Botox is a drug that is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including headaches, muscle spasms, and chronic migraines. It’s also used by people who want to improve their appearance, including those who want to reduce wrinkles or prevent laugh lines. Botox is typically administered by a doctor in a medical office setting.
The procedure involves injecting small amounts of the drug into specific areas on your face or body. The effects of the injections will last for up to four months before you need another treatment session. You can get Botox injections as many times as you like if it’s working well for you and if your doctor says it’s safe for you to continue using this product.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on What to know about getting botox for the first time, chemical peel at home for hyperpigmentation. Read on to learn more.
What to know about getting botox for the first time
In a crowded field of anti-aging treatments, Botox is still among the most effective options to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. At Le Reve Skincare & Laser Center in Fort Worth, TX, we believe in the freedom to choose how aging impacts personal appearance. Botox is ideal to reverse frown lines on your forehead and between your eyebrows. It also takes care of those pesky crow’s feet that sometimes crop up around the eye area.
The result is skin that looks younger – sometimes by years – and an overall improved physical appearance. While the treatment is generally a seamless process, it still helps for first-timers to know exactly what to expect prior to the initial visit.
Start With a Consultation
A consultation is a must prior to initial treatment. Even if you’ve had Botox before or have already educated yourself on the process, a consultation is essential so we can get to know you. Success with this anti-aging method is characterized by an ongoing relationship. This is especially important once we set up a routine injection schedule.
The consultation helps to ensure we clearly understand your goals and expectations. A consultation is also the perfect time to learn more about our treatment process. This is a key time to ask questions, express any concerns you might have, and get a detailed accounting of what to expect from your results. Your complete comfort and safety is our priority.
During the consultation, we will request your health and medical history. This information helps us ensure this treatment plan is the best option for you. Prepare to list current medications and past surgical procedures. We will also ask about existing health conditions and other anti-aging treatments you may have tried. We will work with you to analyze the areas of your face targeted for Botox. We will also discuss an ideal treatment outcome before getting started.
First Appointments Are Longer
Your first appointment may run slightly longer than subsequent visits. We want to make sure you understand everything about the treatment before getting started. While we cover a great deal during the consultation, you may have more questions once you’ve had time to think about this approach further. We walk you through every step of the process once again.
Since the first appointment is also a review of the consultation, we re-confirm health history and targeted areas identified during the consultation.
What to Consider Before Getting Botox
Treatment Can Be Preventative
With aging, prevention really is the best approach. It is much easier to stop skincare issues associated with aging before they start. This is preferable to eradicating the signs once they’ve already become more prevalent than you might prefer. Your first round of injections can be completely preventative.
You needn’t wait until a certain age or point in your life. Many people start with this process in their 20s. This is the point at which facial lines deepen in the skin. The treatment allows a continuation of the quintessential effervescent youthful glow to continue well past your 20s and possibly into middle age.
Starting this regimen early may prevent lines and wrinkles from even showing up on your face. It will also address any lines already showing on the skin.
You May Want “Before” Photos
One of the best ways to compare your astounding results is with “before” and “after” photos. These pictures show the benefit of the procedure. We understand that some people may be skeptical about taking a “before” photo. This is especially true for those already contending with deep lines and wrinkles.
However, these photo comparisons highlight the benefit of treatment. They may also help uncover other areas that could be enhanced with an injection. Sometimes, there are areas that didn’t stand out as much prior to your first treatment. Initial photos also help to track your results over time. You can see your long-term difference with this approach. “Before” photos will ultimately highlight your satisfaction in choosing this anti-aging method to address lines and wrinkles on your face.
Your First Time Likely Won’t Be Your Last Time
This anti-aging wonder works miracles on facial lines, but only temporarily. While the effects last longer than the typical anti-aging product, there is still a need for return visits. The lasting effects of this approach are different for everyone. Results depend on an array of factors, including age, placement of treatment, and the condition of your skin.
