you can apply makeup after getting Botox BUT there are a few do's and don'ts you want to keep in mind before putting on your favorite foundation so your skin stays safe and your Botox lasts even longer — the latter being near and dear to my heart because as a Cosmetics Marketer with 10 years of experience in curating skincare, I want you to get the most out of your skin treatments and achieve better results you're happy with for longer.

If you're reading this article, you're probably either about to get Botox for the first time or are scrolling the web, phone in one hand, concealer in the other looking for whether it's ok to go full glam after you got injected with a neuromodulator. While Botox is by no means one of the riskier or more invasive treatments that come with a longer healing process, I was surprised at how little aftercare advice I got when I was injected in the US and Europe. In contrast, when I was treated with Botox in Seoul, South Korea, my dermatologist handed me a little "Botox booklet" (it didn't have this fun name but it should have!) that featured not only general guidelines but quite detailed, specific instructions on what to do and what not to do after a Botox treatment to get the best results and let me tell you: Following Gangnam dermatologist's advice has vastly impacted the effects of Botox and how fast the (very minimal!) bruising and redness faded. While Botox is extremely accessible and affordable in South Korea, having a Botox routine can get pricy very fast if you live in Europe or the States.

Disclaimer: This is an independent blog post that expresses my professional opinion as a Cosmetics Marketer. I was not sponsored or compensated to write this post nor received or accepted any products/PR packages.

My Botox Experience(s)

So today, I want to spill the tea and share with you not only the translated best practices of my Korean dermatologist that'll help your Botox results last longer but also sprinkle in research findings that back up my derm's advice (all scientific papers linked at the end), including tips on the best makeup application techniques post-Botox. I'll also sneakily introduce you to some of my current favorite Korean makeup brands through the visuals I chose for this article, you can find their Instagram handles below every image featured. Before we kick things off, let me quickly share in which areas I got Botox so we're no longer strangers:

muzigae mansion cushion where to buy — Image Credit: @muzigae_mansion

So far, I have been injected in my forehead to tackle the dynamic lines that started to form on my face, particularly my 11 lines (the vertical fine lines between my eyebrows) to maintain the youthful appearance of my face as I'm entering my 30s.

I've also had Botox injected above my upper lift for the lip lift procedure which gives you a slightly more pouty, yet still natural-looking upper lip without the need for dermal fillers (highly recommend, one of my favorite procedures so far!).
I had the tiniest amount of Botox injected into my upper forehead (I have quite active eyebrows lol) in order to prevent horizontal fine lines.
I've also been injected into the area next to my eyes to prevent crows feet from forming.
Lastly, I've also had Botox injected into different areas of my body, namely into both palms of my hands and the soles of my feet as a medical procedure. Comment below if you're curious why and I'll write a dedicated blog post on my experience and the treatment plan my injector followed + if I'd recommend it/if I achieved the desired effect (spoiler alert: It was by far THE most painful treatment I had thus far).

Botox Aftercare Don'ts

First, we'll have a look at what you should avoid after getting Botox, afterward (scroll down), I translated and broke down the do's featured in my Gangnam derm's "Botox booklet" into best practices for: immediately after getting Botox, the first hours following injection, the next day post botox appointment and the 2 weeks following your botox procedure.

korean eyeshadow glitter — Image Credit: @q2han & javindeseoul

🦠 Your healthcare provider or the injector who administered the Botox will most likely keep you from doing this anyway but in case they don't: Avoid covering the injection sites with a heavy layer of makeup or dab your concealer directly onto the injected areas immediately after as this can increase your risk of infection

🥊 Avoid applying too much pressure onto the injected areas meaning if you have a heavy hand when applying your cushion foundation or facial massages are part of your daily routine (yes, this includes your guā shā or any excessive rubbing of your face), avoid all of this for 48 hours after getting Botox. According to my dermatologist in Seoul, this is recommended as Botox is a liquid, meaning it has the ability to potentially spread. While this is by no means a dramatic migration (we're talking about one inch on average of potential spreading here), you still want to avoid it to get the most out of your Botox treatment. All this being said: Make sure you scroll down to the do's because there is scientific evidence that if you do facial exercises after getting Botox, this may actually give you even better results ...

korean mascara for sensitive eyes — Image Credit: @javindeseoul

🏋🏻‍♀️ When it comes to your exercise routine, stay away from any type of vigorous exercise such as HIT workouts, or other strenuous kinds of exercise like running, or weight lifting. Why you might be asking? According to a research paper by Martyn King, MD published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, heavier exercise should be avoided as the temporary increase in your blood pressure can intensify the (usually mild) bruising that can come with Botox (King 2017).

