pretty good idea of what skincare trends will be big thanks to our expert roster of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, scientists and aestheticians in the field.

1. MASKNE TREATMENTS

With mask-related breakouts on the rise (and face masks here to say for the foreseeable future), predicts the prevalence of more skincare products that are gentle and supportive of your skin barrier and microbiome to help balance the impact of irritation from mask wearing and frequent cleansing.

“I’m seeing a lot of promising new innovations around acne treatments such as bacteriophage technology, which can kill specific bacteria causing acne,” she adds. “I’m also a proponent of skin replenishing ingredients like oils and lipids to reinforce the skin barrier.”

And if you’re looking for an in-office option, cosmetic dermatologists recommends topical antibiotics to start and also offers a “three-pronged treatment that includes NeoElite by Aerolase, a laser that is great for targeting inflammation and is safe for all skin types, followed by a cryotherapy facial to decrease swelling and redness, and finished off with an antibiotic face cream to clear and prevent future acne.”

2. AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEELS

With the unpredictable nature of when and how long certain cities will be in lockdown, we’re going to see more potent home versions of popular skincare treatments like chemical peels. Featuring professional-grade ingredients and step-by-step instructions, home kits , are offering safe-to-use treatments that refresh a dull complexion and address specific skin concerns such as aging, discoloration and blemishes without having to go in to see your esthetician or dermatologist.

3. LOWER FACE TREATMENTS

Dubbed the “Zoom Effect,” more people are seeking out ways to lift and tighten their faces after seeing themselves so often screens. Patients are looking specifically for ways to address laxity or sagging in their midface, jawline and necks and predicts that “there will be an increase in skin tightening treatments that focus on the lower part of the face—including the lip, cheeks, chin and neck.” Think fillers in cheekbones and in the chin, Botox placed in the neck muscles and radiofrequency with microneedling for overall tightening. (There’s also the convenience of being able to recover at home after a procedure and the fact that we’re wearing face masks in public anyway.)

4. LASERS AND MICRONEEDLING

Because many patients haven’t been able to go into the office for procedures this year, I think there will be an uptick in in-office laser treatments like photodynamic therapy and a combination of YAG and PDL lasers, which use light to target broken blood vessels in the skin.

Also it is predicted more advanced microneedling in 2021. “When microneedling first started being done in dermatology, I was a little skeptical, but it has since come a long way. For example, the new Fraxis by Cutera combines radio frequency and Co2 with microneedling (which makes it great for patients with acne scars),” he adds.

Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) is a type of drug that’s injected directly into the skin. The primary effect is muscle weakness that can relax the surrounding skin.

The primary uses for Botox include:

• blepharospasm (twitching eyelids)
• dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear when you make facial expressions, such as smile lines around the eyes, commonly referred to as crow’s feet)
• cervical dystonia (neurological disorder that causes neck twitches)
• primary focal hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• strabismus (crossed eyes)

Botox directly for the under-eye area hasn’t been widely studied. However, the overall goals are the same: to relax muscles in the area to smooth out wrinkles.

How Botox works

Botox injections are applied directly underneath your skin. As an anti-aging procedure, Botox works by relaxing muscles in your face. These muscles contract when you smile, talk, or laugh, which can lead to wrinkles and other skin changes over time. Botox reduces these effects, making your skin smooth.

What to expect

All Botox injections should be performed in a doctor’s office. They may be administered by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or a physician or doctor specially trained in Botox injections.

Your doctor may first apply an anesthetic to the injection site. This helps to ease any pain or discomfort. They’ll then inject a small amount of Botox.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of Botox is the lack of down time needed post-injections. Since this isn’t surgery, you can get back to your normal activities immediately.

How soon you’ll see results

According to the  you’ll start noticing the effects from Botox injections within a week. Your facial muscles may start relaxing after three days.

Still, these effects aren’t permanent. According to the you can expect your Botox treatment to last between four and six months. After this time, you’ll need to go back to your doctor for more shots if you want to maintain the results of previous injections.

How much you’ll pay

Unlike for surgery or dermatological treatments such as he costs related to Botox can vary significantly. This is because you typically pay for each unit/injection, rather than for just the procedure itself. Some doctors may charge you based on the area being treated instead.

Costs for Botox can range between $200 and $800 per session, sometimes more. These costs aren’t covered by insurance.

Is it effective for the under-eye area?

Overall, Botox is considered an effective treatment for certain types of wrinkles. Some people seek temporary treatment for:

• crow’s feet
• forehead lines
• frown lines (between eyebrows)

Botox cosmetic has been used for these types of wrinkles since the late 1980s. Still, not enough research has been done to rule Botox effective for wrinkles and bags directly under the eyes.

Your doctor might first determine whether the wrinkles under your eyes are dynamic wrinkles or fine lines. Botox is ineffective for fine lines. These shots work better on deeper, dynamic wrinkles.

Side effects to be aware of

While Botox may help with bags and wrinkles under your eyes, the injections aren’t without risks. Temporary effects such as droopy eyelids and fat bulges near the injection site are possible. You may also experience mild pain shortly after the injections.

Other possible side effects of Botox injections include:

• bruising
• dizziness
• headaches
• swelling (usually right around the injection site)
• temporary muscle weakness
• tears or hollowness under the eyes

There’s also the possibility of more serious side effects from Botox. Talk to your doctor about these rare side effects:

• blurry/double vision
• breathing difficulties
• changes in your voice, such as hoarseness
• facial asymmetry
• incontinence (bladder control issues)
• loss of muscle use in the face
• swallowing difficulties

If you experience any of these symptoms after a Botox injection, call your doctor immediately. A severe reaction to the injections could cause allergy or asthma-like symptoms, such as hives and wheezing.

Also, Botox is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. It’s unclear how the injections may affect your baby.

Alternatives to Botox

If you’re concerned about the safety or efficacy of Botox for under-eye wrinkles or bags, you might consider talking to your doctor about other options.  Alternatives to Botox include:

• allergy medications (for bags)
• chemical peels
• cool compress treatments
• eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for bags
• laser treatments
• over-the-counter wrinkle creams
• skin resurfacing
• wrinkle fillers, such as Juvederm