What Is the Best Skincare Routine to Amplify Facial Filler Results?

When patients choose volume-adding Juvéderm^® injections, Dallas dermatologist Dr. Ellen Turner knows that they commonly wonder how they should tailor their at-home skincare routine to best maintain their results.

Year after year, hyaluronic acid-based facial fillers like Juvéderm^® remain a popular choice for people seeking to regain a youthful and plump appearance for their skin. These versatile, minimally invasive treatments can target wrinkles, creases, hollows, and other signs of volume loss in the face or enhance a person’s existing bone structure. However, achieving the best and longest-lasting results with fillers goes beyond the injection process. 

Dr. Turner explains, “A well-crafted skincare routine can significantly enhance and amplify the effects of filler treatments. There isn’t any skincare product or routine that will work like a replacement for filler, but what you do in terms of skincare and lifestyle choices can definitely affect the future of your skin in a significant way. Although a good skincare routine and fillers on their own can both improve your skin’s appearance, they work quite well when paired together. Fillers can add plumpness, but they can’t address many tone and texture imperfections such as dryness, dullness, uneven pigmentation, and rough texture. Meanwhile, topical products can help to keep your skin healthy, but won’t address the diminishing bone and soft tissue or deflating skin. An ideal way to maintain a radiant and youthful look is to use fillers in tandem with good skincare practices.”

See below for some of the key elements of an effective skincare regimen that complements hyaluronic acid-based facial fillers.

Gentle Cleansing

The foundation of any skincare routine is proper cleansing. A gentle, hydrating cleanser is essential, as it helps to remove dirt, excess oils, and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture. It's important to choose the right cleanser to maintain youthful, vibrant skin. Choose one that maintains the skin's pH balance, as this creates an optimal environment for hyaluronic acid to work effectively.

Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. In fact, it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. To amplify the effects of filler, consider using hyaluronic acid-based products, which trap water in the skin to boost hydration. This will not only bolster the hydrating properties of the filler, but will also promote plump, supple skin. Look for products with varying molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, as this allows for deeper penetration and sustained hydration.

Sunscreen

Many individuals seek fillers to address changes in the skin that are caused by sun damage, such as a loss of skin thickness. Sun protection is non-negotiable when it comes to maintaining the results of hyaluronic acid fillers. Exposure to UV rays can lead to premature aging, collagen degradation, and the breakdown of hyaluronic acid. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30—and apply it daily. This will help protect your skin from harmful UV damage, ensuring that your fillers last longer.

Topical Vitamin C Serum

Free radicals from environmental stressors like pollution are highly damaging to the skin. One way to protect your skin against this type of stress is with antioxidants like vitamin C. These are powerhouse ingredients that offer numerous benefits to the skin, such as promoting collagen production and preserving a tighter, fresher appearance. Vitamin C brightens the complexion, reduces pigmentation, and promotes collagen production. When used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid fillers, it can help maintain a youthful appearance. Apply a vitamin C serum after cleansing and before moisturizing to enjoy the full range of benefits this antioxidant offers.

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has skin rejuvenating properties. It stimulates collagen production and can connect to skin cell receptor sites so it can tell them to behave like younger, healthier cells. Consistent use helps to smooth fine lines and improves skin texture. 

Exfoliation

Regular exfoliation is vital for maintaining a fresh, youthful complexion. Glycolic acids and other exfoliating acids remove surface skin cells while improving natural skin cell turnover for a brighter, clearer skin tone and better protection against environmental triggers. 

Growth Factors

Proteins that help the skin to repair itself are known as growth factors. These are found naturally in the body, but can also be applied topically as a serum. Products containing growth factors can stimulate collagen synthesis for improved texture and tone—an ideal complement to skin that has been plumped or smoothed with dermal fillers.

Want to know more about the best skincare practices if you are having fillers like Juvéderm^®? Contact Dallas’ Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner. Call (214) 373-7546 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.