🔥 Try not to expose your skin to direct, intense sunlight and heat meaning no hot showers, tanning beds, saunas, hot tubs, or heated lamps for at least 48 hours after your Botox injections as heat can increase the risk of inflammation in your skin and can even prolong any mild swelling or redness you're experiencing post-injection.

romand makeup palette — Image Credit: @romandandyou

🍸 Not to be a party pooper but if you want to follow my Korean dermatologist's advice, you should avoid drinking alcohol on the day of injection. If you're rolling your eyes now because you already told the girls you're joining them for Happy Hour, hear me out: While this is more of a "better-safe-than-sorry" sort of advice that was low on the "don'ts" agenda of the Botox booklet, it still was included because alcohol, just like certain pain relievers (specifically aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium) are considered blood thinners that potentially raise your blood pressure which can increase your risk of bruising. I could also substantiate this with a research paper by Michael Shane Hamman and Mitchel P. Goldman, both doctors who echoed the use of NSAID pain relievers like the ones mentioned as promoting bruising in their paper on minimizing bruising in the context of cosmetic injectables (Hamman & Goldman 2013). Consuming alcohol can also dehydrate you which can prolong the overall recovery time. While there's zero to no recovery time after Botox, I personally still followed this advice but this one is not a necessity if you ask me.

🧖🏻‍♀️ Dermatologists and injectors are usually divided when it comes to how early you can follow up with other in-clinic cosmetic treatments but my dermatologist in Gangnam recommended in his little Botox booklet to not book (or administer at home!) any of the more intense chemical peels, radiofrequency, or laser treatments at least two-week after any injectable treatment due to the applied pressure on your skin leading the botox to potentially spread and not settle properly.

Botox Aftercare Do's

Immediately after the Botox injection

what is the best korean makeup — Image Credit: @javindeseoul

If your dermatologist or injector doesn't provide it, don't be shy to ask for an ice pack to cool down the initial redness you'll experience right after being injected. According to Hamman and Goldman's above-mentioned 2013 paper on minimizing bruising after administering cosmetic injectables, this can also help prevent future mild bruising but again: You shouldn't experience a whole lot of bruising after getting Botox (Hamman & Goldman 2013).
But let's just say you booked your Botox appointment during your lunch break and don't want coworkers to know you had a Fflittle bit of work done: Here's how, according to my dermatologist, you can best apply makeup: First, wait for about 10 minutes post-injection to give your skin enough time to close the treatment site. Then, with a light touch apply only a thin layer of makeup.
My derm's Botox booklet also highlighted how you should never directly let your concealer applicator touch the treatment area because of an increased risk of infection. Instead, the booklet recommended applying a small amount of concealer to the back of your (cleaned) hand to then work the product carefully onto your skin.
If you're big on using brushes for your makeup, make sure to only use clean makeup brushes, and if you can, try opting for soft brushes.
This goes without saying and if you're a skincare nerd like me, this should be part of your normal routine but before you leave the clinic or spa, remember to put on sunscreen as we have seen above that heat, even caused by sunrays, can exasperate any inflammation in your skin, something to be avoided at all costs once you have tiny little openings in your skin caused by the needle used to inject your facial muscles.

The first hours post-Botox treatment

korean lip tint that lasts all day — Image Credit: @muzigae_mansion

My derm's Botox booklet also emphasized how for the first couple of hours post-treatment, you should stay in an upright position (this can be either standing, walking, or sitting) to avoid the injected product from moving too much and staying in the area it is intended to paralyze. The booklet recommended that you wait at least 5 hours before taking a longer nap or going to bed so if you're an early riser, be sure to book your appointment for no later than around 3 pm.

When it comes to your evening skincare routine post-treatment, opt for a gentle cleanser and wash your face with medium to cool water, avoiding overly hot water, especially if your skin is prone to inflammation. If you have sensitive skin or just started using actives such as retinoids and salicylic acid, the booklet recommended to skip actives for 3 days after you get injected to avoid any potential skin irritation and choose gentle products with more "boring" ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. However, if you're an experienced user of skincare actives, you should not have any issues using them on the same day you got Botox.
While Botox usually does not leave you with a bruised face and it won't take a long time either for the mild redness to disappear, bruising can occasionally occur if your dermatologist or injector hits a small blood vessel by accident. This is generally not a cause for concern but my dermatologist's Botox booklet of course also offered tips on which supplements you can use to help bruising fade faster and the above-mentioned research paper by Martyn King on bruise management after cosmetic treatment confirmed this: If you can get your hands on a cream formulated with either arnica or Vitamin K8 or on bromelain capsules/pills (pineapple enzyme) you'll put your recovery into overdrive (King 2017).
If you need to take pain relievers either because or your medical history or because you're in acute pain or on your period, my derm's booklet recommended opting for paracetamol instead of the earlier-mentioned pain relievers aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium, as these have the potential to promote bruising.
My derm's booklet furthermore advised that, if possible, you’ll want to sleep on your back on the night that you receive Botox instead of on your stomach or your side as this can help reduce any uncontrolled pressure onto the injected areas which, according to my dermatologist, promotes optimal settling of the injected Botox.
If you really feel the urge to move or don't want to lose your gym streak, opt for light physical activity such as yoga or pilates (skip the reformer!), and other "normal activities" such as walking.

