When it comes to minimising signs of ageing — like wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin — there’s no shortage of options. In fact, the options can be overwhelming, and it can be confusing to figure out what really works for you.
Two commonly mentioned procedures are anti-ageing facials and Botox. What do they actually do and how do you know which option is right for you? Read on to find out more!
Understanding the Difference Between Botox and Facials
First, it’s important to understand that although Botox and anti-ageing facials can help with minimising signs of ageing, they are two completely different things.
What Does Botox Do?
Botox, or Botulinum Toxin, is a medical-grade, injectable treatment (neurotoxin injections) that work by relaxing the facial muscles to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment is particularly effective for dynamic wrinkles, often found around the eyes and forehead.
What Do Facials Help With?
Anti-ageing facials, especially those that involve energy-based devices, like HIFU or radiofrequency technology, work by stimulating collagen and elastin production to firm and tighten the skin over time. They are non-invasive procedures with little to no downtime, and provide natural-looking, subtle results.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Benefits
Botox generally offers quick and noticeable results, typically within a few days as the neurotoxin works. If you’re looking to smooth out wrinkles for a special event and need a fast fix, this is an ideal option. However, it’s important to remember that you may need to undergo another treatment every 3 to 4 months to maintain your results.
Anti-ageing facials with energy-based devices work more gradually. As collagen and elastin production are stimulated, your skin’s condition will improve over time and across multiple sessions. Although results are not as quick, they tend to be longer-lasting and can contribute to your overall skin health.
Can Botox and Facials Complement Each Other?
Not only can Botox and anti-ageing facials complement each other, they can also amplify each other’s results. While Botox can target dynamic wrinkles and smooth out facial lines before they deepen, facials can work by improving skin texture, boosting hydration and stimulating collagen and elastin production.
In simple terms, Botox temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles and can help prevent deeper lines from forming, while anti-ageing facials help rebuild skin structure. Together, they can tackling signs of ageing from different fronts, helping you achieve a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
Post-Botox Facial Care – What to Avoid and What Helps
Here’s what to do and what not to do after a Botox procedure (for at least 24 – 48 hours):
- Avoid facials, massages or other energy-based treatments after your Botox procedure to prevent shifting.
- Skip strenuous workouts, saunas and hot showers.
- Avoid lying down flat or on your side for a few hours post-treatment.
- Opt for gentle skincare, such as soothing cleansers and hyaluronic acid serums.
- Avoid touching or putting pressure on your face.
- Wait a few days before undergoing a facial. Check in with your doctor or therapist on when would be ideal.
If you’re doing both a facial and Botox treatment, you will be advised to undergo an anti-ageing facial first before a doctor performs your Botox procedure.
Anti-Ageing Facial Options in Singapore
Here are a few effective and science-backed anti-ageing facial options at SkinLab.
LDM Triple Facial – Non-invasive Firming
Local Dynamic Micromassage (LDM) facials utilises high-frequency ultrasound waves to penetrate deeper layers of the skin and create a dynamic micromassage effect to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This, in turn, improves cellular activity, lifts the face and minimises wrinkles and fine lines.
SkinLab’s LDM Triple Facial takes things one step further by utilising 3 different frequencies (including a patented 19MHz frequency) simultaneously to optimise its lifting and tightening effects, while increasing hyaluronic acid production for youthful and plump skin.
IYASHI – Anti-inflammatory and Detoxifying
SkinLab’s IYASHI Exosome Nano Needling Treatment not only reduces signs of ageing, but offers anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects for the skin. This treatment is done using a derma roller and IYASHI Exosomes — which are microscopic carriers across cells, delivering growth factors, peptides and genetic material to support cell regeneration and repair. These exosomes help revive skin by improving skin tone and texture from within.
TriLift – Lifting Without Needles
If you prefer non-injectable options, the TriLift Face Treatment might be right for you. This science-backed treatment was specially designed to lift and sculpt the face using 3 advanced medical aesthetic technologies — radiofrequency, HIFU and LDM. This allows the treatment to target different layers of the skin for a more effective and precise lifting effect.
Choosing the Right Anti-Ageing Plan for You
The key to ageing well isn’t about picking a treatment that’s most popular — it’s about choosing a treatment that best suits your skin’s needs, desired outcomes and lifestyle.
When to Start with Botox or Facials
If you notice early signs of ageing, like fine lines, dullness, or a slight loss in skin firmness, you can start with energy-based facials to stimulate collagen and maintain elasticity. Collagen production naturally begins to slow down from our mid-20s, so many start in their late 20s to 30s to delay visible ageing before it sets in.
Botox isn’t just corrective, it’s preventative. By relaxing muscles responsible for expression lines, it helps stop deeper wrinkles from forming in the first place.
Combining Treatments Based on Skin Concerns
Sometimes, combining treatments based on your skin concerns would make for more optimal outcomes. Consider asking yourself the following questions:
- What is my biggest skin concern? Is it wrinkles, sagging, or skin dullness?
- Do I want fast results or gradual improvements?
- Am I okay with injectables, or do I prefer less invasive treatments?
- How much downtime am I willing to manage?
- What’s my budget?
- Am I open to a multi-step approach?
- Am I doing this for long-term skin goals or a short-term glow up?
Consulting a Skincare Expert First
Every effective treatment starts with a proper understanding of your skin and its needs. This is why consulting a skincare expert is crucial. They can help you:
- Understand what your skin truly needs based on your skin type and condition.
- Discover what treatments will actually work and fit into your lifestyle.
- Learn how to layer or time your treatments for ideal results.
Get the Treatment you Need at SkinLab
When it comes to anti-ageing solutions, there is no one-size-fits all answer. On the bright side, there is definitely one that’s right for you — the first step is understanding your individual needs and skin goals, and crafting a plan on how to age gracefully from there.
SkinLab is a medispa in Singapore dedicated to providing doctor-led, minimally-invasive treatments for all your skin needs. Schedule a consultation with us today for a detailed skin analysis and personalised treatment plan.