After discussing the desired outcome, plan to return for another round of injections in three to four months. An official timeline is something we discuss during your first visit once we know you are happy with the results. It’s best to get on a regular schedule of injections for optimal effect. If you enjoy the results from this regimen, you don’t want to wait until they’ve all but disappeared before making an appointment to do it again.
A consistent injection schedule will offer a lasting youthful look and avoid any sudden appearance of lines or wrinkles. A schedule will also help you plan around special events, so you receive your injections prior to appearances where you want to look your best.
Botox Is an Injectable
This product is sometimes mistaken for a filler; however, it is actually a muscle relaxer. Wrinkles and lines form in the skin because of muscle contractions associated with facial movements. Over the years, these various expressions take a toll on your skin. We resolve this issue by inserting Botox into the muscle to calm it temporarily.
The process mitigates the appearance of lines in the area. Results are commonly visible within days (and sometimes even hours) after your initial appointment. You can definitely expect to see results within two weeks of your first visit.
Your Personal Treatment
Botox is not usually just one injection. We commonly target more than one area of the face. As a result, the process involves a series of several small injections in the different areas for improvement. This is something we will discuss during your consultation and again at the start of your first visit.
You will decide in which areas of the face you want to see changes and to what extent. This will ultimately determine the number of injections you receive during each visit. There is no limit to the number of injections you can receive during treatment. However, we try to accomplish our goal with a minimal level of invasiveness.
How to Prepare
Eat a Light Meal and Hydrate
This is a seemingly simple directive. It’s also one many people skip prior to their first visit. Ultimately, your skin is at its best when you are taking good care of it. Prior to your appointment, drink lots of water and eat a light meal.
You’ll feel better, a full stomach will soothe your nerves, and hydrated skin will respond much better to treatment.
Wash Your Face
Wash your face before your appointment. Remove as much make-up and skincare product as possible. It’s important to start with a clean face to help identify target areas for the injections. This step also prevents interaction with bacteria.
As an added layer of protection, we will also clean your skin with a special cleanser before we inject it. This assures we’ve removed all impurities, such as cosmetic residue. We take every measure to appropriately sterilize areas of injection. This approach further underscores our commitment to a safe process.
During the Visit
Numbing The Injection Site Is an Option
We inject Botox with a micro-needle for the injection. Most people feel very little during the process. The needle is so small you won’t even notice it as you continue to come in for injections. Not only do we use the smallest possible needle, but our extensive experience in administering this product ensures your comfort during the visit.
However, we recognize some patients are still nervous, especially during the first visit. We can administer a topical cream to numb the skin about 15 minutes prior to the injection. This guarantees you don’t feel the needle enter the skin.
Apply Ice/Pressure Immediately After the Injection
We apply ice and light pressure to the injection site(s) immediately after the treatment to discourage any swelling. This is common and painless and takes just a few minutes; after which you can leave and resume your day.
Following Your Appointment
This is the part of the process people love the most! Aside from a few best practices to get optimal results, there’s nothing to do after your appointment. You just enjoy your enhanced appearance and continue your day. In fact, some people squeeze in a quick visit during lunch.
We recommend allotting extra time for your initial appointment and consultation. However, we can easily work subsequent appointments into your day just as you would any work meeting. There’s no downtime or recovery involved with this approach. There’s no follow-up needed other than scheduling your next visit to continue looking your best as you age.
While there is no recovery process, we are always available for questions you might have following your visit or if you have any concerns about the results. There are also some best practices we recommend you follow, including:
Avoid Massaging Your Face
You may be tempted to touch your newly smoothed out skin, but give the treatment a few hours to settle in your facial muscles. Don’t massage or aggressively rub your face after your appointment to give the process time to work properly.
Don’t Lay Down for a Few Hours
Avoid laying down for up to four hours following your visit. Remaining upright allows the treatment to settle properly in your facial muscles and guarantees the best outcome.