The next day after your Botox appointment

Javin de Seoul Cushion — Image Credit: en.javindeseoul.com

You've learned in the don'ts section that you should stay clear of facial massages and avoid rubbing your face but guess what: Facial exercises are a whole different story! My favorite research finding for this article is this randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial (say that three times!) published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology where researchers found that the intentional activation of facial muscles can actually help you achieve "an earlier onset of clinical effect of botulinum toxin", meaning an earlier "kick in" of your Botox if you will (Alam et al. 2018). This article was probably the reason why my derm's Botox booklet recommended including facial exercises as a safe and effective way to see your Botox results a little sooner.

If you're an acne-prone girlie or boy or your skin condition is generally on the more sensitive side, the Botox booklet also advised to try opting for oil-free foundations and non-comedogenic products that you apply carefully to a clean face. According to my dermatologist, being extra cautious about makeup products and application techniques can help especially sensitive skin that breaks out easily to stay clear of potential inflammation.
On the first day post-Botox, you can also pick up low-intensity workouts such as yoga and pilates but the Botox booklet recommended skipping any upside-down positions as increased blood flow into your head can lead to mild discomfort, especially if you were injected into your forehead area.

Days & 2 weeks after your Botox procedure

korean makeup brands for sensitive skin — Image Credit: @javindeseoul

If you love going full glam, give your skin at least one full day before you dabble in heavier makeup application that requires multiple layers, and try using mainly the soft brushes in your makeup bag collection. It goes without saying that you should make sure you're using clean brushes and a gentle touch when applying foundation and concealer to the more delicate treatment area where the Botox was injected.

When you go through any Korean drug or cosmetics store such as Olive Young, you can't escape the shelves full of supplements. Being born in Germany, I was mildly confused and surprised to see many German brands among these labeled as "bestsellers". So it comes as no surprise that my derm's Botox booklet mentioned a supplement beneficial to your Botox longevity. The supplement in question is one you might even have at home and if you don't just yet, you can purchase it at a usually pretty affordable price at any drug store: Zinc. The booklet suggested taking a zinc supplement as instructed on the packaging for roughly 2 weeks after you were injected with Botox. I did a bit of digging and found a systematic review published in Clinical Neuropharmacology, a peer-reviewed journal, that looked at 260 scientific articles, 3 randomized control trials, as well as 2 case reports and found that indeed supplementing with zinc can positively impact your Botox's "effect and longevity". Interestingly, this was reported not only for the cosmetic use but also the neurological use of Botox (Mallat et al. 2023).
The Botox booklet also mentioned how not just their clinic in Gangnam but most med spas and dermatology offices around the world will offer follow-up appointments including a usually free-of-charge Botox top-up, so be sure to ask your injector or dermatologist about this. During the follow-up, which should be scheduled within the two weeks following your initial consultation, your injector will check whether you need a top-up or whether the first round of Botox injection was sufficient to "freeze" your facial muscles.

Bonus Botox

So all this being said, if you keep in mind these simple guidelines of my derm's Botox booklet on the do's and don'ts after botulinum toxin injections and especially on post-Botox makeup application, not only will you be able to reap the best possible results when it comes to the longevity of your Botox but you can also stay clear of any possible negative reaction to Botox.

It goes without saying that not only with Botox injections but as it pertains to any other cosmetic treatments: If you experience unwanted side effects or even serious side effects, make sure you check in with the doctor or injector who administered your Botox, and it's always a good idea to seek medical help or medical treatment if anything occurs after your Botox treatment that brings you pain or discomfort.

One last thing my dermatologist mentioned as I stepped out of his clinic (a bit of "bonus Botox" for you if you will) that wasn't included in the little Botox booklet he and his team had put together was to avoid getting your Botox injections one day prior or the day of a big event but rather schedule it around two weeks before: This way, you won't have any redness and after two weeks, you'll also be able to experience first results of Botox.

If you still happen to have a lot of questions on the topic of injectables or are planning to get cosmetic work done in South Korea soon and want clinic recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below.

Sources

Research paper about cosmetic bruise management: King M. The Management of Bruising Following Nonsurgical Cosmetic Treatment. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Feb;10(2):E1-E4. Epub 2017 Feb 1. PMID: 28367264; PMCID: PMC5367875.

Research paper on minimizing bruising after injectables: Hamman MS, Goldman MP. Minimizing bruising following fillers and other cosmetic injectables. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013 Aug;6(8):16-8. PMID: 24003345; PMCID: PMC3760599.

Research paper on facial exercises & Botox: Alam, M., Geisler, A., Warycha, M., Paghdal, K., Roongpisuthipong, W., Schlessinger, D. I., Chen, B. R., Reynolds, K. A., West, D. P., & Poon, E. (2018). Effect of postinjection facial exercise on time of onset of botulinum toxin for glabella and forehead wrinkles: A randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.10.013

Study about zinc supplementation and botox: Mallat F, Kaikati J, Kechichian E. Botulinum Toxins and Zinc: From Theory to Practice-A Systematic Review. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2023 Jun 20. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0000000000000557.

Can you wear makeup after Botox? Best Aftercare Do's +Don'ts