How can you guess someone’s age? Is it A: their skill with anything more high-tech than sending an email and using a printer (guilty as charged); B: whether they know all the lyrics to a song by Central Cee, Taylor Swift, or Kool & the Gang; or C: how many wrinkles they have?
The answer is definitely not C—not that it really matters. As a 56-year-old woman, I can’t tell anyone’s age between about 25 and 40, their foreheads are so smooth. And for those over 40, from Sienna Miller to Demi Moore to Naomi Campbell, I’m fascinated by how healthy, beautiful, and vibrant women of all ages look these days. It just makes me think, “I want what she’s having.”
And women are having it all—though not necessarily in the way Helen Gurley Brown’s famous book meant. Published just seven years before Botox arrived on the scene, what we’re actually having is about $3.5 billion worth of Botox globally this year alone. And it’s not just Botox: in 2022, over 14.9 million surgical and 18.8 million non-surgical procedures—from minor “tweakments” to full facelifts—were performed worldwide. One happy side effect? Beauty brands are now partnering with dermatologists, aesthetic doctors, and plastic surgeons in a mutual admiration society. It’s the beauty equivalent of “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” and the result might just be the best skin of our lives.
Dr. Patricia Ogilvie, who runs the Skinconcept Munich clinic with two private practices in dermatology and laser medicine, agrees. She works with around 14 different laser systems, from ablative (which evens skin by removing top layers) to non-ablative (which tightens collagen without irritating the surface). Dior took note, especially after finding that 50% of its premium customers undergo aesthetic procedures like laser treatments. The brand wanted to find new ways to support their skin. For Dr. Ogilvie, a dermatologist and member of Dior’s Reverse Aging Board, adding Dior’s La Micro-Huile de Rose Activated Serum to these potentially aggressive treatments is a perfect match. “To some extent, all these procedures work by creating controlled damage to the skin,” she explains. “It’s an induced healing process, and we want to guide that as much as possible while also boosting collagen production. It’s a balance.”
Dr. Ogilvie is excited about how this can help her patients: “My clients find it hard in social situations to show any redness after treatment,” she says. “So even reducing the downtime a little is a big win for them.”
Dior isn’t the only skincare brand following the laser trend. Shiseido’s new Bio-Performance Skin HIForce Cream was inspired by how laser treatments push skin into recovery mode, prompting maximum regeneration. It was also tested by a dermatologist specializing in non-ablative fractional laser, who found it helps skin heal faster afterward.
Meanwhile, Orveda’s new Youth Glove Protocol Hand Care Trio takes cues from aesthetic hand rejuvenation procedures like fillers. Our hands often show age first and usually get only a quick dab of hand cream if we remember. But Orveda’s daily cream and weekly treatment, used at home with medical-grade silicone gloves, aims to “fill” volume on the back of the hands—promising a 23% increase in plumpness.
As for Botox? Natura Bissé’s Inhibit High Definition Lifting Cream was designed to reduce the need for injections.SkinCeuticals’ P-Tiox is a peptide-rich, wrinkle-minimizing serum that claims to target nine different types of lines. After 12 weeks of use, crow’s feet, under-eye wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and cheek folds were all reduced, while overall skin texture appeared smoother and more glass-like.
So, what’s the best way to combine skincare with aesthetic treatments? “Getting your skincare right is the first step toward getting the best out of in-clinic treatments,” says Dr. Catherine Borysiewicz, a consultant dermatologist at Galen. At the new clinic near London’s Harley Street, patients can choose from procedures like Sofwave non-surgical lifting, Fraxel laser, or Morpheus 8 radiofrequency, or opt for gentler HydraFacials using mineral-rich Omorovicza products. Borysiewicz recommends starting a new skincare regimen several months before any clinical treatments. After treatment, she suggests using a facial spray or mist to immediately soothe and cool the skin, followed by a super hydrator like ZO Skin Health Hydrating Creme. She emphasizes that hygiene is the most important post-procedure concern. “Following aesthetic treatments or surgical procedures, you are dealing with a very disordered skin barrier, and you do not want to negatively impact healing. In the immediate post-surgical phase, product packaging is also important to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination.”
