Every once in a while a patient will ask me a question that I know the answer to but I’m really unclear of the science behind the answer. Recently a patient asked; ”May I go to the beach and swim in the ocean without interfering with my injectables?”
The answer is “yes” but the question brought up more precise questions. Should injectables be avoided during the summer months? Does Botox work as well in the summer heat? Do gel fillers melt away quicker if injected under skin exposed to sun and heat?
The data shows that Botox or injectable fillers (Juviderm, Restylane, Sculptra) do not need to be avoided during the summer and their efficiency and duration of action remains the same as in the winter. One article noted that there may be an increased need for Botox as strong sunlight will cause squinting and therefore increase muscle strength and movements around the eye. Consequently there is a need for more Botox to relax the eye muscles and in particular the muscles between the eyebrows and around the outside of the globe.
Fillers do not get absorbed any faster with sun exposure or heat. But some injectors feel that prolonged sun exposure will dry out the skin leading to loss of moisture, loss of elasticity, and progressive loss of volume/fullness in the underlying tissue. These physicians have noticed a need to increase filler volume to fill out collapsing sun-damaged skin.
So what can you do to help your skin this summer? I refer you to our March 2020 skin care blog regarding changing your skin care regiment with the changing seasons. Briefly:
- Increase exfoliation to remove built up sweat, oil, and skin debris
- Continue application of your UV protection
- The application of Vitamin C will improve your sun protection as well as keep your reactive pigment production (tanning) down
- Continue using retinol as this will increase cell repair and turnover of skin cells in sun-damaged skin but be careful not to dry your skin out.
Don’t worry and have fun at the beach!!!
