The negative effects of excessive sun exposure on the skin are well known, but its effects on cosmetic injectables, such as dermal fillers and Botox, are less widely known. This article explores how too much sun exposure can negatively affect these treatments.
Botox and Excessive Sunlight
Research has not established any direct negative effects of excessive sun exposure on areas where Botox has been used, but this does not mean that too much sunlight cannot cause problems. Although the lifetime and efficacy of Botox are not impacted by sunlight, the negative effects of direct sunlight on your skin can exacerbate the very same lines and wrinkles that you used Botox to minimize.
Warm weather, more specifically the sunlight that accompanies it, can damage the collagen and elastin proteins that are responsible for your skin’s overall tone and elasticity, which in turn makes your skin more likely to develop wrinkles and start to sag.
Dermal Fillers and Excessive Sunlight
Unlike Botox, hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler products can be adversely affected by sunlight. Sun exposure can degrade the molecular structure of the dermal fillers, which in turn shortens their lifetime and makes them less effective. And as with Botox, excess sunlight will encourage the development of the same problems that caused you to use dermal fillers in the first place.
Effective Protection Measures
Even if you succeed in minimizing or eliminating direct sun exposure, it’s almost impossible to avoid being exposed to harmful UV radiation, which can be present even when the sun is obscured by cloud cover. The best protection against sun damage is firstly to avoid direct sunlight whenever possible, secondly to always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 rating to all exposed skin, and lastly to wear protective clothing and accessories. You can wear wide-brimmed hats or sun visors, rock UV-protected sunglasses (designer optional), and don’t neglect the indirect damage that can occur when wearing thin fabric clothing.
It’s possible to purchase clothing that’s designed to provide protection against sunlight penetrating and damaging the skin underneath. Look for clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is analogous to the SPF rating that’s used on sunscreen products.
Your Laser Skin Care
Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing Botox and dermal filler injectable treatments. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.