Dr. Emma Craythorne, a consultant dermatologist with SkinCeuticals, likes to use Phyto Corrective Gel right after treatments to cool the skin, along with topical antioxidants like CE Ferulic or Silymarin CF in combination with LED devices.
According to Dr. Mark Gruszynski, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, occlusives are also key for post-procedure skin repair, especially after resurfacing treatments. After CO2 lasers, microneedling, IPL, BBL, or any chemical peel, Mariana Vergara, a board-certified NP and founder of Beauty Villa Vergara in Beverly Hills, frequently recommends a carboxy gel treatment.
“After Botox or any laser treatment—and really every single day—broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen is essential,” says Dr. Robert Schwarcz, a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon in New York. “It protects healing skin and helps prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation and UV damage.”
Will any of these products stop us from visiting the dermatologist or giving up lasers or Botox altogether? Dior’s studies show that when La Micro-Huile de Rose was used alongside laser treatments, skin appeared eight times plumper than with laser alone. As for Botox? “I don’t think people will be having less Botox,” says Craythorne, “but there are some studies that suggest P-Tiox makes Botox last longer, so it can be used in combination with injectables and will nicely support the medical treatments that happen in-clinic.” That’s good news for dermatologists—and, if we can delay how often we go back for treatments, even better news for our wallets.
Below, a look at some of these products and others that enhance the effects of your favorite in-office treatments.
Dior La Micro-Huile de Rose Activated Serum
Why We Love It: This serum is rich in omegas, made from the hardy Rose de Granville and a patented bio-peptide complex designed to boost collagen. It has the potential to double skin recovery in three days. Dior tested it on 69 laser patients in China before treatment and up to three months afterward, finding that using the serum alongside laser not only sped up recovery but also maximized results. It also helps minimize redness and discomfort immediately after treatment.
Key Ingredients: Nutri-rosapeptide, rose micro-nutrients, omegas, hyaluronic acid
Best For: Recovery after laser and resurfacing treatmentsNatura Bissé Inhibit High Definition Lifting Cream
Size: 1.7 oz, 2.5 oz
Price: $395 at NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: This Spanish-made cream is designed to defy gravity. It uses a proprietary GravFusion complex to improve skin structure, minimizing visible signs of aging like sagging and loss of firmness. It also complements fillers and Botox by keeping skin plump and hydrated, which enhances their effects. It helps smooth forehead lines, plump crow’s feet, and define the jawline.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Best For: Hydration, firming, and boosting the results of Botox and fillers
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SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
Size: 1 oz
Price: $150 at BLUEMERCURY
Why We Love It: This peptide-rich serum is physician-tested to work with neurotoxin injections, improving skin texture for a smooth, glass-like appearance. According to Dr. Kseniya Kobets, peptides help signal collagen production and provide visible plumping when wrinkles are no longer being creased. Combined with humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, they boost hydration and smoothness quickly, while consistent use supports collagen remodeling over weeks. Start the night after treatment and use morning and night for best results.
Key Ingredients: Advanced Peptide Complex, PHA, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, laminaria extract
Best For: Hydration, firming, and complementing Botox and filler results
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Dr. Whitney Bowe P46 Peptide + HA Plumping Serum
Size: 1 oz
Price: $130 at DR. WHITNEY BOWE BEAUTY
Why We Love It: A favorite of Dr. Kobets, this serum is inspired by in-office collagen-boosting procedures. Its star ingredient is a proprietary 4-CLGN complex that combines hydrating beta-glucan with peptides that signal and inhibit neurotransmitters. It smooths skin, enhances rejuvenation treatment results, speeds recovery, boosts radiance, and reduces redness.
Key Ingredients: 4-CLGN Complex, hyaluronic acid
Best For: Hydration, plumping, and expediting recovery
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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Size: 13.52 oz
Price: $20 at AMAZON
Why We Love It: Dr. Kobets recommends gentle, non-stripping cleansers for post-procedure skin, which can be temporarily sensitized. This cleanser supports the skin barrier, improving comfort and treatment outcomes. It contains soothing thermal water and moisturizing ceramide-3, is creamy, fragrance-free, and rinses easily.
Key Ingredients: La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide
Best For: Gentle cleansing and moisture
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Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar
Size: Not specified
Price: $258 at AMAZON
Why We Love It: Designed to complement laser treatments, microneedling, and chemical peels, this serum is recommended by dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi. It helps skin heal faster after in-office treatments using Alastin’s patented TriHex Technology, a peptide blend that clears damaged collagen and elastin to allow new, healthy skin to emerge. Dr. Saedi suggests starting use a week before treatment and continuing with the serum afterward.Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar
Key Ingredients: TriHex technology
Best For: Post-procedure skin repair
Size: 1 oz
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Price: $20 $18 (10% off) at AMAZON
Why We Love It: After aggressive resurfacing treatments, protecting the skin barrier is essential. Occlusive balms like Aquaphor are used in the first 48–72 hours to lock in moisture, reduce water loss, and shield healing skin. This drugstore staple creates a protective petrolatum barrier to support recovery, and it’s also great for lips and minor wounds.
Key Ingredients: 41% petrolatum
Best For: Locking in moisture, protecting skin
Size: 14 oz
Co2 Lift Carboxy Gel Treatment
Price: $190 at AMAZON
Why We Love It: This medical-grade carboxytherapy gel mask hydrates, tightens, and reduces swelling and redness. It works by increasing carbon dioxide in the skin, which triggers the Bohr effect—causing hemoglobin to release more oxygen. This helps reduce redness and heat, improves oxygen delivery to treated tissue, speeds healing, shortens downtime, and enhances post-treatment glow. Use the same day as your procedure, leaving it on for 45–60 minutes.
Key Ingredients: Carboxy gel
Best For: Post-laser skin repair
Size: 2 treatments per box
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
Price: $73 $55 (25% off) at AMAZON
Why We Love It: Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often best after procedures. This lightweight Isdin option contains antioxidants and DNA repair technology. It absorbs quickly and feels weightless—ideal for sensitive post-treatment skin.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, DNA repair enzymes, vitamin E
Best For: UV protection
Size: 1.7 oz
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Meet the Experts
– Kseniya Kobets, MD: Director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.
– Mark Gruszynski, MD: Board-certified plastic surgeon at Dr. Mark Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale.
– Mariana Vergara: Board-certified NP and founder of Beauty Villa Vergara in Beverly Hills.
– Robert Schwarcz, MD: Double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon in New York.
– Nazanin Saedi, MD: Double board-certified dermatologist based in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Skincare Products to Enhance Botox Laser Treatments
Q Why should I use special skincare products after Botox or laser treatments
A Your skin is more sensitive and receptive after these procedures The right products can soothe irritation boost healing protect new skin and help your results last longer and look better
Q Whats the most important product to use after a treatment
A A gentle broadspectrum sunscreen New skin is very sunsensitive and sun exposure can reverse benefits and cause pigmentation issues
Q When can I start using my regular skincare routine again
A Always follow your providers instructions Typically you should wait at least 2448 hours before applying anything active and use only gentle hydrating products for the first few days
Q What ingredients should I look for to help my skin heal
A Look for hydrators and soothers like hyaluronic acid ceramides niacinamide and centella asiatica These support the skin barrier reduce redness and lock in moisture
Q What ingredients should I absolutely avoid right after a treatment
A Avoid any potential irritants for at least 57 days including retinoids alphabeta hydroxy acids vitamin C and physical scrubs
Q Can skincare actually make my Botox last longer
A While skincare doesnt extend Botoxs action on muscles keeping skin hydrated and healthy with peptides and antioxidants can improve overall skin quality making the smooth appearance from Botox look its best for longer
Q I had a laser treatment Whats the best way to moisturize
A Use a simple fragrancefree moisturizer with ceramides or hyaluronic acid Apply it to damp skin to seal in moisture Avoid thick occlusive formulas like petroleum jelly unless your provider recommends them for specific lasers
Q Are growth factors or peptides worth using with these treatments
A Yes for advanced care Peptides can support collagen production and growth factors like EGF