Injecting smaller, more diluted amounts of neurotoxin is a treatment that has been around for years, but for those unfamiliar with the technique it may sound like smaller doses that essentially do the same thing as a traditional injection. Not so says New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD, who shares that micro-doses of the winkle-relaxing injectable are less about freezing the muscle and more about improving skin’s outward appearance by minimizing pores and giving a smoothing benefit. “It’s really great for crepey, sun-damaged skin, smile lines, textured skin or enlarged pores.” Here’s what to know about the trending treatment.
What Is “Micro-Dosing Toxin” or “Micro-Botox?”
“When micro-dosing botulinum toxin, the injection only targets the skin where the build-up of oil is produced, breakouts occur, and facial flushing happens,” says Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. “It differs from traditional injections as it does not target deep fine lines and wrinkles.”
“It targets the upper layers of skin to improve complexion,” adds Campbell, CA dermatologist Amelia K. Hausauer, MD. “I inject this into the intradermal layer, right above the muscle where it won’t affect facial movement or expressive wrinkles but will limit oiliness, improve flushing and blood vessel redness, and help boost collagen production.”
Who It’s For
Dr. Hausauer says to think of this as an every-three-months type of skin treatment. “It can help those suffering from acne, rosacea, and more,” she shares. “Truly anyone is a candidate, especially those that want improvement in pore size—which is a very tricky thing to achieve and never permanent—those suffering from inflammatory skin conditions, and those looking for an added boost to their facial.”
How It’s Different than Traditional Injections
Traditionally, botulinum toxin is injected deep into the muscle, which limits movement. “It inhibits the neurotransmitters that cause muscle contractions and thus targets the wrinkles that form when you compress that skin,” says Dr. Hausauer. Superficial micro-dosing of toxin is entirely different, she adds, noting that, “the neurotransmitters that are responsible for vasoconstriction and weakens the muscle connected to the pilosebaceous unit, to decrease oil production.”
Dr. Peredo adds that she also dilutes the formulation so it’s less concentrated than the injections you’d normally receive to smooth forehead lines or the number 11s between the brows. “It’s a lesser concentration and a more surface level injection,” she says. “In my opinion, this works best for sweaty skin and large pores.”