Don’t Engage in Strenuous Exercise for 24 Hours
It’s fine to take a walk or enjoy a very low-impact workout, but don’t engage in any strenuous activity for up to 24 hours following the treatment. Again, this allows the treatment to balance out properly in your muscles without interruption from aggressive activity.
Additional Health Benefits
Enhanced appearance is just one benefit of Botox. For some people, there are other advantages to this regimen. It has been used to combat frequent migraines and help with chronic facial discomfort. It may also reduce muscle spasms. If you deal with any of these issues, let us know during your initial consultation. This allows us to determine if this anti-aging approach can do more than just remove lines and wrinkles from your face.
There’s a reason this anti-aging approach is among the most popular of the many options available. It’s easy, painless and has provided millions of people with younger-looking skin in mere minutes. After all, your personal appearance is your calling card, and you should have full control over the way you look with age.
Chemical peel at home for hyperpigmentation
If you’ve ever been hesitant to reach for a chemical exfoliant to help fade unwanted hyperpigmentation, there’s a good reason. “In general, chemical peels are intentionally irritating and not essential to balanced skin, unless indicated otherwise by a board-certified dermatologist for things like acne vulgaris or melasma,” dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur tells Elite Daily, adding, “Self-directed treatment is rife with overdoing it.” When needed, the best at-home chemical peels for hyperpigmentation contain a lower concentration of chemical exfoliants to lessen the chance of irritation. “If you’ve ever experienced hyperpigmentation, as I have in my 20s from patches of melasma on my upper lip and face, you want to do anything bionic to remove it,” Dr. Marmur says of her own experience. “But slow and steady is the only way to conquer hyperpigmentation, so be patient,” she advises, while stressing the importance of checking in with your dermatologist before using any at-home chemical exfoliants.
In addition to taking things slow and consulting with a professional, Dr. Marmur advises that it’s best not to exceed a concentration of 5% of the active ingredient in question. “Mandelic acid and tranexamic acid tend to be slow and steady for hyperpigmentation treatment at home, along with proper sun protection and LED green light,” shares Dr. Marmur. She also adds that other AHAs and BHAs, like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, are popular when it comes to at-home chemical treatments for hyperpigmentation.
As for the delivery method, Dr. Marmur confirms that mechanical exfoliants, like scrubs, should be avoided because they can worsen hyperpigmentation. “Liquids and serums applied and massaged into the skin with your fingertips work much better than pads, which increase waste,” she adds. “Never brush, scrub, or rub chemical exfoliants on skin that’s prone to excess pigment because this will backfire and put you back at square one,” she stresses. “Baby your skin, protect it well, and let your derm help you in your journey against hyperpigmentation.”
Keep scrolling to shop five of the best at-home treatments for hyperpigmentation, from serums to cleansers to face masks.
1. Best Tranexamic Acid Serum For Hyperpigmentation
Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%
AMAZON
Tranexamic acid is typically a well-tolerated ingredient when it comes to fading unwanted hyperpigmentation and preventing new dark spots from forming. Naturium’s Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% gives you a potent concentration of the active ingredient, while other effective brightening ingredients like kojic acid, licorice root extract, and niacinamide bolster the acid’s skin-evening effects. This combination makes it one of the best hyperpigmentation treatments you can buy for $20 — while plenty of hydrating ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid prevent it from drying out your skin.
2. Best AHA Serum For Hyperpigmentation
Honest Beauty Resurfacing Serum
AMAZON
Honest Beauty’s Resurfacing Serum combines three AHAs to target unwanted hyperpigmentation: Glycolic, lactic, and citric acids. Additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe leaf juice all work to soothe and hydrate skin, while niacinamide offers double the skin care benefits by helping to treat hyperpigmentation and calm inflammation. At less than $25, it’s a great entry point into the world of chemical exfoliants. For best results, use it at night and don’t forget to apply sunscreen the next morning (as is the case with any AHA product).
