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"I'm interested in Botox, but I'm worried my facial expressions might change." Actually, quite a few patients confide this to me during consultations. I'm also sometimes asked, "Does Botox work on pores and shine?"

Skin Botox involves injecting botulinum toxin into a shallower layer than with standard Botox injections, targeting sebum, pores, and fine lines. At BIANCA CLINIC, we perform this treatment in combination with the Dermapen 4.

In this article, I’ll explain the mechanisms, expected results, and pros and cons from a doctor’s perspective—in a way that’s easy to understand even for those considering cosmetic procedures for the first time.

What is Skin Botox?

Skin Botox is a procedure that delivers Botox (a botulinum toxin preparation) to the superficial layers of the skin. Its purpose is to improve skin texture without significantly altering facial expressions.

Unlike typical Botox injections, these differ in both the depth at which they take effect and their intended purpose.

Skin Botox is also sometimes referred to as “micro-Botox” or “Botox facials.” The general definition is that small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected in fine, precise doses into the superficial layers of the skin to target sebum, pores, and fine lines.

Standard Botox injections involve injecting the medication into facial muscles to weaken their movement, thereby making expression lines less noticeable. In contrast, Skin Botox targets a shallower layer of the skin. Rather than suppressing the movement of facial muscles, it aims to improve the skin’s texture itself.

However, to be honest, even though they share the same name—“Skin Botox”—the actual treatment methods vary depending on the medical facility.

Using the Dermapen 4 to Help Build a Strong Foundation for Your Skin

At Bianca Clinic, our Skin Botox treatment combines botulinum toxin injections with skin treatments using the Dermapen 4.

The Dermapen 4 is a device that uses ultra-fine needles to create microscopic holes in the skin’s surface. Since the skin naturally works to repair damaged areas, this process is harnessed to promote skin renewal and regeneration. This treatment is designed to address a variety of skin concerns, including visible pores, fine lines, and skin firmness and texture.

After creating fine channels in the superficial layers of the skin with the Dermapen 4, we apply a botulinum toxin formulation. By combining this approach to regulating sebum production with the changes to the skin itself brought about by the Dermapen 4, we aim to achieve smooth, firm skin.

Another key feature is the ability to adjust the needle depth and speed, allowing the treatment to be tailored to your skin condition and specific concerns. When considering Skin Botox, it’s helpful to focus not only on the effects of the botulinum toxin formulation but also on the method used to deliver it to the skin; this will make it easier to understand the differences between treatments.

It's important to choose a treatment based on the condition of your skin.

Even when people share the same concern about “pores,” the underlying causes vary from person to person. The appropriate treatment depends on factors such as sebum production, skin type, and whether or not the person has acne.

At our clinic, we use the "VISIA®" skin analysis system during consultations to assess your skin. We review your current skin condition using numerical data and images before developing a treatment plan.

Rather than deciding based solely on the name of the treatment, I start by determining “why the problem is occurring.” It may seem like a simple step, but through my daily practice, I’ve come to realize that while this approach may appear to be a detour, it’s actually the fastest way to a solution.

What results can I expect from Skin Botox?

Skin Botox works by reducing sebum production. It can help address issues such as shine, visible pores, fine lines, and improve skin firmness and radiance.

During my consultations, I often mention the following changes:

• Controls shine and stickiness caused by sebum
• Reduce the Appearance of Pores
• Make fine lines less noticeable
• Improves skin firmness and radiance
• Prevent makeup from smudging due to sebum
• Aiming for a skin environment that is less prone to acne

Addressing Sebum and Shine

Botulinum toxin works by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. By applying it to the superficial layers of the skin, it helps control excessive sebum production, which can help reduce shine and stickiness on the forehead and nose and prevent makeup from smudging.

For those whose pores are prominent due to excess sebum, the appearance of their pores may change as sebum production subsides.

In cases where excessive sebum production leads to acne, reducing sebum can help create a skin environment less prone to breakouts. That said, there isn’t just one cause of acne. Skin Botox alone won’t solve all acne problems.

It also improves skin texture, such as fine lines, firmness, and radiance

At Bianca Clinic, we combine this treatment with the Dermapen 4 to harness the skin’s natural wound-healing process and help you achieve smooth, firm, and radiant skin.

Pores, fine lines, and excess oil—these skin concerns don’t always have a single cause. Especially when you’re dealing with multiple issues at once, it’s important to have your skin properly assessed before deciding on a treatment plan.

What are the pros and cons of Skin Botox?

While Skin Botox can address a wide range of skin concerns, it may cause side effects such as redness or stinging, and results vary from person to person.

Benefits of Skin Botox

• Treats both sebum and pores at the same time
• It also helps address fine lines, skin firmness, and radiance
• Aims to improve skin texture while minimizing the impact on facial muscles
• It makes it easy to discuss multiple skin concerns at once

While standard Botox injections primarily target wrinkles caused by facial muscles, Skin Botox is an option for those who want to “improve the texture of their skin itself.”

Shiny skin caused by sebum, visible pores, and fine lines—for those dealing with a combination of these concerns, I think the fact that a single treatment can address them from multiple angles is definitely a benefit.

Unlike regular Botox, which acts directly on the muscles, this treatment targets a different layer of skin to begin with. That’s why I believe it’s an ideal option for those who want to improve their skin texture while maintaining natural facial expressions.

Disadvantages and Risks of Skin Botox

• redness
• Stinging sensation
• A prickling sensation
• Pain During Treatment
• The possibility that the expected changes may not occur

With our clinic’s Skin Botox treatment, you may experience redness, a stinging sensation, or a prickling sensation after the procedure. To be honest, the severity and duration of these symptoms vary from person to person. At our clinic, we apply an anesthetic cream before the procedure and take care to minimize any pain or discomfort during the treatment.

Furthermore, since this procedure involves the use of botulinum toxin, we cannot completely rule out the possibility that, depending on the injection site and dosage, the treatment may affect unintended muscles. Before the procedure, please be sure to clearly communicate to your doctor not only the condition of your skin but also the results you hope to achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ll address common concerns people have when considering Skin Botox, such as how long the effects last, potential side effects, and what to do after the procedure.

▶Learn more about the Skin Botox procedure
▶Please contact us via the online reservation form.