Skinvive Is a Smoothing and Hydrating Injectable Treatment—Here's What to Know
Stocksy
Hyaluronic acid is a do-it-all ingredient. The substance, which is naturally found within the body, is often added to topical skincare products to boost hydration and radiance. And in the ever-popular filler form (think: Restylane fillers), it has long been used to volumize parts of the face.
But now, there's a new type of hyaluronic acid injectable that seeks to bring the ingredient's topical benefits to the treatment world. Enter: Skinvive by Juvéderm, a "skin booster" focused on hydrating and smoothing the skin without adding fullness. Ahead, we asked dermatologists to explain everything you need to know about the FDA-approved treatment.
Meet Our Expert
Alexander Rivkin, MD, is a cosmetic surgeon and founder of RIVKIN Aesthetics.
Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MACRENE actives.
What Is Skinvive?
Skinvive is the first and only intradermal microdroplet hyaluronic acid injectable that is FDA-approved to smooth the skin on the cheeks. Unlike other hyaluronic acid injectables and dermal fillers that add volume to define and contour facial features, Skinvive increases skin hydration to enhance the skin's overall quality and texture.
According to Dr. Rivkin, Skinvive is able to smooth and increase hydration due to superficial injections. Many of the hyaluronic acid fillers injected into the face contain a crosslinked version of hyaluronic acid. "The hyaluronic acid in Skinvive is not crosslinked, so it's lighter in structure, which makes it more viscous for more of a superficial injection and different result," Rivkin notes.
How Does It Work?
Dr. Alexiades explains that Skinvive, a smooth, low-viscosity gel, is injected below the skin's surface using a microdroplet technique—other hyaluronic acid fillers are injected deeper into the skin. "The intradermal microdroplet technique allows the hyaluronic acid to be deposited directly into the dermis, or the second layer of skin," she says. "Historically, most fillers are placed subdermally, which is good for filling and lifting but does not rejuvenate the skin. For the first time, we can inject filler directly into the skin to improve the skin quality, so it is smoother with increased hydration."
Since Skinvive is injected using microdroplet spreads, Dr. Rivkin says the face can be treated with just two to three cubic centimeters (cc) of product. "Although, volume and spacing are individualized to the patient and their skin," he adds.
The Benefits
The main benefits of Skinvive are smoother-looking skin and a lit-from-within glow. By increasing the skin's moisture content, the skin on the cheeks becomes smoother, softer, and more hydrated. “Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it draws in water molecules, so injecting it directly into the skin greatly improves skin hydration,” Dr. Alexiades says.
Dr. Rivkin says another perk is that the treatment helps replenish your body's hyaluronic acid levels. Over time, HA naturally decreases due to age and other environmental factors (like sun exposure). Skinvive is able to combat this, targeting the resulting texture changes and dullness.
The Best Candidate for Skinvive
SkinVive is approved for adults over 21 and can be used on all skin types. It's especially ideal for anyone with skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, or rough skin on the cheeks. "A large percent of my patients complain of issues with skin quality, and Skinvive is a great option and alternative to lasers." However, Juvéderm advises against trying it if you have a history of severe reactions to hyaluronic acid fillers. You'll also want to avoid this treatment if you are allergic to lidocaine or the Gram-positive bacterial proteins used in Skinvive.
Does It Hurt?
Like most other hyaluronic acid injectable treatments, SkinVive contains a small amount of lidocaine in the formula that takes effect as soon as the injectable gel makes contact with the skin. Still, many patients use a topical numbing cream on the skin’s surface pre-injection to make the overall experience more comfortable.
How to Prepare
Our experts suggest refraining from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners for at least a few days before the treatment, as they can cause increased bleeding or bruising at the injection site. Dr. Rivkin says he also tells his patients not to drink alcohol the night before and to consume lots of water before and after getting injections.
What to Expect
The entire treatment (including time for numbing) can take up to 45 minutes. Dr. Alexiades says the process starts with injecting Skinvive into the dermis using tiny amounts at approximately five-millimeter intervals to erase fine lines on the cheeks and provide a diffuse hydration effect and glow. "There may be minimal discomfort from the pinpricks, but my patients do not report feeling pain during the injections," she adds.
Immediately after the injections, you might notice a slight redness, but it usually fades within a few hours. Dr. Rivkin says bruising can happen, but the chances of it occurring are generally small. Post-treatment, you'll instantly notice an increase in skin radiance. "The skin will immediately appear smoother and more luminous," Dr. Alexiades notes. After about five to ten days, the results will become more noticeable as the skin takes on a smooth-as-glass appearance, lasting about six months. You'll need to repeat the treatment every six months to maintain your newfound glowing skin.
Aftercare
There's no downtime with Skinvive. Still, it's best to take it easy for the first 24 hours. Minimize strenuous exercise, exposure to excessive heat or the sun, aspirin, ibuprofen, and alcohol following treatment hours, as they can all increase the risk of skin redness, swelling, or itching. "As with any hyaluronic acid injection, avoid dental procedures and microneedling, peels, or lasers of any kind for two to four weeks," Dr. Rivkin adds. After treatment, it is safe to resume a regular skincare routine. According to Dr. Rivkin, this regimen should always include a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and Retin-A for people over 30.
Potential Side Effects
Juvéderm says the most common side effects can include redness, lumps/bumps, swelling, bruising, pain, tenderness, firmness, discoloration, and itching. If you experience any of these side effects, they should subside within seven days. If they persist, consult with your physician. They may prescribe medications, like antibiotics, steroids, or hyaluronidase, to treat the issue.
The Cost
The pricing of Skinvive varies based on a few factors—like the practitioner you visit and the location of their practice. On average, the treatment will cost between $600 and $1,000 or more per session, depending on the amount of product used.
The Final Takeaway
Skinvive is gaining immense buzz in the United States, as it's the first treatment of its kind. The FDA-approved hyaluronic acid injectable smooths your cheeks and hydrates your skin, leaving you with a refreshed and radiant complexion lasting six months. If you're looking for a treatment that will enhance your skin's natural glow, Skinvive is definitely worth considering.
Up Next: What Is Profhilo? Dermatologists Explain the Skin-Boosting Injectable Treatment
Read the original article on Byrdie.
