If you’re someone who regularly gets injectable treatments like Botox or filler or you’re considering getting them in the future, you might be concerned about the potential for bruising and swelling after said treatments. Luckily, there is one ingredient you should know about that derms recommend for reducing any such bruising or swelling. Drumroll, please…
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, it’s arnica.
Dr. Shereene Idriss is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York City and the creator of the #PillowtalkDerm series on Instagram. Dr. Idriss is an expert in facial rejuvenation, as well as minimally invasive body contouring. After graduating magna cum laude from the seven-year Medical Honors Program at The George Washington University, Dr. Idriss completed a research fellowship at Harvard University, and finalized her dermatology training at Tufts Medical Center in Boston before relocating to New York City. Dr. Idriss is currently a Clinical Instructor in Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and before that she was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at NYU. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Dermatologic Society of Greater New York and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
Derived from a perennial yellow flower, arnica or arnica montana if we’re being formal here, is a homeopathic remedy that has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500s. Typically applied to the skin as a cream or gel (though there are oral tablets as well), arnica is frequently recommended by physicians after any procedures.
“Arnica has traditionally been used in practice post-procedurally to help with bruising and swelling from cosmetic and invasive treatments,” explains Dr. Idriss. “As a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, I’ve seen the effects of arnica first-hand on patients and have been recommending it post-injection for years,” When used topically, it can help to reduce inflammation, as well as relieve stiffness and muscle pain.
“You can start using arnica a few hours post-injection,” says Dr. Idriss. “That said, it’s always best to follow any post-care instructions from your doctor, as everyone is different and they know your skin and medical history best.” As for when you should apply arnica, Dr. Idriss, who uses it twice a day post any injection to reduce swelling, says, “You can use arnica any time of day, just make sure to always apply it to clean skin.”
“Pretty much anyone can use arnica, but it's important to consult with your doctor if you have any known skin allergies, sensitivity or dermatitis, or are pregnant, as every individual is different,” says Dr. Idriss, who adds, “If you have a history of clotting disorder or stroke I would avoid taking oral arnica.”
TL;DR Ask your derm about it during your next appointment.
