If you informed me a couple of years in the past that I’d someday be voluntarily injected with a “moisturizer,” I most likely would have made a face directly out of the Kombucha Girl meme—equivalent portions confusion and wonder with a slightly of interest. But right here we’re, within the generation of injectable glow, or in particular, the time of SkinVive. For the uninformed, SkinVive is a more moderen hyaluronic acid injectable that’s FDA-approved to fortify smoothness of the cheeks, leading to a extra glowy, hydrated, and healthy-looking complexion.
I first realized about SkinVive final yr, all through a press travel hosted via Allergan Aesthetics, which produces each SkinVive and the well known filler logo Juvéderm. As any individual who has spent the final couple of years looking at her pores and skin transition from oily to yearning moisture like certainly one of my houseplants that I’ve overlooked (because of menopause!), I’m indubitably the objective target market. When the logo introduced me the risk to enjoy the remedy free of charge, I merely could not withstand. I booked an appointment with Sophia Kim, MSN, FNP-BC, a nurse practitioner that specialize in aesthetic medication and the medical director of Skin Detour in Beverly Hills. (She’s additionally certainly one of Allergan’s nationwide running shoes.)
The very first thing I realized about SkinVive was once this: SkinVive isn’t filler. And no, it is not Botox, both. It’s anything in its personal lane; an injectable that hydrates your pores and skin from the interior out. “It’s injected into the dermis layer of the skin, unlike fillers, which can be injected at different layers depending on their properties,” defined Kim. “Some fillers are placed deeper, into the periosteum (the membrane that covers the surface of the bone), while others go into the subcutaneous, fatty layer. But in this case, SkinVive is injected more superficially compared to deeper filler injections.”
Why SkinVive Is Great for Over-40 Skin
SkinVive can be utilized on any pores and skin kind, however a few of us elder millennials may particularly get pleasure from the remedy. “Anyone ages 21 and over can be a great candidate, but those who have drier skin—especially for the perimenopausal and menopausal age groups, they’ll likely notice the biggest improvement,” she said. “Again, SkinVive isn’t a filler, so it doesn’t add volume. Instead, it brings moisture to the skin, which can make it feel a bit plumper—but it doesn’t volumize, per se. Think of it as simply delivering hydration to the skin.” Another interesting tidbit? She said that if you have skin that’s on the thicker side rather than thinner, you may find that the absorption of your skincare is better.
SkinVive’s magic lies in its subtlety. It doesn’t “freeze” anything or fill in lines—it simply improves texture, hydration, and skin radiance. The HA in SkinVive activates the Aquaporin-3 protein in the skin, which is responsible for facilitating water transport. Basically, it makes your face better at being moisturized. “Not only will it give nice hydration, but it also helps with the texture of your skin. So, you’re going to notice smoothness. You might notice minimizing of your pores, too, and overall complexion is just going to be a lot more even,” she explained. She also said that noticeable results would start to appear about a week post-treatment, gradually improving until reaching peak efficacy around the one-month mark, with benefits lasting up to six months.
What You Need to Know Before Getting SkinVive
(Image credit: Marie Lodi)
I didn’t prepare too much before getting SkinVive, but I knew to skip a martini the night before, since alcohol can make you more susceptible to more bruising and excessive bleeding. (Same thing with blood thinners and certain supplements.) You’ll also want to stop using retinoids for a day or so before your appointment.
I did experience a couple of obstacles—the first time, I realized I needed to get clearance from my rheumatologist since I have Hashimoto’s, and SkinVive is not recommended for individuals with active autoimmune diseases. Then, I realized I had gotten a flu shot a few days before, so we had to reschedule yet again. (You need to wait two weeks before or after any vaccine. “Some contraindications would be patients who are pregnant, nursing, or have autoimmune conditions. Also, those who have allergies, including lidocaine, which is very, very rare,” said Kim.
What It’s Like Getting SkinVive for the First Time
(Image credit: Marie Lodi)
I arrived at my (technically third) SkinVive appointment with clean, makeup-free skin. Kim slathered my cheeks with numbing cream. Once I was all good and numb, Kim proceeded to inject my face with small injections. I lost count after a while, but it may have totaled out to around 50 pokes across both cheeks. Two syringes are the standard—one for each side—but it can be customized based on dryness or skin condition. (She used a total of three for me.) As for cost, it varies by practice, but two syringes start at about $650.
