What are injectable moisturisers: Are they safe and effective?

Your skin can feel dry and flaky at any time and season of the year. You may have tried using multiple creams, serums and oils to manage dry skin topically. But have you heard about an injectable moisturiser? As its name suggests, it offers dry skin treatment from deep within – literally! Injectable moisturisers or skin boosters involve injecting skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid into the skin. It can give you glowing skin, help in reducing the appearance of fine lines and even make reduce post-acne scars. Let us tell you more about injectable moisturisers.

What are injectable moisturisers?

Injectable moisturisers are hyaluronic acid-based injections that act like water-retaining sponges when introduced into the skin, says dermatologist Dr Geetika Srivastava. Also known as skin boosters, they act as a hydrating treatment, which is injected under the skin’s surface. This treatment, which has gel-like texture, provides a hydration boost soon after its first session. In the next four weeks, it enhances the production of elastin and collagen and elastin that helps in giving a smoother, and plumper appearance. You may have to go to a clinic two to three times for this skin treatment.

What are the types of injectable moisturisers?

Injectable moisturisers primarily differ in the concentration and additional ingredients they contain. Here are some of its popular types:

1. Profhilo

Profhilo is not just a skin booster, but a bio-remodelling agent that hydrates the skin and delays the signs of ageing. It boasts the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid per ml (32 mg/ml), says the expert.

2. Nucleoskin

Nucleoskin combines hyaluronic acid with PDRN polynucleotides and glutathione. This advanced formulation revitalises the skin at the DNA level, helping in promoting new cell formation.

3. Skinvive

Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2023, Skinvive contains hyaluronic acid, butanediol diglycidyl ether, and lidocaine. These ingredients help in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving smoothness of cheeks.

4. Restylane Vital

It is the oldest skin booster on the market, containing 20 mg/ml of hyaluronic acid, says the expert. It helps in hydrating skin and improving its elasticity as well as its texture.

What are the benefits of injectable moisturisers?

This skin treatment offers the following benefits:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a normal component of skin dermis. The presence of HA helps in collagen induction, says Dr Srivastava. This improves texture of the skin, fine lines, open pores even post-acne scars.
• Hydration is the key benefit of injectable moisturisers, so the treatment can make your skin plumper, hydrated and soft.
• These skin boosters induce elastin production which makes skin more elastic and resilient.

How long lasting are injectable moisturisers ?

The duration of results depends on the number of syringes used. For instance, using 3 to 4 ml for the entire face can result in effects lasting from six to nine months and sometimes up to a year.

What are the side effects of injectable moisturisers?

There are no long-term side effects, but temporary ones include bruising, and swelling that can be present at the site of injection that resolves within a week, says the expert. But people with autoimmune disorders, active infections, or bleeding tendencies should avoid this treatment. Such conditions can lead to exaggerated responses to the hyaluronic acid molecules, potentially causing the formation of granuloma, which is a cluster of white blood cells. It causes a non-cancerous lump to appear on the skin. Also, active infections and eczema may flare up.

Injectable moisturisers are a skin treatment that help in hydrating your skin and reducing signs of ageing. Its effects may last for at least six months, but make sure to drink enough water for your skin and overall health.