If your biannual ‘toxin touch-up appointment is nearing or you’re noticing an extra worry line surfacing, don’t panic—there are topical creams and serums derms actually approve of that will help “fill” any unwelcome etches. Plus, as San Antonio, TX dermatologist Vivian Bucay, MD notes, this is all time we can use for some extra guilt-free self care. So layer on one of these wrinkle-busting potions, throw on your favorite show and do your best to relax. We’re all in this together.
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The Intensive Treatment
“I love Skinbetter Science’s interFuse Intensive Treatment Lines—with injectable grade hyaluronic acid, this topical cream uses ‘InterFuse’ technology that allows absorption of HA to fill in etched-in lines between the brows, around the eyes, above the lips, and helps soften the appearance of nasolabial folds,” explains Dr. Bucay. “It definitely enhances ‘tox results and is great for toxin-shy patients,” adds New York dermatologist Lilly-Rose Paraskevas, MD.
The Line Buster
“Revision Revox 7 ($130) is a great option as it contains peptides specifically designed to help with seven different types of expression lines including lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows, bunny lines, crow’s feet, laugh lines, lip lines and marionette lines,” explains New York dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. Another fan of the lightweight serum is New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD, who says she routinely pairs it with toxin injections in her practice.
Germantown, TN dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD notes that nothing is the same as neurotoxin injections and a few months’ gap shouldn’t be too deleterious to our faces, but that Revox is the closest topical for the job.
The Gold Standard
Besides sunblock, Cliffside Park NJ dermatologist Jason Chouake, MD says the best option to help prevent and treat wrinkles over the long term is a daily retinoid. His favorite OTC option? Differin ($13), aka adapalene. “Apply the smallest amount to the face at night. I also love the Neutrogena Retinol Serum ($27), it’s fantastic.” Huntington Beach, CA dermatologist David Rayhan MD agrees on boarding the retinoid train ASAP: “Start using a topical retinoid—over time it builds collagen and can help with wrinkles, especially crow’s feet usually treated with Botox.”
The Sticker Solution
“My patients have been sending me questions about Frownies Facial Patches ($20) which you can order online—they help to prevent you from frowning,” says Dallas, TX dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand MD. “The most important thing I am stressing to my patients is to be well, drink plenty of water and all do our part!”
The Splurge
Another favorite from Dr. Bucay: Lumisque CO2 Lift Mask ($675). “It’s a topical mask that uses the wound healing principles of carboxytherapy to increase the circulation and oxygen levels in the skin to increase skin hydration by almost 120 percent for two weeks after just one 45 minute application.”
All About HA
“While there is no replacement for an injectable neuromodulator, good hydration of the skin with hyaluronic acid-containing serums and moisturizers minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Chicago dermatologist Jordan C. Carqueville, MD. “The body also may learn to utilize muscles less when not engaged, so try to not frown!”
Just Breathe
“I recommend using a good moisturizer, practice yoga and meditate. These are so very stressful times for everyone,” says Miami dermatologist Dr. Janice Lima-Maribona. “For now, since there will not be much of a place to go and everyone is in the same situation, no one will notice [any new wrinkles]. Use makeup—it’s our friend!”