3. Best BHA Exfoliant For Hyperpigmentation
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
AMAZON
Among the 40,000-plus five-star ratings on Amazon, you’ll find dozens of reviews that specifically mention how helpful Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation. The tried-and-true formula uses a 2% concentration of salicylic acid to clear out congested pores and exfoliate dead skin cells, while green tea extract soothes and provides antioxidant protection. Because of salicylic acid’s pore-clearing benefits, this is a great choice if your primary skin concerns are hyperpigmentation and acne or blackheads.
Though it doesn’t have nearly as many Amazon reviews, the brand’s Discoloration Repair Serum, which features tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and bakuchiol extract, is another solid pick for treating hyperpigmentation.
4. Best Exfoliating Mask For Hyperpigmentation
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask
AMAZON
If you like to use the occasional skin-pampering mask, Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask gives you a powerful chemical treatment in just 10 minutes. AHAs in the form of malic, glycolic, and lactic acids combine with the BHA salicylic acid to slough away dead skin cells and even out your skin. Bakuchiol and vitamin C give you more skin-brightening benefits, and aloe leaf juice, grape seed extract, and glycerin help with hydration. Though the mask is formulated with mostly naturally derived ingredients (many of which are organic), it still has the potential to cause irritation. Because of this, the brand suggests doing a patch test on your arm before putting the mask on your face.
5. Best Splurge
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment
AMAZON
This multi-purpose treatment can be used as a leave-on serum morning or night, or as a 15-minute mask that you rinse off if your skin is hyper-sensitive. Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment is a cult favorite for its ability to improve the clarity and texture of your skin, while still being pretty gentle. In addition to the AHA lactic acid, licorice root extract works to brighten skin and fade unwanted hyperpigmentation, while soothing and hydrating ingredients like squalane, arnica, aloe leaf, and prickly pear keep the formula balanced. It offers both immediate and long-term benefits, and has a lightweight texture that layers under other products beautifully.
You May Also Like
Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser
AMAZON
Though not exactly a peel, a cleanser with chemical exfoliants, like Dermalogica’s Daily Glycolic Cleanser, is a great place to start because the active ingredient gets rinsed right off (as opposed to treatments and serums that are left on and therefore pose a higher risk of irritation). This cleanser uses glycolic acid to exfoliate away dead skin cells, the buildup of which can contribute to hyperpigmentation. You’ll also find jojoba seed oil, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, calendula, and allantoin in here to help condition skin and calm any signs of irritation.
At home chemical peel vs professional
Dullness. Dark spots. Acne scars. Fine lines and wrinkles. What do all of these skin concerns have in common? They can be treated with medical-grade chemical peels. Depending on your aesthetic goals and needs, chemical peels are available in an array of potencies and have the ability to resurface the skin for more even tone and texture. For those looking to achieve glow-inducing results at-home, less concentrated chemical exfoliators can slough away dead skin cells for a more radiant complexion. Here, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about in-office chemical peels and at-home chemical exfoliators.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
Professional chemical peels employ chemical solutions of varying strengths to target and remove the outer layers of the skin. “The benefits of a medical-grade chemical peel are endless,” says Lizette Ludwig, RN, an aesthetic nurse and injector in southern California. As she explains, they are a good option for anyone looking to address skin imperfections. “Chemical peels allow you to remove dead skin cells and address fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone in a safe and effective way,” she shares.
Professional chemical peels can be broken down into three categories:
- Superficial chemical peels
- Medium chemical peels
- Deep chemical peels
These classifications are based on the potency of the peels and the ingredients used in the chemical solution. “Ingredients found in medical-grade peels usually include alpha hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid), beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol,” Ludwig says. Below is an overview of each:
SUPERFICIAL CHEMICAL PEELS
The lightest and gentlest of the group, superficial chemical peels remove the epidermis (i.e. top layer of the skin) and are generally tolerated by most skin tones. “These peels are usually made from alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids, but they can also include enzymes or other natural exfoliating ingredients,” Ludwig notes. Because they focus on the epidermis, superficial peels provide a slight improvement to the skin and usually require a series of treatments for best results. Some mild dryness and flaking are a part of the healing process and can last for three to five days.
