The 6 Moisturizers That Allow Me to Push Back My Botox Appointments

While one of our 33-year-old contributors has chosen to abstain from Botox (check out her favorite wrinkle-smoothing serums), this 28-year-old has already tried it. Twice. And though I have zero qualms about accepting a little help in the anti-aging department—the results have been very favorable—it's expensive. And it involves needles, which are not exactly high on my list of favorite things. So, it's in my best interest (and the interest of my dwindling bank account and squeamish stomach) to supplement each Botox appointment with a round of anti-aging moisturizers that actually work to reduce wrinkles, smooth fine lines, and boost collagen production.

I began to experiment each time I left the doctor's office. For the three to four months post-injection, I'd try a different moisturizer and record the results. That way, I'd be able to better gauge which product helped me push back my Botox appointments and which, well, sent me running back to Dara Liotta, MD.

Below, find the six anti-aging offerings that worked the best. That means they genuinely made a difference in the look and feel of my skin post-treatment.

1. 3Lab WW Cream

3Lab WW Cream $525.00

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While this option isn't particularly cost-friendly, it works to stave off Botox appointments (which, if I'm being frank, aren't cheap either). I spent a few months using 3Lab's moisturizer as a last step in my skincare routine, and it left my skin plump, effectively filled the lines on my forehead, and allowed for an even glow.

The formula contains shea butter, which helps moisture penetrate deep into your skin, and apple stem cells, an ingredient that has shown potential in its ability to reduce wrinkles.

2. SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter $162.00

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SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter claims to slow the loss of elasticity and firmness in your skin, perfect for the time in-between injections. The whipped, velvety formula is designed to keep your collagen levels up and delay the weakening of your epidermis.

In it, there's blueberry extract and a high concentration of Pro-Xylane (a sugar-protein hybrid) to help restore skin firmness and density.

3. Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich $280.00

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Dr. Barbara Sturm's Face Cream Rich is my most treasured moisturizer—and the one I use most often to keep my skin as line-less as possible. Sturm herself calls it "your cell spa while you sleep," as it is so intensely regenerating.

But that's not all. The cream incorporates purslane (a succulent herb packed with omega-3 fatty acids) to reduce redness and skullcap extract to to prevent oxidative damage. No lie: This moisturizer makes my skin look more youthful come morning.

4. La Prairie Skin Caviar Absolute Filler

La Prairie Skin Caviar Absolute Filler $695.00

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Recommended to me by our former editorial director, Faith (she told me it "plumps your wrinkles upon contact"), this moisturizer lives up to the—very expensive, I know—hype.

It's infused with potent "caviar absolute," an ingredient that the brand claims targets the loss of volume in your skin and almost immediately restores tone and density. It's designed to refine contours, firm, lift, and contribute to increased elasticity, as it should for the price. But when something works, it's hard to ignore.

5. BioEffect EGF Serum

BioEffect EGF Serum $132.00

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This shockingly potent serum (it's called a serum, but it's the only step you're meant to use post-cleanser) revived my skin in a way I can only describe as magical. You only need two to four drops (a little goes a long way), and the seven-ingredient blend goes to work.

According to the brand, clinical tests showed a 60% increase in skin thickness and a 30% increase in skin density due to the concentration of plant stem cells (barley, to be specific). It's incredibly potent and moisturizing and promises to visibly smooth wrinkles each time you apply it.

6. Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Fix Eye Power-Treatment

Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Fix Eye Power-Treatment $68.00

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While we're on the subject of Botox, it's important to note the most life-changing difference happened around my eyes. My crow's-feet weren't deep, by any means, but small lines began cropping up around my under-eye bags—only making them more pronounced. Liotta took care of that with tiny little droplets of Botox injected around my under-eye (right above the top of my cheekbone). It completely changed everything, opening my eyes, erasing fatigue, and really making a huge difference with puffiness and circles.

So, I started supplementing the injections with Philosophy's eye treatment. It blends together actives, including a bi-retinoid, soy peptide extracts, and hyaluronic acid, and is designed to visibly plump, firm, and densify skin. I don't say this often, but it's a perfect product.