Hyaluronic acid creams vs. injections: what’s the difference ?

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Injectable versus topical hyaluronic acid : which should you choose ?

Hyaluronic acid, renowned for its powerful hydrating and plumping properties, is now a staple ingredient in both skincare and aesthetic medicine. Whether in the form of serums, creams or injectables, hyaluronic acid is used to moisturize the skin, reduce signs of aging and improve overall facial appearance. But with so many options available, how can you know which method is best suited to your needs? This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of hyaluronic acid injections versus topical applications, and explores the latest trends and innovations for each method.

What is hyaluronic acid and why is it so popular?

Hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally found in our bodies. It plays a key role in maintaining skin hydration, elasticity and firmness. As we age, natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, resulting in volume loss, the appearance of wrinkles and duller skin.
Products containing hyaluronic acid—whether topical or injectable—aim to compensate for this loss and restore a youthful, radiant appearance. But which method should you choose?
Let’s explore the differences between topical applications and injections.

Advantages of hyaluronic acid injections

Immediate and long-lasting results : hyaluronic acid injections deliver visible results immediately after treatment. They’re ideal for filling wrinkles, restoring lost volume and plumping areas such as the cheeks, lips and temples. Unlike creams and serums, which take weeks to show results, the effects of injections are immediate and typically last from 6 to 18 months, depending on the product used and the area treated.
Targeted and personalized treatment : hyaluronic acid injections allow for highly targeted treatment tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Medical expertise and precise technique are essential when selecting the right product and performing procedures such as MD Codes™ or facelift . This customization ensures natural and harmonious facial rejuvenation, without a frozen look.
Improved skin texture and quality : in addition to filling wrinkles and restoring volume, hyaluronic acid injections can improve skin texture. Products such as Skinboosters hydrate deeply and stimulate collagen production, increasing skin elasticity and firmness. These treatments are ideal for patients seeking to enhance radiance and skin smoothness without altering facial contours.
Formulation flexibility : hyaluronic acid comes in a range of formulations, each designed for specific applications : wrinkles filling, lipsaugmentation, cheekvolume restoration, deep hydration, and more.

Disadvantages of hyaluronic acid injections

Invasiveness and recovery time : while minimally invasive, injections still involve needles or microcannulas, which can cause temporary discomfort, bruising, swelling or redness. The recovery time is generally short.
Higher cost : injections are generally more expensive than topical products, although some creams can cost more than injections. The price depends on the amount of product used, the complexity and type of treatment. Although long-lasting, results are not permanent and require maintenance sessions.
Risk of complications : although rare, complications such as vascular occlusion or skin necrosis can occur if the product is accidentally injected into a blood vessel. It is therefore essential to choose a qualified and experienced physician to ensure safe injections.

Advantages of topical hyaluronic acid applications

Facilité d’utilisation et accessibilité : les sérums, crèmes et lotions à base d’acide hyaluronique sont faciles à utiliser et disponibles sans ordonnance, ce qui les rend accessibles à un large public. Ils s’intègrent facilement dans une routine de soins quotidienne et ne nécessitent pas l’intervention d’un professionnel.
Surface hydration and skin barrier protection: topical hyaluronic acid is highly effective at hydrating the top layer of skin, making it softer and smoother. These products help maintain hydration by creating a protective barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.
Suitable for sensitive and reactive skin: hyaluronic acid is a gentle, well-tolerated ingredient, making it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin or skin prone to redness. Topical formulations are often combined with soothing ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal or niacinamide, to minimise irritation and provide optimal hydration without causing reactions.
Less invasive and no recovery time: unlike injections, topical application presents no risk of pain, bruising or swelling, and requires no recovery time.

Disadvantages of topical applications of hyaluronic acid

Limited penetration and duration : topical products offer good surface hydration but have limited ability to penetrate deeply into the skin. Results are often temporary and require consistent application to be maintained. Serums and creams can’t restore volume or fill wrinkles.
Less dramatic visible effect : topical hyaluronic acid products provide less immediate and less dramatic results than injections. They improve texture and hydration but can’t significantly reshape facial contours or correct volume loss.
Product layering : using multiple serums and creams may lead to product buildup on the skin, creating a saturation effect or a superficial barrier that prevents other products from penetrating. This can also complicate and lengthen the skincare routine.

Innovations in hyaluronic acid injections

Technologies and injection techniques continue to evolve to improve treatment safety, effectiveness, and patient comfort. Innovations include :

Advanced mapping techniques, MD Codes™, 8-points lift, enhancement and contouring , profiloplasty : these methods allow for precise and personalized facial rejuvenation, targeting specific areas for optimal results and reduced risk.
Long-release fillers : designed to gradually release hyaluronic acid into the skin for sustained hydration.
Combined injections : pairing hyaluronic acid with other active ingredients to enhance results.

Innovations in topical hyaluronic acid formulations

Topical hyaluronic acid products have also evolved.

Encapsulation and nanotechnology : encapsulating hyaluronic acid in liposomes or nanoparticles improves penetration into the deeper skin layers and allows for slow release.

Multi-molecular formulations : combining different sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules hydrates the skin at multiple levels for a more comprehensive approach.
Ingredient combinations : formulas combining hyaluronic acid with antioxidants, vitamins, or anti-inflammatory agents are increasingly used to target specific skin concerns.

Injectable or topical hyaluronic acid : which should you choose?

Choosing between injectable and topical hyaluronic acid depends on several factors, including budget, comfort with invasive procedures, and the desired results.

For immediate and long-lasting results : Injectable hyaluronic acid is ideal for people seeking fast and visible effects, such as wrinkle correction, volume restoration, improved firmness and facial contouring.
For daily hydration and preventive care : Topical products are recommended for those looking to incorporate hyaluronic acid into their daily skincare routine to maintain hydration, soften skin texture and prevent early signs of aging.

Best practice : combine both approaches. Use hyaluronic acid serums and creams for daily maintenance, and opt for injections when targeting more specific, long-term goals.

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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Medical cosmetic procedures in Geneva

Hyaluronic acid creams vs. injections: what’s the difference ?

Injectable versus topical hyaluronic acid : which should you choose ?

Contents

What is hyaluronic acid and why is it so popular?

Advantages of hyaluronic acid injections

Disadvantages of hyaluronic acid injections

Advantages of topical hyaluronic acid applications

Disadvantages of topical applications of hyaluronic acid

Innovations in hyaluronic acid injections

Innovations in topical hyaluronic acid formulations

Injectable or topical hyaluronic acid : which should you choose?

Medical cosmetic procedures in Geneva

Hyaluronic acid creams vs. injections: what’s the difference ?

Injectable versus topical hyaluronic acid : which should you choose ?

Contents

What is hyaluronic acid and why is it so popular?

Advantages of hyaluronic acid injections

Disadvantages of hyaluronic acid injections

Advantages of topical hyaluronic acid applications

Disadvantages of topical applications of hyaluronic acid

Innovations in hyaluronic acid injections

Innovations in topical hyaluronic acid formulations

Injectable or topical hyaluronic acid : which should you choose?

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Injectable or topical hyaluronic acid : which should you choose?