Injected hyaluronic acid VS cosmetic: what are the differences?
Hyaluronic acid has become an essential ingredient in the field of beauty and aesthetic medicine. Naturally present in our body, it has aroused great interest due to its remarkable hydrating and anti-aging properties. Whether in injectable or cosmetic form, hyaluronic acid offers promising solutions to improve the appearance and health of the skin.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule present naturally in our body, mainly in connective tissues, joints and skin. Its unique structure allows it to retain moisture and maintain the suppleness and elasticity of the skin. As we age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, which can lead to a loss of firmness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Thanks to its variety of molecular weights, it offers diverse solutions in the aesthetic field, from low molecular weight molecules that deeply hydrate to high molecular weight molecules used as fillers to fill wrinkles and restore lost volume, thus providing a smoother and younger appearance to the skin.
Hyaluronic acid in the cosmetic and medical industry
Over the years, it has become a featured ingredient in many skin care products, such as moisturizers, serums and masks. Its effectiveness in hydrating the skin and reducing visible signs of skin aging has made it a popular choice among consumers seeking non-invasive anti-aging solutions.
In the medical field, this active ingredient is widely used in aesthetic medicine for procedures for filling wrinkles, modeling the contour of the face, and volumizing body parts. Hyaluronic acid injections provide immediate and long-lasting results, offering patients an alternative to more invasive surgical procedures.
Hyaluronic acid, naturally present in the dermis (layers of the skin between the epidermis and hypodermis) is a strong anti-wrinkle and anti-aging agent.
It behaves like a sponge which absorbs water, thus contributing to good hydration of the skin and giving it a smooth and youthful appearance. It can bind up to 1000 times its own weight in water, which explains why, sometimes, its concentration is not extremely high but it can remain effective.
It is naturally synthesized by the body, but it can also be extracted from natural sources such as chicken or beef cartilage, as well as fermented bacteria. Additionally, it can be produced synthetically in the laboratory for medical and cosmetic purposes. This variety of sources allows for wide availability of hyaluronic acid in different products and procedures.
Injected hyaluronic acid VS cosmetic: what are the differences?
In Injection:
The use of hyaluronic acid in injection presents several significant differences compared to its cosmetic application.
Firstly, injections are usually administered by licensed practitioners, for procedures such as wrinkle fillers or lip augmentation. These injections use specially designed formulations for precise injection into the deeper layers of the skin, providing longer lasting and more visible results.
Injections have more immediate effects than cosmetic products containing HA. Due to their ability to fill wrinkles and restore lost volume directly to the deep tissues of the skin, injections can offer visible results from the first session. Additionally, hyaluronic acid injections can also stimulate the production of collagen, a protein essential for skin firmness and elasticity, providing long-term anti-aging effects.
On the other hand, although injections can offer longer-lasting results, they often require higher costs and longer recovery times compared to cosmetic products.
In summary, hyaluronic acid injections are an effective option for people looking for quick and significant results, but they require a more serious approach and appropriate medical monitoring.
In skin application:
When applied topically to the skin, hyaluronic acid forms a hydrating film on the surface of the skin, helping to retain water and maintain hydration.
These cosmetics can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles by plumping up the skin and making it look firmer and smoother.
Additionally, topical hyaluronic acid may have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, helping to reduce redness and calm irritation.
The use of this active ingredient in cutaneous application, through products such as creams , serums or masks , offers a gentler and non-invasive approach to improving the health and appearance of the skin. Cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid are designed for absorption by the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, thus providing immediate, surface hydration.
Hyaluronic acid cosmetic products are often formulated with different concentrations and molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to target different skin needs. For example, serums with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin to hydrate and smooth wrinkles from within, while creams with higher molecular weight hyaluronic acid stay in place. surface for intense hydration and a plumping effect.
Additionally, these cosmetic products are often more accessible in terms of cost and use compared to hyaluronic acid injections. They can be easily incorporated into a daily skin care routine and can be used at home without requiring medical supervision.
However, the effects of cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid may be less visible and long-lasting than injections, requiring regular and continued use to maintain results. In addition, the effectiveness of cosmetic products may vary depending on their hyaluronic acid concentration, their formulation and the quality of the ingredients. In summary, the use of hyaluronic acid-based cosmetic products offers a convenient and safe approach to improving skin hydration and appearance, but it may require long-term use for optimal results.
Summary of the differences: Injected hyaluronic acid VS cosmetic
Its use in injected and cosmetic form presents significant differences in terms of application, effects and results.
Hyaluronic acid injection:
- Procedure performed by qualified healthcare professionals for lasting and significant results.
- Immediate effects, filling wrinkles and restoring lost volume.
- May stimulate collagen production for long-term anti-aging benefits.
- Higher costs and longer recovery times than cosmetic products.
- Potential risk of side effects requiring medical supervision.
Dermal application of hyaluronic acid:
- Gentle, non-invasive approach to improving skin health and appearance.
- Provides immediate, surface hydration, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
- May have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
- More accessible in terms of cost and use, being able to be integrated into a daily care routine.
- Requires regular, continued use to maintain results.
Ultimately, the choice between injected and cosmetic use of hyaluronic acid depends on individual needs, personal preferences and aesthetic goals. Whichever approach you choose, this active ingredient remains a valuable tool for nourishing and revitalizing the skin, helping to preserve its youth and vitality over time.
