UNLOCKING YOUTHFUL SKIN

Independent nurse prescriber at Duo Clinic Hayley Thirkettle compares injectable hyaluronic acid and topical hydration for skin transformation

In an ever-evolving world with such a high demand to slow down ageing and retain youthful skin, it is vital in aesthetic medicine that we understand both the intrinsic and extrinsic factors which affect our skin quality and what solutions can be provided to counteract their effects. So, what are the benefits of injectable hyaluronic acid versus topical application for skin hydration?

With the natural decline in collagen and elastin production as we age, skin becomes increasingly lax and fine lines as well as wrinkles are formed. Intrinsic factors of course do play a large part in the ageing of the skin but that’s not the complete picture. Modern lifestyles in polluted cities can wreak havoc on our skin’s barrier leading to inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in premature ageing.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural ingredient found in the human body that greatly retains water, promoting hydration and plumpness in the skin. Like collagen and elastin, levels of HA decrease in the skin with age. Both topical and injectable applications of HA can provide the skin with several benefits, preserving its quality and improving its appearance. Applying HA topically provides surfacelevel hydration, enhances skin texture, and improves skin barrier function.

However, injectable HA treatments offer a more profound and longer-lasting benefit for the skin. A medical professional can inject HA directly into the deeper layers of the skin, which boosts collagen production and provides hydration from within. This improves the skin’s overall appearance, helping reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and results will last longer, from several months to over a year, depending on the product and individual.

Two amazing HA injectable products from Vivacy in the STYLAGE® range are Hydro and HydroMax. They are innovative products designed to stimulate collagen production and improve skin laxity. An intense injectable treatment of HA from 12.5 mg/g – 14mg/g per 1ml enhances skin hydration leading to outstanding results in collagen remodelling.

The biochemical differences between the two skin boosters are as follows: Hydro is a non-cross-linked HA with 14mg/g to be injected into the superficial dermis or dermo-epidermal junction. HydroMax is a cross-linked HA using IPN-like technology at a concentration of 12.5mg/g with the addition of sorbitol to be injected into the superficial to deep dermis. Hydro would be of choice to treat more superficial lines and wrinkles, including those around the upper perioral area or crow’s feet. It is also used to improve overall hydration to the face, neck and décolleté. HydroMax would be of choice to treat more severe laxity and deeper lines to the face. Both products can be used in conjunction with each other which provides amazing results as both the superficial and deeper dermis are targeted. The hands can also be treated with these products.

To conclude, the skin’s quality and texture can be negatively affected by intrinsic ageing and extrinsic factors. However, in aesthetic medicine advanced technologies such as STYLAGE® Hydro and HydroMax offer powerful solutions to counteract these effects, allowing for skin health and radiance to be maintained.

CASE STUDY 1: MATURE SKIN

First session: multi-layer approach. 2ml HydroMax delivered with a cannula in linear thread / fanning technique. 1ml to each full mid and lower third of the face. Hydro injected superficially as a layering approach over HydroMax. 0.5ml each side of the face.

Second session four weeks later: 2ml HydroMax delivered with a cannula in linear thread/fanning technique. 1ml to each full mid and lower third of the face.

Pictures show before treatment and eight weeks post initial treatment.

CASE STUDY 2: MATURE SKIN

First session: 2ml HydroMax delivered with a cannula in linear thread / fanning technique. 1ml to each full mid and lower third of face.

Second session four weeks later: 2ml HydroMax delivered with cannula linear thread / in fanning technique. 1ml to each full mid and lower third of face.

Pictures show before treatment and eight weeks post initial treatment.

CASE STUDY 3: YOUNGER SKIN SUPERFICIAL LINES