Laser Facials Versus Botox

A dermatologist reveals how neuromodulators like Botox and Skin Laundry Laser Facials treat wrinkles differently, which is right for you and how these treatments can work together

When it comes to treating fine lines and wrinkles, energy-based treatments, like our Signature Laser Facial, and neuromodulators, such as Botox, are both popular choices—but the two treatments have little in common. Both are non-invasive options with little to no downtime, but injectable neuromodulators use toxins to temporarily paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles while energy-based treatments stimulate elastin and collagen production, which ultimately reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin health on a cellular level.

While we do not offer injectables at Skin Laundry, our providers often work with clients who incorporate both into their skincare regimen. “Regular laser facials, or energy-based treatments, can play a significant role in maintaining skin health, potentially reducing the need for injectables like Botox or fillers,” says Mina Chun, Skin Laundry’s Director of Clinical Development. “Clients often tell us that, since starting regular laser treatments, they don’t need to get their injections as frequently as they used to. For example, clients who were getting Botox every three to four months now find that they can wait up to a year before their next cycle.”

Read on to learn more about which treatment is best for you, how to properly schedule facials and injections, and what each treatment can—and cannot—deliver.

How do Skin Laundry facials work differently from Botox?

Energy-based treatments like the Skin Laundry Signature Laser Facial use light energy to stimulate elastin and collagen production, which ultimately reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and also improves skin health on a cellular level.

Injectable neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, on the other hand, use neurotoxins to block nerve signals to muscles. The injected muscles can’t contract, which temporarily relaxes the facial muscles that cause wrinkles such as crow’s feet and frown lines.

“Neuromodulators, like Botox, work on the muscle to minimize movements like frowning or crinkling around the eyes when smiling, thereby decreasing the dynamic lines that result from that movement,” explains Skin Laundry’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roberta Del Campo. “That’s all a modulator can do— block the muscle from contracting, which ultimately decreases the appearance of the lines that result from movement.”

Regular laser facials, or energy-based treatments, can play a significant role in maintaining skin health, potentially reducing the need for injectables like Botox or fillers.

“Botox is therefore only going to be used to treat lines and wrinkles caused by movement while lasers and energy-based devices are going to be used for basically everything else — think static lines, discoloration, texture and skin concerns like acne and rosacea. Choosing one over the other therefore comes down to your primary skin concern.”

Do Botox and laser facials deliver the same results?

“Injectable neuromodulators like Botox cannot treat all skin concerns but are limited to treating lines and wrinkles caused by muscle movement, which we call dynamic lines,” says Del Campo. “Most individuals, in addition to having dynamic lines, also have sag lines or static lines that result from a loss of elasticity and the takeover of gravity. Neuromodulators, like Botox, cannot treat those lines whereas an energy-based device, like our Signature Laser Facial, stimulates collagen, smoothing the surface of the skin and blurring those lines.”

Can I get laser facials if I also get Botox?

You don’t have to choose between Botox and laser facials. In fact, the Skin Laundry Signature Laser Facial can enhance the effect of neuromodulators like Botox and can be used in conjunction with injectables. Just be sure to schedule your treatments appropriately.

According to Dr. Del Campo, as long as you wait two weeks after receiving any injectable neuromodulators, the Skin Laundry Signature Facial can be used to further improve the appearance of static lines on the face and add additional benefits such as improving overall skin quality.

Injectable neuromodulators like Botox cannot treat all skin concerns but are limited to treating lines and wrinkles caused by muscle movement.

Can laser facials work in place of Botox to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles?

For clients who don’t want to get injectables to treat lines and wrinkles, lasers and energy-based devices can provide an alternative for improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Collagen, a fibrous protein that the body naturally produces, improves skin’s elasticity and promotes cell turnover, which in turn can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, just as Botox does. By strengthening the skin’s barrier and protecting against environmental damage, collagen can also decrease signs of premature aging. Though collagen levels naturally decrease over time, Skin Laundry treatments can help preserve existing collagen and stimulate the production of more.

Read more about collagen here.

The Skin Laundry Signature Laser Facial harnesses gentle heat energy to stimulate new collagen and elastin tissue production, leading to firmer, younger-looking skin over time.

The Signature Laser Facial, stimulates collagen, smoothing the surface of the skin and blurring lines.

Can regular laser facial treatments reduce the need for injectables like Botox or fillers over time?

By stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture, laser treatments help maintain skin firmness and elasticity. These treatments can also delay the onset of fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, there’s scientific evidence suggesting that starting laser treatments earlier in life can support long-term skin health and slow the visible signs of aging, making it a proactive approach to skincare.

By building up strong, robust skin, you can slow down the visible signs of aging. This has been called “collagen banking,” and it refers to the idea of utilizing treatments and active potent ingredients to help build and store collagen reserves. It’s best to start early as collagen starts decreasing by our mid-20s but it’s never too late. Even if you're in your forties, fifties or beyond, boosting collagen can still benefit your skin's health and appearance.

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