If you’re planning Botox and want your skin to look its absolute best, what you do before the injections matters just as much as what you do after.
At Lovoir Day Spa, we don’t perform injectables ourselves – that’s the role of your doctor or cosmetic nurse – but we do look after a lot of clients who combine Botox with regular facials and advanced skin treatments. This article will help you understand:
- The best facials before Botox
- How far in advance to book them
- Which Lovoir facials Christchurch clients love as part of their pre-Botox routine
Ready to plan your pre-botox beauty routine? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Prepare Your Skin Before Botox?
First thing’s first.
Botox (botulinum toxin) works on muscles, relaxing repetitive movement to soften expression lines. What it doesn’t do is treat the skin’s surface, pores, or pigment – that’s where facials come in!
When facials and Botox are planned together:
- Facials cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and support the skin barrier
- Botox softens dynamic wrinkles (e.g. forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet)
This combination gives a more complete rejuvenation – smoother muscle movement plus healthier skin. In fact, many cosmetic surgeons and medspas explicitly encourage a facial before Botox for this reason.
If you’re hoping to get a gentle facial before your botox appointment, dermatology and aesthetics clinics often suggest arriving with calm, healthy, non-irritated skin so your injector can work on a smooth, clean canvas and reduce the risk of side effects like bruising or prolonged redness.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup.
- Apart from facial wash, skip the moisturizer or other skincare products before the treatment.
🪷 Lovoir Note: Although Lovoir does not provide Botox, we offer a range of facials that work perfectly as pre-botox and post-botox treatments. This includes helping our clients coordinate ourr skin treatments around their botox appointments so everything works safely together!
✅ As an added layer of safety: In addition to your skin consultation with us, make sure to also inform your injector about your pre-botox facial with us.

How Long Before Botox Should You Get a Facial? (Short Answer)
Different sources and practitioners give slightly different timeframes, but most agree on a few key principles: avoid strong irritation, heat, or trauma right before injections, and don’t do anything that leaves the skin very red or peeling.
A helpful rule of thumb:
- 2–4 weeks before Botox
- Great time for a course of more corrective facials (with your doctor’s approval of course!) – e.g. chemical peels, nanofusion, microneedling, or IPL – so your skin can fully recover and settle before injections.
- Great time for a course of more corrective facials (with your doctor’s approval of course!) – e.g. chemical peels, nanofusion, microneedling, or IPL – so your skin can fully recover and settle before injections.
- 7–10 days before Botox
- Ideal window for most microdermabrasion facials, mild to medium chemical peels, and resurfacing facials – enough time for any residual redness or flaking to resolve. Many experts recommend a week between these treatments and Botox.
- Ideal window for most microdermabrasion facials, mild to medium chemical peels, and resurfacing facials – enough time for any residual redness or flaking to resolve. Many experts recommend a week between these treatments and Botox.
- 2–3 days before Botox
- Best for gentle, hydrating facials that don’t leave the skin inflamed – think soothing, barrier-supporting treatments rather than strong actives.
- Best for gentle, hydrating facials that don’t leave the skin inflamed – think soothing, barrier-supporting treatments rather than strong actives.
- Same day as Botox
- Some plastic surgeons note that a mild, non-irritating facial before injections can be fine if your injector agrees, but Botox should always come after any face massage or manipulation – NEVER the other way around.
At Lovoir, we usually recommend leaving at least 24–48 hours between any active facial and Botox, and a longer gap after stronger treatments. When in doubt, we’ll happily coordinate with your injector.
📅 Want personalised timing? Book a skin consultation at Lovoir and let us know about your upcoming Botox date – we’ll create a pre-Botox facial plan that fits your calendar.
Best Types of Facials to Have Before Botox
1. Gentle Deep-Cleansing & Exfoliating Facials
Great for: congestion, dullness, uneven texture, blackheads
A thorough cleanse and controlled exfoliation leave skin smoother, clearer and more receptive to skincare – perfect preparation before Botox. Microdermabrasion, enzyme facials, and deep-cleansing facials are common choices.
💉 Why they work well before Botox:
- Clears away dead cells and congestion, so the skin looks fresher
- Helps minimise rough texture that Botox alone doesn’t address
- Typically has little to no downtime when done conservatively
⏳ Timing:
Lovoir’s comprehensive guide on Microdermabrasion before Botox recommends having microdermabrasion at least 24–48 hours before injections, and many clients prefer several days’ buffer so any mild redness fully settles.
🪷 Lovoir facials in this category:
- Deep Cleansing Enzyme Facial / Deep Cleansing Facial – designed to decongest pores and refine texture without harsh downtime.
Book our Deep Cleansing Facial here
- Microdermabrasion Facial – diamond-tip exfoliation for smoother texture and clearer pores, loved by our microdermabrasion Christchurch clients
Book our Microdermabrasion Facial here

