Are injectable moisturisers good for your skin?

You’ve probably tried it all: creams, serums, oils, and everything in between to keep your skin looking supple and youthful. But if you feel like you’ve reached the brim of what topical products can do, you need to check out something a little deeper — quite literally.

Injectable moisturisers, a trend gaining ground in the world of cosmetic treatments, offer a fascinating way to hydrate the skin from the inside out. But what are they, and are they worth the hype? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

What are injectable moisturisers

Injectable moisturisers, or skin boosters, are micro-injections that deliver deep skin hydration. Unlike fillers, they aren’t about changing the shape or volume of your face. Instead, they’re designed to enhance the overall texture, elasticity, and moisture levels of your skin. These treatments use substances like hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the body and known for its incredible ability to hold water — up to 1000 times its weight!

Unlike fillers, injectable moisturisers aren’t about changing the shape or volume of your face. (Photo: Unsplash)

Types of injectable moisturisers

Injectable moisturisers have emerged as a revolutionary approach to skincare, offering a deeper, more effective hydration and rejuvenation method than traditional topical products.

Among the various types of injectable moisturisers available, each has its own unique formulation and benefits that cater to different skin concerns and goals.

Here are some of the types of injectable moisturisers:

Profhilo stands out as more than just a moisturiser; it is a bio-remodelling treatment that stimulates the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid within the skin.

• Its fluid hyaluronic acid gel composition acts as a water magnet, retaining moisture and encouraging the skin to remodel itself.
• This results in smoother, plumper, and more radiant skin that lasts for up to six months, effectively refreshing tired, dry, and wrinkled skin.

Viscoderm hydrobooster stabilises hyaluronic acid, which offers dual-action benefits.

• It intensely hydrates the skin from within while also smoothing out and restructuring wrinkles.
• This treatment significantly enhances skin elasticity, radiance, and smoothness, addressing signs of ageing, particularly around dynamic areas of the face like the mouth, eyes, and forehead.

Juvederm, another popular choice, offers a range of products including Juvederm Volite, which contains lower levels of hyaluronic acid compared to Profhilo.

• This makes it a milder option for those seeking hydration and rejuvenation.
• Juvederm injections are known for their inclusion of a local anaesthetic, which helps numb the skin and reduce discomfort during treatment.
• The Juvederm family of products is versatile, addressing various concerns from deep wrinkles to enhancing lip volume, with effects lasting between six months to two years depending on the specific product used.

Nucleofill is a newer addition to the market, focusing on skin rejuvenation and protection.

• Unlike other treatments that primarily introduce hyaluronic acid, Nucleofill utilises polynucleotide-based bio-stimulating gels to contour, firm, and boost collagen production.
• This not only provides deep hydration but also supports the skin’s natural structure and the skin feels rejuvenated.

Teosyal stands out for its comprehensive range of HA-based fillers, including options for deep lines and global action targeting nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and other areas of concern.

• Teosyal fillers boast impressive longevity, with some products offering a rejuvenated appearance for up to 22 months.
• The Teosyal RHA line, specifically designed for dynamic areas of the face (facial expressions cause frequent movement), has received FDA approval, underscoring its safety and efficacy.
• Like Juvéderm, Teosyal products often include lidocaine for enhanced patient comfort during the procedure.

How do injectable moisturisers work?

If you are someone wanting to get this treatment, you should be well aware of how the injections boost your skin quality.

Dr Raina N Nahar, senior consultant, dermatology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, said, “So, hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin, particularly in areas prone to wrinkles or thinning. Its primary purpose is to enhance hydration. Hyaluronic acid has a natural ability to retain water in the skin, promoting hydration and a radiant appearance. Additionally, it stimulates the body to produce collagen and elastin, essential proteins for maintaining youthful skin. This helps reduce fine lines, sagging, uneven skin tone, and early signs of ageing, allowing individuals to age gracefully with the help of injectable moisturisers.”