MEDIUM CHEMICAL PEELS
Falling in the middle of the scale, medium-depth chemical peels produce a more dramatic result in a single treatment than light peels. “Skin will be significantly smoother with an even tone and blemishes removed,” Ludwig says. This type of peel usually contains trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to penetrate the skin and remove layers below the epidermis. Peeling, redness, and swelling are all to be expected post-peel and can last three to 10 days.
DEEP CHEMICAL PEELS
Needless to say, deep chemical peels are the strongest and most invasive. They usually involve a potent formulation of TCA or phenol that can penetrate the deep layer of the dermis. As Ludwig shares, the depth allows them to produce “drastically smoother” and “youthful-looking” skin. “Deep peels can achieve amazing results for sun damage, scarring, and wrinkles,” she says. Due to their strength, however, deep peels can be painful and healing requires patience. Several weeks of downtime is needed, and full recovery could take weeks or months.
Professional Chemical Peel Treatments
Medical-grade chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the face and (possibly) neck. The chemical solution is either applied lightly or rubbed more vigorously onto the skin using a gauze pad. During the application, you may experience a slight tingling (superficial to medium peels) or burning (deep peels). “I like to give my clients a mini fan which helps the tingling or burning sensation,” Ludwig shares. With certain types of chemical peels, the solution may need to be ‘neutralized’ after the appropriate time has elapsed, though most chemicals neutralize on their own.
Regardless of what strength peel you choose, patients are usually sent home with post-care instructions. “Make sure to discuss with your provider how to care for your skin after the peel,” Ludwig says. Even for the lightest peel, you’ll likely need to make changes to your skincare routine for a few days pre- and post-treatment. If you’re planning on a medium or deep peel, antiviral medication may be prescribed beforehand.
CHEMICAL PEEL SAFETY
Professional chemical peels are meant to be performed in a doctor’s office or a medical spa by a licensed skincare professional. As we’ve reported, the DIY dermatology trend that’s fueled by social media and social distancing had led some to try medical-grade treatments (like TCA peels) at home with dangerous and damaging results. “Beware of chemical solutions sold online, as they are usually sold illegally and can cause permanent damage to your skin,” Ludwig warns. “Chemical peels should be applied by a licensed professional.”
Professional Chemical Peels vs. At-Home Chemical Exfoliators
The main difference between a superficial in-office peel and chemical exfoliators or treatments you can find at, say Sephora, is that at-home solutions do not provide the same chemical concentration as their professional counterparts. While similar active ingredients may be found in both versions, the potency is quite different. As Ludwig explains, at-home percentages of glycolic acid, for example, max out around 10 percent, while medical-grade glycolic acids (applied by a professional) can reach as high as 70 percent.
At-Home Chemical Exfoliators
If you’re dealing with mild cases of uneven skin tone and texture or wish to maintain your complexion in between in-office appointments, at-home chemical exfoliators and enzyme treatments can impart a subtle and sustained glow with regular use.
When it comes to choosing a treatment, Ludwig suggests reading the label closely. “I recommend looking for brightening ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and active enzymes such as pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple,” she explains. “Every ingredient serves a purpose, so do your homework when it comes to the ingredient list.”
CHEMICAL EXFOLIATOR SAFETY & RESULTS
While your skin likely won’t peel or flake the way it will after a professional treatment, irritation is possible with at-home exfoliating products. “Read all instructions carefully when it comes to at-home peels,” Ludwig cautions. “Most will ask you to wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes of application and gradually build up to leaving it on overnight.”
Another way to ensure your skin ends up radiant, not ruddy? “I recommend skipping out on ingredients like retinol and other active serums on days you choose to exfoliate at home,” Ludwig shares. She suggests exfoliating one to two times per week and alternating days with any actives already in your routine. “Less is more, in my opinion,” she says. “Over-exfoliating can disrupt our skin’s microbiome.”