If you just got botox injections and you’re wondering when you’ll be able to go back to regular facials, this guide is for you!
The most important rule to note: Timing matters.
When getting facials after botox, scheduling them at the right time will keep your results looking fresh while still giving you that healthy, hydrated glow.
In this guide, we give you a clear, evidence-based breakdown on what you can safely enjoy after Botox, what to wait for, and a few Lovoir favourites to book when you’re ready.
The Short Answer: How soon can I book a facial after Botox?
- Within 24 hours: Only gentle cleansing at home. Skip facials and any massage/pressure on the treated areas.
- 48–72 hours: Continue very gentle, no-massage skin care at home. If you’re prone to bruising or swelling, give it a touch longer for comfort.
- ~7 days: Light, non-exfoliating facials that avoid firm facial massage are typically fine for most people.
- ~14 days: For active or mechanical treatments (microdermabrasion, medium peels, lasers, microneedling), a conservative 1–2 week wait protects your results and skin barrier.
📅 Not sure on proper timing after Botox? Book a consultation at Lovoir Day Spa and let us know about your recent botox appointment – we’ll recommend the best treatments and when it’s safe to get them.
Why the wait matters
Botulinum toxin settles where it’s placed and reaches full effect over about 10–14 days, with overall benefits lasting roughly 3–4 months. Meaning, any excess pressure, heat, or vigorous manipulation on the first day can theoretically shift it from the target muscles.
That said, a proper Botox aftercare routine matters – and the best person to give you the detailed day-to-day recovery advice would be your Botox injector.
Now, for beauty facials, in particular, here’s what we usually recommend to our clients who come in after their Botox appointment:
Best “Post-Botox” Facials by Timeline
0–48 hours: Keep it gentle at home
- What to do: Mild cleanse, tepid water, SPF. Keep skincare simple and soothing.
- What to avoid: Any spa facial or facial massage (no tools, no scrubs).
3–7 days: Light, soothing treatments
- Hydrating or Calming Facials
- What they do: Keep skin soft and dewy without firm facial massage or deep exfoliation. Think barrier support, humectants, and optional no-touch LED.
- Why the wait: Early swelling or tenderness from injections has usually settled, and we can nourish the skin without manipulating the injected muscles.
- What they do: Keep skin soft and dewy without firm facial massage or deep exfoliation. Think barrier support, humectants, and optional no-touch LED.
7–14+ days: More advanced treatments
- Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels
- What they do: Mechanical or chemical resurfacing to boost cell turnover.
- Why the wait: These treatments use contact, suction, or controlled irritation. Giving Botox 7–14 days to “set” avoids pressure on treated muscles, reduces the chance of worsening any early bruising, and lets us judge results accurately once the toxin has fully declared.
- What they do: Mechanical or chemical resurfacing to boost cell turnover.
- IPL, Laser, other Heat-Based Facials
- What they do: Deliver controlled thermal energy to stimulate collagen and even tone.
- Why the wait: Heat increases blood flow and lymphatic activity. In the first few days, that can amplify bruising or tenderness and make responses less predictable. Waiting a week or two ensures swelling is gone and Botox results are stable, so energy is delivered evenly.
- What they do: Deliver controlled thermal energy to stimulate collagen and even tone.
- Microneedling
- What it does: Creates micro-channels to trigger a controlled wound-healing cascade and new collagen for texture, pores, and fine lines.
- Why the wait: Microneedling intentionally causes inflammation and involves multiple passes and gentle skin tensioning. Spacing it at least 1–2 weeks prevents overlap with Botox’s early settling phase and avoids aggravating any residual pinpoint bruising.
- What it does: Creates micro-channels to trigger a controlled wound-healing cascade and new collagen for texture, pores, and fine lines.
Lovoir treatments that pair beautifully with Botox
So you just got Botox and you’re ready for your facial – here are some Lovoir facials Christchurch clients love, why they pair well with Botox, and when to time them.
Vitamin Infusion Facial
- When: from day 3–7
- Why it pairs well: Electrophoresis-driven infusion delivers active serums deeper without heavy pressure or heat, so we can boost hydration and radiance while your injections settle.
- How we do it: We choose vitamin-rich serums to target tone and luminosity, then finish with cooling to keep things calm. No firm massage over recently injected muscles.
Book our Vitamin Infusion facial
PRIN Lymphatic Therapy
- When: from day 7 onwards
- Why it pairs well: This circulatory support facial uses a specialised firming mask to encourage detoxification and nutrient delivery without deep exfoliation. It’s ideal once day-one sensitivity has passed.
- How we do it: We apply the FLOW mask to stimulate healthy blood flow and support barrier function; we tailor any massage to stay light and avoid direct pressure over injection zones.
Book our PRIN Lymphatic Therapy facial
Dermaplaning Facial
- When: from day 7 onwards
- Why it pairs well: Superficial exfoliation removes peach fuzz and dull surface cells for instant smoothness. We wait a week to avoid skin stretching over freshly treated muscles.
- How we do it: Gentle tensioning only, conservative passes near injected areas, and a hydrating mask to finish.
Book our Dermaplaning facial
“Fire & Ice” Facial (oxygenating enzyme + cryo)
- When: from day 7 onwards
- Why it pairs well: You’ll get that event-ready brightness without aggressive downtime. We schedule it after the first week so heat from the enzyme step won’t overlap the immediate post-injection window.
- How we do it: We moderate enzyme exposure, avoid vigorous manipulation, and use cryotherapy plus a soothing mask to calm.
Book our Fire & Ice facial
Chemical Peels (O Cosmedics)
- When: from day 7 onwards
- Why it pairs well: Controlled chemical exfoliation refines texture and tone. Waiting a week or two avoids amplifying early bruising or tenderness and lets us read your Botox results clearly.
- How we do it: We select from pomegranate/fruit enzymes through to advanced formulas (e.g., Bio-White, Catalyst Retinol, Alpha-Beta) based on skin readiness, then layer LED or hydration as needed.
Book our O Cosmedics facial
Microneedling (Dermapen 4)
- When: from day 10 onwards
- Why it pairs well: Collagen stimulation complements wrinkle-softening once Botox has fully “set.” The short wait prevents overlap between needling inflammation and early toxin settling.
- How we do it: We map injection zones, minimise manipulation over treated muscles, and often add LED or exosomes for recovery and results.
Book Microneedling
IPL Skin Rejuvenation
- When: from day 10 onwards
- Why it pairs well: Broad-spectrum light targets pigment, redness, and overall clarity. We wait until swelling and tenderness have resolved to keep energy delivery even and comfortable.
- How we do it: Conservative parameters near injection areas, strong cooling, and strict post-care to support barrier health and pigment control.
Book IPL Skin Rejuvenation
📅 Not sure on what facial suits your skin? Book a consultation at Lovoir Day Spa and we’ll discuss our facial treatments in detail, including which ones best suit you and your skin goals.
More safety tips: What to avoid right after Botox
- Facials/massage on day 1. Wait at least 24 hours before any face massage or spa facial.
- Pressure or rubbing. Skip gua-sha tools, firm cleansing brushes, and vigorous scrubs the first day.
- Prolonged lying flat immediately after. Stay upright for several hours post-treatment.
- Strenuous activities, or any type of movement that can potentially move the botox around – yikes!
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:
