Is the Sun Responsible for Diminishing Your Botox Results?

Add Botox to the list of reasons why you should protect yourself from the sun.

Botox Cosmetic is the popular prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of both moderate to severe crow’s feet lines and frown lines between the eyebrows in adults.

Botox remains the go-to treatment for people looking address the fine lines and wrinkles that bother them.

According to New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD, the sun may make your Botox metabolize quicker, which is why during certain seasons you can potentiallysee those pesky fine lines and wrinkles appear sooner than expected.

“There may be many factors responsible for this, one of which is ultraviolet exposure, which increases the metabolism of Botox,” said Dr. Levine.

But, not every medical professional believes that the sun has a direct effect on Botox results.

“The answer is no, sun has no effect on Botox treatments.  However, you should avoid prolonged direct sunlight, especially extreme sun exposure that puts you at risk for burns, as this can increase the risk of skin cancer and photoaging,” said Dr. Jason Emer of Los  Angeles.

Regardless of if Botox duration is truly altered by sun exposure, it is always important to wear a suitable sunscreen to protect yourself from potentially harmful rays.

The American Academy of Dermatology continues to recommend that you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher—whether it’s sunny or cloudy outside—and according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sun protection is essential to skin cancer prevention—about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and about 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

Looking for Botox in Washington DC? To get started, request your complimentary consultation using our online form or call (202) 237-9292.

Dr. Eliot Battle

CEO & Founder at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Dr. Eliot Battle, CEO of Cultura Dermatology, is a global leader in cosmetic dermatology and laser innovation. His Harvard research pioneered “color-blind” lasers, making treatments safe for all skin tones. A sought-after expert featured in TIME, Oprah, and The New York Times, he continues to advance inclusive, cutting-edge dermatological care.