It didn’t hurt, but it felt uncanny. (If you’ve ever gotten Botox or regular filler and “hear” the syringe in your face, you know what I’m talking about.) The entire process took approximately 15–20 minutes. As for downtime, it was pretty minimal. I had small needle pricks and some redness immediately post-treatment, but nothing too crazy. I was told to avoid working out, sweating, or wearing makeup for the first 24 hours, and hold off on any actives like acids or retinol for about three days. I did notice a small bruise on one cheek, but it was barely noticeable and went away after a couple of days.
My Results After Getting SkinVive
(Image credit score: Marie Lodi)
Aside from a steady face wash and SPF, I let my pores and skin leisure for a couple of days earlier than going right into a supporting skin care regimen (extra on that beneath). As for the true outcomes, I began noticing a distinction a couple of week later. Like Kim stated, it wasn’t a large, obtrusive trade. I didn’t have an ideal hydrated, dewy complexion or the rest like that, however anything about my face seemed higher, and it was once actually obvious after I placed on make-up.
(Image credit score: Marie Lodi)
My basis went on smoother, and my pores and skin simply seemed more fit. You know that day or two after you get a facial, and your pores and skin simply welcomes the whole lot you placed on it with open palms? That’s what SkinVive is like. Also, my moisturizer is operating with my pores and skin higher. Usually, I’d realize a tightness in my pores and skin in the midst of the day, however no longer anymore. It feels extra balanced. Subtle, positive, however simply sufficient of an growth to make me satisfied that that is the lowkey tweakment I wished. If this natural-looking, lit-from-within glow can final six months, believe me a SkinVive devotee!
My Favorite SkinMedica Products To Use After Getting SkinVive
SkinMedica
Ha5 Hydra Collagen Replenish and Restore Hydrator
Following any remedy, your face craves the entire moisture it may possibly get, and this HA-packed hydrator understands the project. With 5 other types of hyaluronic acid plus collagen-supporting peptides, it’s nearly a love letter to my thirsty, menopausal pores and skin. I will’t get sufficient of it!
SkinMedica
Post-Procedure Repair Complex
If your pores and skin’s a little bit sensitive after SkinVive (or different therapies), believe this your good looks BFF. Loaded with restorative elements like ceramides and peptides, it accelerates restoration, reduces redness, and brings convenience again in your delicate pores and skin.
SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
I’ve written about this serum earlier than, and I nonetheless believe it a holy grail for mature pores and skin. Packed with expansion elements and peptides, TNS Advanced+ Serum is helping spice up elasticity, tender texture, and dial up your glow, even though menopause is making an attempt to *uninteresting* your vibe.
SkinMedica
Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35
SPF is a non-negotiable, clearly, and this mineral sunscreen tests each field. Ideal for delicate, therapeutic pores and skin, it shields with out inflammation and assists in keeping solar harm (ahem, growing old’s largest villain) at bay.
SkinMedica
Total Defense + Repair SPF 34
Think of this multitasker as your skin care insurance coverage: It doesn’t simply give protection to your freshly hydrated complexion from UV rays, it additionally upkeep earlier solar harm with antioxidants. Because at 40+, our pores and skin merits a sunscreen that is running time beyond regulation! Hello!
SkinMedica
Neck Correct Cream
This sumptuous cream objectives the subtle pores and skin in your neck with peptides and antioxidants to company, tender, and give a boost to collagen. Perfect, particularly when you find yourself getting the ones rings round your neck, because of tech neck, or just growing old!
SkinMedica
Even and Correct Brightening Treatment Pads
Hyperpigmentation and dullness generally tend to hang out longer after 40. I do know, I do know. But don’t be anxious—pick out up those brightening pads, as a substitute. Glycolic and lactic acids gently exfoliate and fade spots, leaving pores and skin radiant sufficient to make your SkinVive glow jealous.
SkinMedica
AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
I don’t learn about you, however my 40-something pores and skin needs to maximise my outcomes after a remedy like SkinVive. Once your pores and skin is healed, stay it ultra-smooth with this exfoliating cleanser. Its delicate mix of AHAs and BHAs clears pores, buffs away dullness, and units the very best level for all that moisture magic.