Can You Get A Facial After Botox?

Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

Can you get a facial after Botox?

If you just dropped good money on Botox and you’re eyeing your next facial appointment, you’re probably wondering if these two beauty moves play well together.

The short answer? It’s not a hard no, but it’s definitely a “not yet.”

Let’s get into why, how long you should wait, what kind of facials are safe, and everything else you didn’t know you needed to know.

Botox VS Anti-Aging Facials: What’s the Difference?

Let’s start here, because while both Botox and facials fall under the “anti-aging” umbrella, they’re working in totally different ways—and understanding how they each work can help you get better results from both.

Botox 

Botox isn’t skincare. It’s a neurotoxin (Botulinum Toxin, to be exact). And that sounds scary, but it’s actually one of the most researched, widely used skin treatments in the world. Here’s how it works:

When you smile, squint, frown, or raise your brows, your facial muscles contract. Over time, those repeated movements start to leave creases in your skin – what we call expression lines. Botox works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals to those muscles, which relaxes them. No movement = no creasing = smoother skin.

Botox is best for:

• Forehead wrinkles
• Frown lines between the brows (a.k.a. the “11s”)
• Crow’s feet
• Bunny lines on the nose
• Some neck lines or jaw tension (depending on the injection area)

Important note: Botox doesn’t treat skin tone, hydration, texture, or pigment. It’s strictly about muscle movement and wrinkle prevention. It’s like putting a stop sign in front of your forehead muscles and saying, “That’s enough, thanks.”

Related: All You Need To Know To Choose The Right Botox Practitioner

Anti-Aging Facials

Facials work on an entirely different level, the surface of your skin. There’s no needles, no freezing, and definitely no muscle relaxation happening here.

Instead, anti-aging facials focus on:

• Boosting collagen and elasticity
• Hydrating and plumping dry or tired skin
• Brightening dullness and evening out tone
• Exfoliating dead skin cells to reveal a smoother surface
• Encouraging circulation and lymphatic drainage for a healthy glow

These facials can include treatments like:

• Enzyme exfoliation or gentle peels
• Hydration infusions (like hyaluronic acid or peptides)
• Microcurrent or LED therapy to support collagen production
• Facial massage to stimulate blood flow
• Masks and serums packed with active ingredients

They’re best for things like:

• Fine lines (not deep expression lines)
• Dehydrated or textured skin
• Dullness or uneven skin tone
• Skin maintenance and glow-ups between injectables

They’re not competing treatments. They’re complementary. Think of Botox as the preventative fix, and facials as the ongoing maintenance.

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Benefits Of Combining Facials And Botox

Okay, so you know facials and Botox do different things—but together? That’s where the real magic happens. Like peanut butter and jelly or leggings and oversized hoodies, they just work better as a pair. Here’s why combining Botox with regular facials is a total power move for your skin:

1. Facials prep the skin for Botox: Botox isn’t a miracle worker. Yes, it can freeze wrinkles BUT, if your skin is dry, congested, or dull, it won’t look as flawless as it could. A facial before Botox exfoliates dead skin, unclogs pores, and deeply hydrates your skin so that when the Botox kicks in, your results look smoother and more even.
2. Botox stops deep expression lines from forming: Botox goes deeper, targeting the muscle activity that causes those lines in the first place. And that’s something no facial can do. So while your facial works on smoothing and brightening the skin surface, Botox is working under the hood to prevent new wrinkles from settling in. It’s like cleaning the house and fixing the foundation.
3. Longer-lasting, better-looking Botox results: This one surprises people: consistent facials can actually help your Botox last longer. How? Healthy, hydrated skin responds better to treatment. Improved circulation from massage supports toxin metabolism. And finally, LED or microcurrent therapy in facials can enhance skin elasticity, keeping everything lifted and youthful-looking. In other words, facials don’t interfere with Botox—they support it.
4. Facials help with post-Botox maintenance: Once the Botox has settled, regular facials keep your skin fresh and glowing between appointments. Think: reducing buildup in areas around injection sites, hydrating skin to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and keeping pores clear (especially since Botox can reduce oil production). Even a simple monthly facial can help you maintain that “I woke up like this” look longer between treatments.

Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):

Should You Get a Facial After Botox?

You totally can get a facial after a Botox treatment  – just not immediately after. Timing is everything. The general rule? Wait at least 24 to 48 hours after Botox before getting any kind of facial. Some dermatologists even recommend waiting a full 7 days, especially if your facial involves a lot of pressure, exfoliation, or facial massage.

Why the delay? Because facial treatments usually involve:

• Massage (hello, pressure)
• Heat (like steam)
• Products (some of which may irritate the skin)
• Manipulation of the skin (even gentle tugging can shift things)

None of those are Botox-friendly in the first couple of days.