2. Hydrating & Barrier-Supporting Facials
Great for: dryness, sensitivity, dullness, compromised barrier
It is common knowledge to avoid irritation before Botox because inflamed or peeling skin is more prone to redness and discomfort during injections – which is why hydrating facials are always a good bet. In fact, they are often the safest options in the final few days before Botox, especially if your skin is reactive.
💉 Why they work well before Botox:
- Replenishes moisture
- Calms the skin
- Supports barrier function without strong mechanical exfoliation
⏳ Timing:
- Often suitable 2–3 days before Botox (subject to your injector’s advice), provided we keep massage gentle around future injection zones and avoid aggressive active ingredients.
🪷 Lovoir facials in this category:
- Vitamin Infusion Facial – uses electrophoresis to infuse active serums without heavy pressure or heat. Ideal if you want to glow without irritation.
Book our Vitamin Infusion Facial here
- Elementals Nanofusion – gentle, relaxing, needle-free penetration to boost collagen and glow.
Book our Nanofusion Facial here

3. Advanced Resurfacing & Rejuvenation Treatments
These are the “heavy lifters” in your skin journey. They can make dramatic improvements in tone and texture but usually need more planning around Botox.
Common examples include chemical peels, nanofusion, microneedling, IPL, and the like.
For these types of advanced treatments, authoritative dermatology and cosmetic-surgery sources recommend leaving AT LEAST one week or more before Botox so the skin has time to heal and inflammation has subsided.
⏳ Timing:
- For chemical peels, Fire & Ice, nanofusion, microneedling and IPL: ideally 7–14 days before Botox (or earlier as part of a long-term plan) so any flaking, temporary sensitivity or mild redness has resolved.
- Important to note: Depending on the gravity of your skin condition, the timing may be even more advanced – make sure to consult our aestheticians AND your injector on the exact timing for you.
🪷 Lovoir facials in this category:
- Accelerate Facial – a results-focused yet relaxing option for improving hydration and radiance. Keep in mind: we use a small needling roller to stimulate skin rejuvenation.
Book our Accelerate Facial here
- Fire & Ice Facial – a rapid-refresh enzyme + cryotherapy combo, great as part of a pre-event plan.
Book our Fire & Ice Facial here
- O Cosmedics Peel – tailored peels to target ageing, pigmentation, or dullness.
Book our O Cosmedics Peel here
- Microneedling (Dermapen 4) – performed as an advanced skin treatment (usually spaced from injectables based on your doctor’s guidance).
Book our Microneedling here
- IPL Skin Rejuvenation – light-based treatment to target redness, pigment and overall clarity.
Book our IPL Skin Rejuvenation here

Cheat Sheet: Summary of Lovoir Facials and Timing Before Botox
Lovoir is frequently described as one of the most trusted options for facials Christchurch wide, with a full menu of corrective and pampering treatments at our Avonhead and Christchurch Central day spas.
Here’s a quick rundown of our best pre-botox facials and how to best time them!
| Lovoir Facial | Benefits Before Botox | Timing Before Botox |
| Deep Cleansing Enzyme Facial | Helps clear congestion and refine texture before injections. | 1 week |
| Microdermabrasion Facial | A popular choice for “pre-Botox polishing” with minimal downtime | 2–7 days |
| Vitamin Infusion Facial | Ideal if your priority is hydration and radiance without irritation or heavy massage. | 2–3 days |
| Elementals Nanofusion | 2–3 days | |
| Accelerate Facial | Works beautifully as part of a bigger event-prep journey (e.g. weddings, milestone birthdays). | 7 days |
| Fire & Ice Facial | 7–10 days | |
| O Cosmedics Peel | Complentary facials for complex skin concerns (like acne, melasma, deeper lines)Best to start with a skin consultation, which allows our therapists to design a multi-month journey integrating these treatments and your injector’s plan. | At least 7–14 days, depending on the severity of your skin condition & your unique healing process |
| Microneedling (Dermapen 4) | ||
| IPL Skin Rejuvenation |
Whatever the case, if you’re searching for a day spa in Christchurch that can support your skin before Botox, schedule a skin consultation with us at Lovoir! Our therapists can map out the ideal schedule of facials, peels and advanced treatments around your medical appointments.
What to Avoid Just Before Your Botox Appointment
Most pre-Botox instructions from reputable medspas and plastic surgeons advise:
- No harsh facials 5–7 days before
- Avoid strong chemical peels, aggressive microdermabrasion, or anything that leaves you very red or peeling.
- Avoid strong chemical peels, aggressive microdermabrasion, or anything that leaves you very red or peeling.
- Avoid very hot or high-pressure treatments
- Intense steam, high-heat facials and vigorous massage can increase blood flow and sensitivity.
- Intense steam, high-heat facials and vigorous massage can increase blood flow and sensitivity.
- Avoid waxing, threading or harsh exfoliants right over injection zones
- These can irritate the skin and increase discomfort.
- These can irritate the skin and increase discomfort.
- Be cautious with actives at home
- Retinoids, strong acids and at-home peel pads may be paused a few days before Botox if your injector recommends it.
- Retinoids, strong acids and at-home peel pads may be paused a few days before Botox if your injector recommends it.
- Follow general pre-treatment guidance
- Many providers suggest limiting alcohol, certain supplements and blood-thinning medications in the days before Botox to minimise bruising – always follow your doctor’s specific advice.