Additionally, Dr Rashmi Aderao, MD dermatology consultant at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune, said that these injectables are thinner in consistency as compared to normal fillers. Hence, they offer deep penetration, unlike some products that sit on the surface of the skin. The injectables have instant hydrating results.

The injectables’ primary purpose is to enhance hydration. (Photo: Unsplash)

Why are they used?

Injectable moisturisers are utilised for a myriad of reasons, primarily aimed at enhancing skin quality and addressing various signs of ageing. One of the key benefits of undergoing this treatment has to be their ability to encourage the skin cells to protect themselves, promoting a natural remodelling of the skin’s signs of ageing without altering its shape or contour.

This process helps compensate for the loss of the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid and collagen stores, which keep decreasing as we age.

“Injectable moisturisers are used for hydrating the skin and eliminating the early signs of ageing or premature ageing. Sometimes, sun-induced damage can be recovered, uneven skin tones can be taken care of or just adding hydration and ageing gracefully is what we are looking at when we inject the moisturisers,” Dr Raina said.

Is there anything it can’t treat?

Injectable moisturisers, while innovative and effective in improving the texture, tone, and overall health of the skin, have their limitations. While it helps in hydration, injectable moisturisers do not add volume or alter the structure of the face in the way that traditional fillers do.

“Injectable moisturisers aren’t intended for addressing concerns like dermal fillers do, such as addressing hollowness or depth correction and rebuilding volume. They primarily focus on rehydrating and slowing down the ageing process, rather than providing volume correction,” Dr Raina said.

Furthermore, injectable moisturisers do not affect muscle activity; therefore, they cannot replace what treatments like Botox do by relaxing muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Things often asked

We reached out to numerous people whom we explained the concept of injectable moisturisers and asked what they think about them. Of course, we were met with some genuine queries and the answers to them, we thought, could be most useful to our readers.

Can this treatment be used for men?

• Yes, men can opt for this treatment. Any individual who wants to take care of the skin and to slow down the ageing process can go ahead with this procedure.

Does it hurt?

• Very little, it feels like a needle prick. Most doctors will use a topical anaesthetic cream, so it minimises the pain, but you might experience mild discomfort throughout.

These treatments have shown significant improvement in skin smoothness, hydration, and overall appearance. (Photo: Unsplash)

What happens if you don’t repeat the procedure?

• The skin will come back to the pre-procedure state. However, the collagen stimulated by the injectable will help slow down this process. If you don’t undergo regular injections, your skin will gradually age and revert to its previous condition.

Is there an age constraint?

• Not really. Usually, people who are under this age bracket – late 20s to 60s – there are no constraints.

Is it possible to use it with other treatments?

• Yes. Patients who take anti-ageing procedures like HIFU or dermal fillers can combine it with an injectable moisturiser and get the best benefits.

Pocket pinch?

• A single session cost can vary from Rs 15,000 to 30,000 per syringe, depending on the clinic etc.

Are injectable moisturisers good for your skin?

While doctors and experts have divided opinions over this, they also add that the decision, ultimately, lies with the individual undergoing the treatment.

While there are no proven long-term adverse effects associated with injectable moisturisers, experts share that numerous sessions to get the injectables could be a deterrent factor as they are expensive.Â

On the brighter side, injectable moisturisers have proven effective in restoring volume to areas like the temples, under-eye hollows, and nasolabial folds, subtly improving facial contours.

Moreover, these treatments have shown significant improvement in skin smoothness, hydration, and overall appearance, with results known to last up to six months.

The treatments are generally safe, with minimal downtime, although some individuals may experience mild side effects such as swelling, redness, bruising, and pain at the injection spot, but only for a very short time.

To get it or not

Well, it all boils down to one thing: do you want it? If yes, you should be well aware of the consequences (that’s where our article comes in handy).

However, if you don’t feel like getting one and are under some kind of pressure to adhere to a particular beauty standard, you can give this one a miss, happily!

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