What Happens If You Get a Facial Too Soon?

Honestly? You won’t get the best possible results. Worse, you might just flush a few hundred bucks down the drain. Here’s what could go wrong if you rush it:

• Migration: Botox could move to a different muscle than intended, leading to a droopy eyelid, uneven brows, or just… weird results.
• Reduced effectiveness: Your Botox may wear off faster than usual.
• Bruising or irritation: Especially if your facial involves exfoliation, suction, or strong active ingredients.

So yeah, not ideal.

What Types of Facials Should You Avoid After Botox?

Let’s break it down. There are so many kinds of facials out there. Some are chill and relaxing, some are basically a workout for your face. Here are the ones to avoid for at least a week after Botox:

1. Deep Tissue or Lymphatic Drainage Facial Massage: That intense kneading pressure feels amazing, but it can definitely move the Botox around. Hard pass (for now).
2. Microdermabrasion or Dermaplaning: These beauty treatments exfoliateskin and can be pretty abrasive, which is a big no-go right after injections.
3. Chemical Peels: Acids + freshly injected skin = irritation city. Wait at least 7–10 days, or longer if your provider says so to avoid minor side effects.
4. HydraFacial Treatment: This one’s tricky. It’s less aggressive than microdermabrasion, but still involves suction and exfoliation. Best to wait a few days or clear it with your injector.
5. Facials That Involve Steam or Heat: Heat can increase blood flow and potentially spread the Botox around. So no hot towels, no saunas, no hot tubs, no hot showers, and definitely no red light facials for a bit. Basically, you want to avoid any excessive heat.

What About Light or Gentle Facials?

Great question. Once the 48-hour mark has passed, you’re probably okay to ease back into gentler treatments. Here’s what might be safe to try on treated areas after 2–3 days (with your provider’s blessing, of course):

• Basic hydrating facials (no massage, just products)
• Sheet masks or enzyme masks at home
• Cold therapy (actually calming, especially if you had any post-injection swelling)

Still, if you’re unsure, ask your injector. They’ll know what’s safe based on where you got Botox and how much was used.

Can You Get a Facial Before Botox?

Yes, and it’s actually the preferred order. If you’re planning to get both a facial and Botox in the same week, doing your facial first is usually the best move. Here’s why it makes sense:

1. Facials prep your skin beautifully: Think of it like this: You’re about to get injected with something that’s going to stay in your face for 3–4 months. Wouldn’t you want the skin around those areas to be clean, calm, and balanced? A gentle facial a day or two before Botox can exfoliate dead skin cells, clear out any clogged pores, hydrate dry patches, and reduce inflammation or redness. This creates a smoother canvas and might even help you notice the Botox results more clearly once they kick in.
2. There’s no risk of disturbing the Botox: Since the facial is happening before any injections, you don’t have to stress about massage, steam, or pressure moving things around. You can go in for all your favorite treatments (microdermabrasion, lymphatic massage, extractions) without a care in the world.
3. It just makes scheduling easier: If you’re someone who’s got regular Botox touch-ups every few months and you like to keep your skin glowing, booking a facial a day or two before each Botox appointment becomes a nice little ritual. It keeps everything in sync and gives you the perfect “fresh-faced” look.

Best Types of Facials Before Botox

Wondering what the best type of facial before Botox is? Not all facials are created equal, and if you’re prepping for Botox, here are some treatments that play nicely:

1. Hydrating facials: These help plump the skin and soothe any dryness. You’ll walk into your Botox appointment looking and feeling extra fresh.
2. Enzyme facials: A gentler alternative to chemical exfoliants, enzyme masks help dissolve dead skin without being too harsh.
3. LED light therapy: Red light can help calm inflammation and stimulate collagen—always a win. And there’s no pressure or manipulation involved.
4. Microdermabrasion (if done 5+ days prior): This can buff away texture and fine lines, making Botox results look even better later. Just give your skin a few days to settle before the injections.

A Few Things to Skip Before Botox

If you’re prepping your skin for Botox, just avoid anything too aggressive right before your appointment. Here’s what to steer clear of the day or two before:

• Chemical peels
• Laser treatments
• Harsh extractions
• Microneedling
• Anything that leaves your skin super red or inflamed

You want your skin calm and happy when you walk into that Botox chair, not stressed out or sensitive.

Can You Get A Facial And Botox On The Same Day?

Technically yes, but only if you do the facial first. Getting a facial before Botox is totally fine. But doing a facial after Botox (on the same day or even the next) is a big no-no. You risk moving the Botox or interfering with how it settles into your muscles.

Pro tip: If you’re booking both, schedule the facial in the morning and the Botox in the afternoon. Or just spread them out across a few days.

