Our verdict: A smart choice for oily skin and pores; short-lived, so best for events or regular visitors
Best for: Oily skin, visible pores, fine crepey texture and some flushing on the face or neck
Not ideal for: Deep wrinkles, acne scars, dryness, pregnancy or neuromuscular conditions
Comfort: Mild; many tiny pricks after numbing cream
Downtime: Small bumps for a few hours
Value: Good per session; repeated every two to three months for ongoing effect
Price from: ₩129,000 (full face)

Our take on skin Botox

This is our medical team's honest assessment of skin Botox, also called micro Botox. It is an editorial review written by our doctors, not a summary of patient reviews, and it explains where this technique fits at Dernia Clinic Myeongdong. Our other assessments are on our expert reviews page.

Skin Botox places very diluted botulinum toxin in many tiny, shallow injections across the face or neck. Instead of freezing expression muscles, it acts on the surface: oil glands and sweat glands become less active, and fine muscle fibers attached to the skin relax. The result is smoother, less shiny skin with pores that look smaller. In our doctors' view it is an underrated treatment for oily, textured skin. It is also short-lived, technique-dependent and an off-label use of toxin, so the doctor's skill matters.

Pros

Less oil and shine. Many people notice less midday shine within one to two weeks.
Smaller-looking pores. Reduced oil and a smoother surface make pores less visible.
Smoother texture. Fine crepiness on the cheeks and neck can soften.
May reduce flushing. Some people with redness-prone skin see less flushing.
No real downtime. Bumps fade within hours, so you can go out the same day.

Cons

Short-lived. Results typically last two to three months.
Subtle. It refines skin; it does not erase deep lines or scars.
Technique matters. If toxin is placed too deep around the cheeks or mouth, expressions can feel slightly stiff for a few weeks.
Not for dry skin. Reducing oil can make already dry skin feel tighter.
Same cautions as toxin. It is not suitable in pregnancy, breastfeeding or with neuromuscular conditions.

Who skin Botox is best for

Our doctors recommend it for people with oily or combination skin, large pores, fine crepey texture or flushing, especially in hot, humid seasons. It is a popular pre-event treatment because skin looks smoother and less shiny in photos. It also forms part of our Glass Skin Package and Prevention Package for your 30s.

Who should consider something else

Dry, dehydrated skin: hyaluronic acid adds moisture rather than reducing oil. See Skin Botox vs HA skin booster.
Expression lines on the forehead or around the eyes: standard wrinkle Botox targets the muscles that cause them.
Acne scars or deep texture: resurfacing such as pico fractional or RF microneedling works better.
Visible vessels and persistent redness: a vascular laser is more effective.
Medical reasons: avoid toxin during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with neuromuscular disorders, active skin infection or certain antibiotics. Your doctor reviews your medicines first.

Comfort and what it feels like

After numbing cream, your doctor makes many tiny, shallow injections across the treatment area, sometimes with an injector device. Most people feel light pricking. A full face takes about 20 to 30 minutes including preparation. Afterward there are small bumps that flatten within a few hours. Avoid rubbing the skin, saunas and intense exercise for the rest of the day.

Value for money

Skin Botox at Dernia starts from ₩129,000 for the full face; adding the neck or choosing an imported toxin costs more, as shown on the skin Botox price page. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. It is good value for an event or a humid-season refresh. For year-round results, budget for treatment every two to three months, or combine it with a longer-acting booster.

Our verdict

Skin Botox is worth it for oily skin, visible pores and fine texture when you want smoother skin quickly and without downtime. It is not worth it for deep lines, scars or dry skin. Read the skin Botox results timeline for how the effect develops and fades, then book a consultation and your doctor will decide dilution, depth and areas for your skin.

Is skin Botox worth it?

It is worth it for oily skin, visible pores and fine texture, especially before an event or in summer. Results last about two to three months, so ongoing benefit needs repeat sessions.

What is the difference between skin Botox and regular Botox?

Regular Botox is injected into expression muscles to soften wrinkles. Skin Botox uses a more diluted toxin placed very shallowly to reduce oil, refine pores and smooth texture.

Will skin Botox freeze my face?

When placed correctly, it should not change your expressions. If toxin goes too deep near the mouth or cheeks, smiling can feel slightly stiff for a few weeks, which is why technique matters.

When will I see results?

Most people notice less oil and smoother skin within one to two weeks. The effect gradually fades over two to three months.

Can I combine skin Botox with a skin booster?

Yes. Skin Botox and a hyaluronic acid or PN booster are often given in the same session to reduce oil and improve hydration together.

Related treatments

Skin Botox treatment guide — how a session works
HA skin booster — hydration for dry skin
Rejuran Healer — PN booster for repair

Price, results and packages

Skin Botox price in Seoul — face and neck options
Skin Botox results — timeline and longevity
Glass Skin Package — skin Botox with Rejuran

Concerns and areas

Rough skin texture — options compared
Redness and rosacea — calming flushing
Neck treatments — crepiness and texture

Guides

How clinics help create glass skin — building a plan
Korean Botox brands explained — toxin choices
Planning treatments by season — summer oil control

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Skin Botox (Micro Botox) Review: Is It Worth It?