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 bodies, it has generated significant interest due to its remarkable moisturizing and anti-aging properties. Whether in injectable or cosmetic form, hyaluronic acid offers promising solutions to enhance the appearance and health of the skin.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that is naturally present in our body, primarily in connective tissues, joints, and skin. Its unique structure allows it to retain moisture and maintain the suppleness and elasticity of the skin. With age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, which can lead to a loss of firmness and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Thanks to its variety of molecular weights, it offers various solutions in the aesthetic field, from low molecular weight molecules that deeply hydrate to high molecular weight molecules used as dermal 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 key ingredient in many skincare 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 such as wrinkle filling, facial contour modeling, and volumization of body parts. Hyaluronic acid injections provide immediate and long-lasting results, offering patients an alternative to more invasive surgical interventions.
Hyaluronic acid, naturally present in the dermis (the layers of skin between the epidermis and the hypodermis), is a powerful anti-wrinkle and anti-aging agent.
It behaves like a sponge that absorbs water, thereby contributing to good skin hydration and giving it a smooth and youthful appearance. It can bind up to 1000 times its own weight in water, which explains why, at times, its concentration is not extremely high but remains effective.
Injected hyaluronic acid vs cosmetic: what are the differences?
In Injection :
The use of hyaluronic acid in injections presents several significant differences compared to its cosmetic application.
First of all, injections are generally administered by licensed practitioners for procedures such as wrinkle filling or lip augmentation. These injections use formulations specifically designed for precise injection into the deeper layers of the skin, allowing for more durable and visible results.
Injections have more immediate effects than cosmetic products containing A.H. Due to their ability to fill wrinkles and restore lost volume directly at the level of the skin's deep tissues, injections can provide visible results from the very first session. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid injections can also stimulate collagen production, a protein essential for the firmness and elasticity of the skin, thus offering long-term anti-aging effects.
Hyaluronic acid injections are an effective option for individuals seeking quick and significant results, but they require a more serious approach and appropriate medical follow-up.
For topical application:
When applied topically to the skin, hyaluronic acid forms a moisturizing film on the surface of the skin, helping to retain water and maintain hydration.
These cosmetics can help smooth out wrinkles and fine lines by plumping the skin and giving it a firmer and smoother appearance.
Furthermore, topical hyaluronic acid can have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, helping to reduce redness and calm irritations.
The use of this active ingredient in topical application, through products such as the creams, serums or masks, offers a gentler and non-invasive approach to improving skin health and appearance. Cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid are designed for absorption by the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, thus providing immediate and surface hydration.
Hyaluronic acid-based cosmetic products are often formulated with different concentrations and molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to target various skin needs. For example, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid serums can penetrate deeper into the skin to hydrate and smooth wrinkles from within, while higher molecular weight hyaluronic acid creams remain on the surface for intense hydration and a plumping effect.
Moreover, these cosmetic products are often more accessible in terms of cost and use compared to hyaluronic acid injections. They can be easily integrated into a daily skincare 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 continuous use to maintain results. Furthermore, the effectiveness of cosmetic products can vary depending on their concentration of hyaluronic acid, their formulation, and the quality of the ingredients. In summary, the use of hyaluronic acid-based cosmetic products offers a practical and safe approach to improving skin hydration and appearance, but it may require long-term use for optimal results.
Summary of 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 carried out by qualified practitioners for lasting and meaningful results.
- Immediate effects, filling in wrinkles and restoring lost volume.
- Stimulates collagen production for long-term anti-aging benefits.
- Higher costs and longer recovery times than cosmetic products.
- Gentle and non-invasive approach to improve skin health and appearance.
- Provides immediate and surface hydration, helping to smooth wrinkles and fine lines.
- Can have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
- More accessible in terms of cost and use, able to be integrated into a daily care routine.
- Requires regular and continuous use to maintain results.
Ultimately, the choice between injected and cosmetic use of hyaluronic acid depends on individual needs, personal preferences, and each person's aesthetic goals. Regardless of the chosen approach, this active ingredient remains a valuable tool for nourishing and revitalizing the skin, thus helping to preserve its youth and vitality over time.