When Is the Best Time to Get a Facial, Then?

If you’re someone who loves both Botox and facials, here’s a good rhythm to follow:

1. Get your facial a day or two BEFORE your Botox appointment. That way your skin is fresh and hydrated, and there’s zero risk of messing up the results.
2. If you must get a facial after Botox, wait at least 48 hours, and opt for something ultra-gentle.
3. Want to go all in with extractions, massage, or treatments? Wait 7 to 10 days post-Botox. That’s enough time and you’ll get better results from both that way. And it’s really all part of Botox aftercare. 

The Ultimate Botox + Facial Schedule (No Guesswork)

If you’re all about that maintenance life and want both glowing skin + wrinkle-free vibes, here’s a simple routine:

• Week 1: Facial.
• Week 2 (2–3 days later): Botox session.
• Week 3: Chill. Let the Botox settle.
• Week 4 onward: Monthly facials are back on the menu.

This rotation gives your skin TLC and lets your Botox work its magic without interference.

FAQs (Because You Still Might Be Wondering…)

Can you get a facial after Botox if it’s just a “relaxing” one?

A: Even if it’s labeled “relaxing,” many facials include some light massage, which is still risky in the first 48 hours. Better to wait a few days or ask the esthetician to skip all massage.

Can I wear makeup after Botox?

A: Yes, but keep it minimal. Applying makeup gently with a sponge or clean hands is fine. Avoid heavy blending or rubbing motions for the first day.

What about LED light facials?

A: Red light therapy is generally safe after 48 hours, but again, ask your provider. Some might advise waiting longer, especially if heat or stimulation could be an issue.

How to Make the Most of Your Botox (Without Wasting a Drop)

1. Be consistent with your appointments: Botox is like going to the gym. You get the best results when you’re consistent. If you wait until every line is fully back before rebooking, you’re playing catch-up. But if you go in for maintenance every 3–4 months, your muscles stay more relaxed over time, and that means you might need less product in the long run.
2. Pair it with a great skincare routine:  Botox freezes the muscle, but it doesn’t hydrate, brighten, or exfoliate. That’s your skincare’s job. Using ingredients like Retinol or retinal (for cell turnover), Hyaluronic acid (for plumpness) and Vitamin C (for glow and protection) will level up your Botox results and give you a younger-looking face better than Botox alone.
3. Use sunscreen religiously: No seriously, religiously. UV damage is the #1 way to sabotage your Botox investment. If you’re out here spending hundreds on injectables and skipping SPF… you’re canceling your own glow-up. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy.
4. Don’t wait for the wrinkles to come back: You don’t need to be frozen 24/7, but don’t wait for lines to fully return before booking your next session. Staying on top of it means the muscles stay weaker and you’ll prevent deeper lines, like those annoying forehead furrows, from forming. It’s easier to maintain than reverse.
5. Live a skin-friendly lifestyle: It sounds basic, but Botox works best on healthy skin and in a healthy body. So if you’re smoking, constantly stressed, not sleeping, or living on takeout… your results might not last as long. Support your skin from the inside out. Get your 7–9 hours, drink water, eat skin-loving foods (think healthy fats, leafy greens, berries), and skip the excess sugar (glycation = more wrinkles).
6. Don’t overdo it: It’s tempting to want more for longer, but more units doesn’t always equal better results. Too much Botox can leave you stiff, puffy, or with weirdly frozen expressions. Trust your injector’s recommendations, and keep the goal natural, not numb.
7. Try “baby Botox” if you’re new (and build from there): You don’t need to go full-frozen to see results. Baby Botox (aka using lower doses in strategic spots) can give you that soft, rested look while keeping your face expressive. And when done consistently, it can train your muscles to stay more relaxed over time.
8. Think beyond the forehead’: Botox isn’t just for frown lines. Some of the best results come from injecting it in less obvious spots, like Masseter muscles (for jaw slimming or TMJ, chin (to smooth dimpling), lip flip (a subtle lift to the upper lip), and neck bands (for a smoother jawline).
9. Choose your injector carefully: Technique matters. A great injector will customize your treatment to your face, muscle strength, and goals, not just go with a one-size-fits-all approach. When the placement and dosage are spot-on, your results look better, last longer, and feel more like you – just well-rested and glowing.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve made it this far (hi, skincare nerd 💕), here’s your recap for optimal results:

Can you get a facial after Botox? Yes, but timing is key. The last thing you want is to undo your results and get some unwanted side effects because you couldn’t wait a couple of days for your glow-up session. Let your Botox settle. Let your skin chill for the recommended waiting period (around a week) Then book your facial appointments and go all in on your glow-up routine. And if in doubt? Ask your injector.