Planning Around an Event: Sample Pre-Botox Timeline
Here’s a simple example if you’re preparing for a big occasion (wedding, reunion, photo shoot):
- 6–8 weeks before event
- Skin consultation at Lovoir
- Start a course of corrective facials (e.g. peels, nanofusion, microdermabrasion) as appropriate
- Skin consultation at Lovoir
- 3–4 weeks before event
- Last stronger peel or nanofusion session
- Maintain with hydrating / barrier-support facials
- Last stronger peel or nanofusion session
- 2–3 weeks before event
- Botox with your injector (to allow full results to show and time for any top-up if advised)
- Botox with your injector (to allow full results to show and time for any top-up if advised)
- 7–10 days before event
- A non-irritating glow facial at Lovoir (e.g. Vitamin Infusion, Fire & Ice, or Accelerate Facial) tailored around your injector’s rules
- A non-irritating glow facial at Lovoir (e.g. Vitamin Infusion, Fire & Ice, or Accelerate Facial) tailored around your injector’s rules
- 1–2 days before event
- At-home pampering only; SPF and gentle skincare
📅 Want a customised treatment plan like this? Book a skin consultation at Lovoir, and our therapists will create one just for you – based on your skin, your injector’s preferences, and your schedule.
FAQs: Facials and Botox Timing
Can I get a facial and Botox on the same day?
Many doctors say that if the facial is mild, non-irritating and done first, then Botox immediately afterwards can be acceptable, because all the rubbing and massage happens before injections.
However, if the facial is strong (e.g. microdermabrasion, peel, microneedling), it’s safer to separate the appointments by several days or more. At Lovoir, we generally recommend at least 24–48 hours between an active facial and Botox unless your injector specifically says otherwise.
Is it better to do facials before or after Botox?
For most clients, the safest and most practical sequence is:
- Corrective or resurfacing facials first (spread over weeks/months)
- Botox once the skin is calm
- Gentle hydrating facials after Botox, timed according to your injector’s aftercare instructions
That way, you’re not putting strong mechanical stress or inflammation on freshly injected areas.
Which Lovoir facial is “best” before Botox?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it depends on your skin:
- Congested / breakout-prone: Deep Cleansing or Microdermabrasion Facial
- Dull / dehydrated: Vitamin Infusion or Accelerate Facial
- Pigmentation / ageing / texture: A tailored O Cosmedics Peel, Fire & Ice, or Nanofusion series
The best starting point is always a professional skin consultation so your therapist can recommend a pre-Botox plan that suits your skin goals and aligns with your injector’s advice.

Plan Your Pre-Botox Facial at Lovoir Day Spa Christchurch
If you’re typing “facials christchurch” or “day spa christchurch” into Google and feeling overwhelmed by options, we’d love to look after you at Lovoir.
- Award-winning Lovoir Day Spa Christchurch at The Crossing, plus our Avonhead location
- Results-driven facials, peels, nanofusion, IPL and microneedling, alongside beautiful spa experiences
- Highly trained therapists who regularly work with clients having Botox and other injectables
📞 Ready to plan your pre-Botox skin journey? Book a facial or skin consultation at Lovoir and let us design a customised timeline of treatments so your skin looks fresh, calm and glowing when you head to your injector – and long after.
Book your skin consultation
Browse our facial treatments
Got Other Beauty Needs?
We’ve got it all for you! Check out our wide range of beauty treatments at Lovoir Day Spa:
- Advanced skin treatments and facials, like dermaplaning, chemical peels, LED therapy, IPL skin rejuvenation, and more.
- Massage & body treatments from aromatherapy and hot stone to reflexology, pregnancy, and couples massages.
- Beauty salon essentials, like manicure & pedicure, makeup & spraytan, eyebrow & eyelash enhancements, waxing & hair removal, and more.
- Curated spa packages & spa gift vouchers, best for me-time spa days, bridal preps, hens’ parties, or a relaxing escape
When in doubt, just consult our expert aestheticians, and we’ll help recommend the best treatment for your beauty goals. We hope to see you soon!
Visit our Beauty Salon & Day Spa at Lovoir The Crossing:
Explore our other Botox articles:
- Will A Facial Affect Botox? Best Tips for Combining Treatments!
- Can I Get a Chemical Peel After Botox? Let’s Spill the (Spa) Tea!
- Can I Get Botox After Dermaplaning?
- Can I Get Microdermabrasion Before Botox?
- Can I Get Microdermabrasion After Botox?
- Can I Get a Facial Massage After Botox? Safe Timelines & Tips
- What Are The Best Facials AFTER Botox?



