How to Care for Skin After Botox and Get a Safe Spray Tan
An increasing number of people are choosing non-surgical cosmetic injectables like Botox and fillers to achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance. But many also love glowing, bronzed skin from spray tanning. Can these two popular treatments safely go hand-in-hand? What steps should you take to care for post-procedure skin before baring it all for some color?
Understanding the Botox Process
Botox injections utilize a highly diluted botulinum toxin to temporarily relax muscles under the skin that cause wrinkles associated with aging or expression. Tiny amounts are strategically injected to smooth lines on common areas like:
- Forehead
- Frown lines
- Crows feet
- Smile lines
Results emerge gradually over 1-2 weeks and generally last 3-4 months. For ongoing wrinkle reduction, maintenance appointments every 4 months or so are needed as the muscle-relaxing effects wear off.
Side Effects and Down Time
When performed by an experienced, licensed provider, botox injections have minimal downtime. Possible short-term effects include:
- Mild bruising, redness, swelling
- Minor headache
- Eyelid drooping or asymmetry (rare)
- Numbness or tingling
These typically resolve within a few days. Until swelling dissipates completely, your final results cant fully be judged. Avoiding blood thinning medications/supplements, alcohol use, and strenuous activity for 24 hours post-treatment can help reduce bruising risk as well.
Caring for Skin After Botox Appointments
Properly nurturing the skin following injectables is key. Dermatologists recommend:
- Gently cleansing skin morning and night
- Applying a soothing, non-irritating moisturizer
- Being extra diligent about broad spectrum SPF protection
- Avoiding facials, chemical peels, laser treatments, or microdermabrasion for 1-2 weeks
Letting botoxed skin fully heal before receiving other cosmetic procedures prevents complications. Now lets explore when its suitable to get a spray tan post-injections.
Timing Your Spray Tan Session After Botox
Ideally, receive your botox first, then wait:
- 7 days - If bruising was minimal
- 10-14 days - If swelling, redness, or bruising was more moderate
Why the waiting period? Those with post-botox bruises, irritated skin or surface imperfections wont achieve an even application since spray solution temporarily stains the uppermost layer of skin.
Preparing Skin Before Your Spray Tan Appointment
Night before your spray tan, gently exfoliate with an exfoliating cloth or scrub to remove any dry, flaking skin. On day of appointment:
- Cleanse, shave and moisturize all areas to be tanned
- Use a barrier cream on dry patches like hands, knees, elbows
- Wear loose, dark clothing
Arriving with fresh, exfoliated bare skin helps spray solution absorb evenly into upper layers. Technicians may not be able to spray over clothing to protect it from overspray.
What to Expect During Your Session
During your spray tanning appointment:
- Stand in designated area wearing minimal clothing
- Technician sprays your front, back and sides with tanning mist
- Raise arms or adjust body as needed to cover all areas
- Eyes and other mucous membranes are protected
Sessions take 10 minutes or less. The spray contains DHA, which reacts with dead skin cells to create a natural-looking color that develops in 2-4 hours and lasts 4-10 days.
Caring for Skin After Your Spray Tan
Once your spray tan is complete, a few aftercare tips include:
- Waiting 10 mins before dressing to allow drying
- Wearing loose, dark clothing immediately after
- Avoiding sweat, swimming, baths for 8-12 hours
- Using only minimal, fragrance-free products on skin
- Gently exfoliating before color fades to avoid uneven shedding
Moisturizing daily and using SPF protection will also keep your glow lasting longer while nourishing newly rejuvenated botox skin.
Is It Safe to Get Spray Tans After Botox?
Yes, spray tanning is perfectly safe following botox once any swelling, redness and bruising has fully resolved. The DHA reaction only temporarily darkens dead skin cells near the surface without affecting deeper layers.
However, those with extremely sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, psoriasis or rashes should test a small area first and discuss concerns with technicians before appointments.
What About Using Other Self-Tanning Products Post-Botox?
Besides professional spray tans, many people use daily self-tanning moisturizers or mousses to create sun-kissed color. These over-the-counter products also contain DHA as the active ingredient. When used correctly, they are generally safe options after botox too.
But improper application directly after injectables could highlight patchy, uneven skin as the effects fully develop. Waiting the 7-14 day window allows products to be blended more easily for uniform results.
Combining Botox and Spray Tans for a Refreshed Look
Using cosmetic injectables like botox along with spray tanning offers perks like:
- Achieving a complete facial refresh
- Enhancing rejuvenated skin with sun-kissed glow
- Building self-confidence for summer months
- photo-ready, youthful appearance year-round
Employ these treatments as complementary solutions for looking and feeling your best at any age or for upcoming vacations or events.
Find Experienced Aesthetic Professionals
To ensure outstanding, safe outcomes from combining these popular treatments, visit properly accredited clinics like:
- Medical spas with licensed providers
- Reputable cosmetic dermatology offices
- Highly reviewed esthetician practices
With reputable spray tan and injectable specialists, you can confidently achieve a revitalized yet refreshed version of yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spray Tans and Botox
Can I shower after getting spray tanned?
It's best to avoid showering for 8-12 hours so the DHA spray tan solution can fully absorb and react with skin. Gently pat dry if needing to towel off at all during that window.
Do spray tans damage skin?
No, spray tanning does not damage healthy skin when performed by a trained technician. However, those with eczema or very sensitive skin may wish to spot test.
How long should I wait to spray tan if I got filler instead of botox?
The same 7-14 day guideline applies. Wait until all swelling and tenderness has resolved before spray tanning over areas that received cosmetic filler injections.
FAQs
Can I get a spray tan the same day as botox injections?
No, it's best to wait at least 7 days after getting botox injections before your spray tan appointment. This allows any bruising, swelling or irritation to fully resolve so solution applies evenly.
Will a spray tan hide my botox bruises?
Since spray tans only temporarily darken the surface layer of skin cells, they generally don't conceal deeper bruises well. Waiting until bruises from injections fully fade will provide best tanning results.
How often can I get spray tans after botox treatments?
After the initial 7-14 day waiting period post-injections, you can get spray tans as frequently as you wish. Getting touch-up bronzing every 5-10 days works well with maintaining botox wrinkle relaxation effects long-term.
Do you need to take any special precautions before getting spray tanned?
Yes, properly exfoliate and moisturize the day before, arrive with clean skin, use barrier cream as needed, and wear loose dark clothing. This allows for maximum absorption and coverage from spray solution.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment