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3 Key Takeaways from Nurse Stefanie Drozd

If you are investing time and money into neurotoxin injectables but are not seeing that glass-skin result, your daily botox skincare routine may be the missing piece. Stefanie Drozd, MSN-APRN, Founder and Lead Nurse Practitioner at Express Med Spa, breaks down the exact science.

  1. Neurotoxins are not magic erasers. They stop muscle contractions beneath the skin, but they do not physically erase lines etched into the skin’s surface.
  2. You must treat the surface. To get the best results, you need to take care of the actual skin sitting on top of those relaxed muscles.
  3. The Holy Trinity of Maintenance. A daily regimen of SPF, Retinol, and an Exfoliator is non-negotiable to maximize your injectable investment.
xeomin botox forehead injection treatment wrinkle relaxer express med spa
Precise wrinkle relaxer injections for smoother forehead lines

The Science of Neurotoxins and Your Skincare Routine

It is a common frustration in aesthetic medicine: a patient gets injectables for the first time, waits two weeks, and wonders why they still see faint lines.

As Stefanie Drozd, MSN-APRN, Founder and Lead Nurse Practitioner at Express Med Spa, explains: neurotoxin is not a magic eraser. Whether you choose Botox injectionsXeomin, or Letybo, these FDA-approved treatments have a very specific job: they temporarily stop the contraction of the underlying facial muscles that cause wrinkles. All three are botulinum toxin type A neurotoxins offered at Express Med Spa.

When muscle movement is reduced, the skin on top is allowed to rest and look smoother. If years of sun damage, dead skin buildup, and collagen loss have already etched static lines into your epidermis, relaxing the muscle is only half the picture. Not sure which neurotoxin is right for you? See our full Xeomin vs. Botox comparison for a breakdown of both options.

If we are not taking care of the skin on the surface, we are never going to see the results we want from our neurotoxins. To get the best return on your injectable investment, Nurse Stefanie recommends these three non-negotiable steps.


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Medical-grade skincare lineup supporting healthy skin in Chicago suburbs

Step 1: Daily SPF (Prevention)

The sun is the number one cause of premature aging, sunspots, and deep wrinkles. UV rays actively break down the collagen your skin needs to stay plump. Applying a daily moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher is your first line of defense against new wrinkles while your neurotoxin does its work.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is recommended for everyone, year-round.

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Express SPF Antioxidant Sunscreen Primer  |  Tinted SPF for Face


Step 2: Retinol (Correction)

While a neurotoxin handles the muscle, Retinol handles the skin’s structure. The biological role of retinol is to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin while accelerating cellular turnover. This is what physically smooths out the fine lines that sit on the surface of the skin.

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Express Retinol Anti-Aging Cream


Step 3: Exfoliation (Brightening)

Even with precise injectable treatments, a buildup of dead skin cells will leave your complexion looking dull. A medical-grade exfoliator gently removes those dead cells from the skin’s surface, allowing fresh, new skin to come through faster and brighter. For an acid-based option, our Glow Pads deliver a professional-grade six-acid peel at home.

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Express Gentle Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin  |  Glow Pads with Six Acid Peel


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Professional exfoliating skincare designed for smoother texture and glow at express med spa

Maximize Your Results with Express Med Spa

Do not let your investment go to waste. By combining precise, nurse-administered neurotoxins with medical-grade skincare, you can achieve the refreshed, natural-looking aesthetic you are working toward.

Ready to build a personalized treatment plan? Book a consultation at Express Med Spa and see what Stefanie Drozd, MSN-APRN, and the team can create for you.

Browse all medical-grade skincare at the Express Med Spa Shop.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn’t my Botox work?

Neurotoxins like Botox, Xeomin, and Letybo relax the facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. They do not erase surface-level lines caused by sun damage, collagen loss, or dead skin buildup. A daily skincare routine including SPF, Retinol, and exfoliation is required to see the best results from your injectable treatment.

What skincare do I need after Botox or Xeomin?

Three products make the biggest difference: a daily SPF of 30 or higher to prevent new UV damage, a Retinol cream to stimulate collagen production and cellular turnover, and a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and brighten the complexion. Express Med Spa carries all three as medical-grade formulas available in-clinic and online.

Does SPF really matter after neurotoxin injections?

Yes. UV exposure is the leading cause of premature aging and actively breaks down the collagen that keeps skin plump. Applying SPF 30 or higher every day protects your injectable investment and prevents new wrinkles from forming.

What is the difference between Botox, Xeomin, and Letybo?

Botox, Xeomin, and Letybo are all FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A neurotoxins that temporarily relax facial muscles to reduce wrinkles. Xeomin is a pure-form neurotoxin with no additives. Letybo is the newest FDA-approved option. Express Med Spa offers all three and can help determine which is right for your goals during a personalized consultation.

Maximize Your Results with Express Med Spa

Don’t let your investment go to waste. By combining precise, nurse-administered neurotoxins with medical-grade skincare, you can achieve the refreshed, natural-looking aesthetic you deserve.


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Stefanie Drozd, APRN
Founder & Nurse Practitioner
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Let’s Talk About Your Skin Goals

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

You don’t have to guess what treatment is right for you. Book a complimentary consultation and let our licensed professionals help you choose the safest and most effective option. We will walk you through your options and help you decide what makes the most sense for your skin, goals, and budget.
Express Med Spa Team