Botox for Acne: How It Works, Results, and What to Expect
Acne isn’t just a teenage concern. It affects millions of adults, often stubbornly lingering even after trying countless creams, cleansers, and prescriptions. But what if the same treatment you rely on to soften wrinkles could also help clear your skin?
At Thrive Med Spa in Cincinnati, we’re constantly exploring innovative and evidence-based treatments to support holistic skin health. One lesser-known but increasingly popular solution for managing breakouts and oily skin is Botox for acne.
Let’s break down how this works, what kind of results you can expect, and whether it might be right for you.
Key Takeaways
Botox can reduce oily skin and breakouts by temporarily limiting sebum production in overactive sebaceous glands, making it a promising off-label option for acne management.
Results typically appear within a week and last 3–4 months, helping to smooth skin, shrink pores, and reduce shine when maintained with regular treatments.
Botox for acne isn’t a cure-all. It works best for mild to moderate acne and oily skin, but it’s less effective for cystic or hormonal acne and should be paired with a strong skincare routine.
Can Botox Really Help with Acne?
The Rise of Off-Label Botox Uses
While Botox is FDA-approved for treating wrinkles, migraines, and excessive sweating, medical professionals have discovered a growing list of off-label uses, including for acne management and oily skin.
Dermatologists and aesthetic injectors have observed that botulinum toxin injections not only relax muscles but may also reduce activity in sebaceous glands, the oil-producing powerhouses of your skin.
Why Acne Might Respond to Botox
Acne is often driven by increased sebum production, which clogs pores, traps bacteria, and leads to breakouts. By reducing sebum secretion, Botox may help prevent clogged pores, minimize facial skin oily seborrhea, and interrupt the acne cycle at the source.
This mechanism makes Botox especially interesting for those struggling with acne vulgaris, enlarged facial pores, or persistent skin oiliness despite a good skincare routine.
How Botox Works for Acne
The Science Behind It
Botox (or botulinum toxin) works by blocking nerve signals. When used for wrinkles, it inhibits muscle contractions. When used for acne, it inhibits the nerves that stimulate human sebaceous glands. The result? A significant reduction in facial sebum production, which in turn reduces the conditions that trigger breakouts.
Where It’s Injected for Acne Treatment
For acne, Botox is injected in very small doses directly into the oily regions of the face, typically the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
The number of injection points and units used will be far less than a traditional Botox wrinkle treatment, and the goal is not to relax muscles but to alter sebum production.
How It Differs from Traditional Acne Treatments
Unlike oral medications like isotretinoin or antibiotics, or topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, Botox doesn’t target bacteria or inflammation directly.
Instead, it targets the root cause of many acne cases: excess oil production. This makes it a great option for clients who don’t tolerate traditional treatments well or prefer a more localized, non-systemic solution.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
When You’ll Start Seeing Effects
Most clients begin noticing an improvement in skin oiliness and breakouts within 3 to 7 days after treatment, with peak results appearing around the 2-week mark.
You may also notice that your skin feels smoother, your enlarged facial pores look smaller, and your makeup stays in place longer, thanks to the reduction in shine and sebum.
How Long Results Last
On average, Botox for acne lasts 3 to 4 months, though this can vary depending on your skin type and metabolism. Regular treatments may help maintain the reduction in sebum production, making it easier to keep breakouts under control over time.
What It Can and Can’t Do
Can help:
Reduce oily skin
Improve appearance of clogged pores
Enhance glow and texture
Minimize mild to moderate breakouts
Support other acne treatment regimens
Can’t:
Cure cystic acne or hormonal acne on its own
Replace a solid skincare foundation
Treat acne scars (though we have other treatments for that!)
Pros and Cons of Using Botox for Acne
Benefits
Quick, in-office treatment
No downtime
Great for oily skin and facial sebum production control
Helps with makeup longevity
Complements existing skincare or prescription regimens
Can be combined with other aesthetic services (microneedling or chemical peels)
Drawbacks
Not FDA-approved for acne (off-label)
Temporary requiring maintenance every few months
Can be expensive over time
Less effective for hormonal or cystic acne
Who Might Be a Good Candidate?
You might be a candidate for Botox for acne if you:
Have oily skin or visible facial skin seborrhea
Experience breakouts mainly on the T-zone
Struggle with makeup breakdown due to oil
Want a non-topical solution with minimal daily maintenance
Don’t tolerate traditional acne treatments well
What to Expect from the Appointment
Before Your Treatment
Avoid blood-thinners, alcohol, and intense workouts 24 hours before your appointment.
Clean skin with no makeup is ideal.
Let your provider know about any medications or supplements.
During the Procedure
Your injector will cleanse the skin and use a very fine needle to deliver tiny doses of Botox into oil-prone areas.
The process takes less than 10 minutes and is generally painless.
Aftercare & Follow-Up
Avoid rubbing or massaging the area for 24 hours.
Skip facials or hot yoga for a couple of days.
Expect results within a week, with follow-up every 3–4 months if desired.
Is Botox for Acne Worth It?
If you’ve tried countless products with no luck or want to manage skin oiliness without harsh medications, Botox for acne can be a game-changer. It’s a non-invasive, efficient option that fits well into a modern acne management plan, especially when combined with hydrating skincare, exfoliants, and professional treatments like microneedling or RF therapy.
While it’s not a cure-all for acne vulgaris, it can absolutely enhance your results and help you maintain a more balanced, glowy complexion.
Want to Determine if Botox Is Right for You? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation with Thrive
At Thrive Med Spa in Cincinnati, we specialize in customized skincare and acne solutions that honor your unique skin journey. Whether you’re struggling with adult breakouts, persistent oily skin, or clogged pores, we’re here to help you feel confident and cared for.
Let’s build a plan together. Book your complimentary consultation today and discover if Botox for acne is the missing piece in your skincare strategy.
About Thrive Medical Spa
Located in historic Milford, Ohio, Thrive Med Spa is a women-led, aesthetic practice that blends science, subtle artistry, and holistic care. From medical-grade skincare to innovative treatments like botulinum toxin injections, RF microneedling, and Sculptra, every service is rooted in empowerment and education.
Our team is committed to helping you feel confident, radiant, and in control of your skin—because you deserve to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will Botox get rid of acne?
Botox won’t cure acne completely, but it can reduce sebum production, making breakouts less frequent and less intense, especially for oily or adult acne-prone skin.
Does Botox give you clear skin?
It can improve skin clarity by decreasing facial sebum production and preventing clogged pores, particularly in combination with a solid skincare routine.
Can Botox treat hormonal or cystic acne?
Botox isn’t ideal as a standalone treatment for hormonal or cystic acne, but it may be used alongside other therapies to manage skin oiliness and support overall skin health.
Can Botox for acne be combined with other skincare treatments?
Absolutely. It works beautifully with microneedling, chemical peels, or medical-grade skincare for a well-rounded acne-fighting plan.
What is the best injection for acne?
For reducing sebum secretion, Botox is one of the best injectables. For acne scars, treatments like Sculptra or microneedling with PRP may be more appropriate.
What is the most effective treatment for acne?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. The most effective plan often combines topicals, lifestyle adjustments, and innovative treatments like Botox injections, depending on your skin type.
Will insurance cover Botox for acne?
Since it’s considered an off-label cosmetic treatment, Botox for acne is not typically covered by insurance.