Can Zinc Supplements Really Make Botox Last Longer?
A skin-science deep dive from your award-winning holistic aesthetic clinic in Altrincham by Dr Caroline Warden NHS GP, cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic doctor in Hale, Cheshire
When you’ve invested in Botox, it’s natural to ask:
“Is there anything I can do to make my Botox last longer?”
One tip that often pops up on social media is taking zinc before your treatment. It obviously sounds very appealing, a simple daily supplement for longer-lasting, smoother results? Sign me up!
So there is some science behind it, BUT is the evidence strong enough for blanket recommendation to take it?
Quick answer
Yes, zinc may help some people get a slightly longer or stronger result from Botox/anti-wrinkle injections.
The research is small but interesting, not definitive.
It should be seen as an optional extra, not essential, and not a replacement for:
excellent injection technique
correct dosing
good aftercare
healthy skin and lifestyle.
If you’re happy with how long your Botox usually lasts, you probably don’t need to change anything.
Why are people talking about zinc and Botox?
Botulinum toxin type A (used in Botox and similar brands) is a zinc-dependent enzyme.
Very simply:
The toxin uses zinc to block the signals that tell your muscles to contract.
The theory: if your zinc levels are low or borderline, the treatment might not work quite as well.
So topping up zinc could, in theory, help the toxin work more efficiently and last a bit longer.
This is called “biological plausibility” it makes sense on a molecular level. But theory alone is not enough.
What does the research actually say?
A few small studies have looked at this.
The pilot study everyone quotes
One key study gave people, before their botulinum toxin treatment:
50 mg zinc + phytase (an enzyme to help absorb zinc), or
10 mg zinc, or
placebo.
People taking 50 mg zinc + phytase were more likely to report:
stronger effect, and
around 30% longer duration of their toxin result.
The lower zinc dose and placebo didn’t show the same benefit.
Follow-up evidence
A review of the available research has suggested:
Some improvement with zinc in certain patients,
But:
studies are small,
methods vary,
and we still don’t know who benefits most (possibly those who were low in zinc to begin with).
So at this stage, zinc is promising but not proven.
What the evidence does not prove
This is important:
It does not prove that everyone will get longer-lasting Botox with zinc.
It does not guarantee “30% longer for all”.
We don’t have a gold-standard, agreed dose, brand, or timing.
Most studies didn’t properly check people’s zinc levels first.
Results were mostly based on people’s own reports, not big, objective measurements.
So any clinic or influencer claiming zinc will “definitely” make your Botox last longer is overstating it.
What matters more than supplements
In real life, your Botox longevity is shaped far more by:
The experience and skill of your injector
Correct dose and placement
Your muscle strength and anatomy
How often you exercise (very high-intensity training can shorten duration in some people)
Metabolism, lifestyle, smoking, sun exposure
How regularly you maintain your treatments
Zinc can only ever be a small supporting act, not the star of the show.
How I approach zinc at Dr Caroline Warden Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, Hale
Because i’m a doctor-led, evidence-aware clinic, here’s how we handle it:
We start with results
If your Botox consistently lasts well (around 3–4 months or more), there may be no need to change anything.
We look at your risk of low zinc
You might be more likely to benefit if you:follow a vegetarian or vegan diet with limited variety,
eat a lot of whole grains/legumes without much zinc-rich food,
have gut issues or malabsorption,
feel your toxin never seems to last as long as expected, even with good technique and dosing.
If we do suggest zinc
It’s usually a short-term protocol around treatment, not long-term high-dose use.
A typical research-inspired approach might be:
start a zinc supplement a few days before treatment,
continue for a few days afterwards,
making sure the dose stays within safe daily limits.
This is personalised, optional, and we discuss it properly first.
We are honest
We explain that:
zinc is adjunctive, not guaranteed;
evidence is still evolving;
your injector’s expertise and your overall skin health remain the priority.
Is zinc safe?
For most healthy adults, a short course of zinc at sensible doses is generally well-tolerated.
However:
Too much zinc, especially long-term, can:
upset your stomach,
cause nausea,
interfere with copper absorption,
affect immunity.
Zinc can interact with certain medicines and other supplements.
Never start high-dose supplements just because TikTok said so. Always check with a medical professional who understands your health history.
At our Hale clinic, any discussion of zinc is:
tailored to you,
within recognised safety limits,
clearly documented as an optional, evidence-aware add-on.
FAQs – Botox & Zinc
Q: Should I take zinc before my Botox to make it last longer?
A: You can consider it, especially if you might be low in zinc or feel your results fade quickly. But it’s not essential and not guaranteed. Talk to us first and we’ll decide together.
Q: How much longer could it last?
A: One small study showed about 30% longer in some patients on a specific zinc + phytase combo. Real-world results are likely to be more modest and individual.
Q: Can I just buy any zinc from the supermarket?
A: Not all products are equal, and more is not always better. Please speak to me so we I suggest a safe, appropriate option based on your health and other supplements.
Q: Will zinc fix poor Botox results?
A: No. If your Botox isn’t lasting, we first review dose, placement, product, timing, your muscle activity and lifestyle. Zinc is only considered after that.
Q: Is this standard practice?
A: No. It’s still considered an emerging, optional strategy. We only recommend it with clear explanation and consent.
The bottom line
At Dr Caroline Warden Skin & Aesthetic Clinic in Hale, our focus is:
Beautifully natural, long-lasting anti-wrinkle results
Medical-grade safety
Transparent, evidence-informed advice
Zinc supplementation is an interesting tool that might help some patients get a little extra from their Botox but it’s not a universal rule, and it should always be used thoughtfully.
If you’d like to explore whether a short zinc protocol is right for you before your next treatment in Hale or Disley you’re welcome to ask at your consultation. I’ll talk through your lifestyle, nutrition, medical background and treatment goals, and make a plan that’s right for your face, not Instagram’s.
Interested in having anti-wrinkle injections?
Book now for a consultation
Dr Caroline Warden is an experienced NHS GP and award winning aesthetic doctor. She has been a medical doctor for over 18 years. Her main Skin and Aesthetic Clinic is located in Hale, Cheshire but she also runs clinic in Disley, Stockport.
Whether you're new to aesthetic treatments or ready to refine your routine, her bespoke skin assessments are the best place to start. She’ll design a tailored plan based on your skin goals, lifestyle, and timeline.
Book your consultation at the clinic in Hale, Cheshire and experience aesthetic medicine.
You’ll be guided through your medical history, goals, and expectations so you can make an informed choice.
Our main Hale clinic is local To:
Alderley Edge, Altrincham, Bowdon, Bramhall, Hale Barns, Knutsford, Manchester, Mobberley, Sale, Timperley, Urmston, Wilmslow, Handforth, Poynton, Cheadle, Didsbury, Warrington
Our satellite Disley clinic on Thursday nights at Scott, Skin & Co, is local to:
New Mills, High Lane, Marple, Mellor, Whaley Bridge, Hayfield, Stockport
