Botox treatments are ubiquitous in modern day society and a part of the vernacular of nearly every American household. Botox as an injectable treatment has increased by 459% from the year 2000 to the year 2024. In an effort to smooth out wrinkles and signs of aging both men and women of all age groups have flocked to this treatment methodology. (1,2)
As awareness surrounding the health benefits of sauna use increases, its use has also become widespread. Following the Covid pandemic there has been a remarkable increase in the general population’s interest in their own health. Because of this the rate of sauna users has increased exponentially. (3)
While the use of Botox and saunas has not had a parallel increase in use since 2000, the increase in users is relatively similar. Which means more people need to know how Botox interacts with the heat of a sauna.
If you are planning your next injection of Botox you need to find out when, (if at all), you can use a sauna before and after receiving your injections.
Find out the specific protocol from the experts on how to properly manage your sauna use around your injections so that the heat from your sauna does not interfere with the outcome of your Botox treatment.
How Does Botox Affect a Change in Physical Appearance: The Bio-Chemistry Behind The Anti-Aging Agent
Botox is a pharmaceutical brand name for the neurotoxin botulinum toxin. So, when you receive your Botox treatment you are actually receiving a dosage of botulinum toxin. This chemistry has a paralytic effect that relaxes the muscles in the site of injection in order to smooth out lines and wrinkles formed by the activation of certain muscle groups (typically in the face).
According to the article published by the National Library of Medicine entitled ‘Botulinum Toxin: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Roles in Pain States’, Botox has uses far beyond the cosmetic world and is also FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved for pain management for specific conditions.
“Botulinum toxin is FDA-approved to treat migraines, which to date is the only chronic condition approved for its use. The therapeutic effect derives from minimizing muscle tension and enhancing muscle relaxation. The neurotoxin formulation of botulinum toxin A is among the popular cosmetic procedures in America.” (5)
Another article published by the National Library of Medicine entitled ‘Botulinum Toxin’, writes the following in regard to the function of Botox within the body.
“The continuation of the paralysis and muscle relaxation effect is based on the temporary restraint of neurotransmitter release.” (6)
While Botox reportedly takes as long as 2 weeks to fully settle into the body and take cosmetic effect, experts purport that injection sites are no longer adversely affected by heat after just two days.
“Botulinum toxin has a longer duration of action once administered. It takes approximately two weeks to thoroughly develop efficacy and the last three to five months in cosmetic practice.” (6)
Before you book your next Botox appointment the National Library of Medicine does warn of several possible complications.
Complications include (6):
- Headache
- Infection
- Cocked eyebrow
- Ectropion
- Decreased strength of eye closure
- Xerophthalmia
Botulinum toxin contraindications include (6):
- Keloidal scarring
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Botulinum toxin allergies
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Amyotrophic lateralizing sclerosis myopathies
If you are already using Botox and plan to continue, or if you and your doctor have decided that it is the best option for you for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes, you will want to arrange your sauna schedule around your Botox treatment.
Heat does impact Botox injections and the appearance of the injected site on the body, so please make sure that you follow specific protocol before and after your injection to avoid a completely botox botched job!
Heat Affects the Integration of Botox Into the Body: Avoid Sauna Use Before and After Your Botox Injection
Once you have decided that you are going to receive Botox injections, you will want to be very, very cautious about how soon after your injection that you go back into the sauna, or even exercise.
According to several dermatological experts, heat directly affects botulinum toxin, particularly during the first two days following your injection.
According to Eden Medical it is important to avoid all heat for two days after your injection.
“Heat, such as that from a sauna after Botox, steam rooms, hot baths, or prolonged sun exposure, increases blood flow, which can negatively impact how Botox settles.” (1)
As stated earlier, by the authors of Botulinum Toxin, a publication from the National Library of Medicine, it does take a full two week period of Botox to fully integrate into the body. Many dermatologists recommend holding off from high heat for 48 hours after your treatment. If you want to ensure the integrity of your injection site you may want to wait two full weeks before resuming sauna treatments.
Dr. Castellano from Elite Plastic Surgery advises refraining from high heat, such as a sauna for 48 hours before and after your Botox injections.
“A waiting period is recommended after Botox injections to ensure the product settles properly and to avoid any potential complications. Saunas, which are known for their high temperatures and steam, can potentially affect the outcome of your Botox treatment.” (2)
So, according to the publication from the National Library of Medicine, you may want to wait a full two weeks following your injection before returning to the sauna. However, according to professional dermatologists performing injections, everyone should refrain from sauna use for at least 48 hours before and after Botox injections.
That means that at the minimum you should plan to take 4 days off of sauna use during your injection period in order to secure an effective injection.
If you do not want to miss out on your sauna time remember that saunas, especially infrared saunas, do wonders for the skin. From increasing collagen availability, detoxification of the skin, to tightening of the skin, your skin will glow after each sauna session. So, if you fear that Botox may not be for you, consider using a sauna more frequently to improve the quality of your skin as well as to produce robust anti-aging effects.
Refrain From Sauna Use For 48 Hours Before and After Botox Treatment For Best Results and For Safety Measures Or Consider Regular Sauna Use as Your Best Skin Care Routine!
Saunas, when used regularly, help to maintain a youthful and vibrant health from the inside out. This means that using heat to heal the body will ultimately provide an anti-aging physical glow for the skin as well. Saunas will not completely smooth out all lines or wrinkles, but they are known for their beautification properties.
If you are committed to receiving Botox treatments for any reason, you must respect the heat of the sauna in order to maintain the integrity of your injections. Going into the sauna too soon after your injections can cause complications to the chemical of botulinum toxin, which could leave you with a bumpy layer just below the skin, or perhaps even worse outcomes.
If you want to be 100% secure in returning to your sauna use after Botox injections then wait a full two weeks. Most professionals advise a simple waiting period of just 48 hours, and still some suggest that after the completion of 48 hours that heat may help to settle the Botox into the appropriate layers of skin and muscle.
According to Dermatologists and Hair Restoration Specialists Dr. Ben Behnam, MD of Santa Monica California, after waiting the appropriate 48 hours, saunas may help Botox injections last longer.
“You’ve just received a Botox injection to reduce your wrinkles, and now you’re wondering how you can maximize the results. Well, sauna after Botox might be the answer you’re looking for. This popular practice aims to enhance the muscle relaxation effects of the botulinum toxin by exposing your body to the relaxing and detoxifying heat of a sauna. By doing so, the injected toxin can penetrate deeper into your muscles, leading to a more effective and longer-lasting outcome.” (4)
For more information about using a sauna to enhance your Botox injections you can contact Dermatologist Los Angeles – Dr. Ben Behnam, MD, FAAD
11669 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 110, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 315-4989
Across the board all professionals agree that it is best to wait a minimum of 48 hours after your Botox injection before returning to your sauna.
If you are feeling resistant to Botox treatment, consider giving regular sauna use a try to enhance the appearance of your skin. You should use a sauna 3-4 times per week for 6 months before deciding on how it has affected the appearance of your skin.
If you are going to receive Botox injections please use a professional dermatologist with all the necessary credentials, qualifications, experience, and positive reviews from other patients.
Remember Botox may not respond to everyone in the same way, so take it slowly and trust your own judgement. Absolutely do not mix heat and Botox injections for at least 48 hours before and after treatments!
Sources Cited:
- https://eden-medicalclinic.com/what-not-to-do-after-botox/
- https://www.elitetampa.com/blog/botox-statistics-you-need-to-know/
- https://vitality-pro.com/biohacking/statistics-trends-sauna/
- https://santamonicaskin.com/using-sauna-after-botox/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26879873/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/