What are injectable moisturizers, and do you need them?

If "injectable moisturizers" sounds like another social media catchphrase, you'd be forgiven for scrolling past it or dismissing it as just another filler-like product. However, injectable moisturizers, also known as "skin boosters," are in a class of their own. More popular in Asia and Europe, these nonsurgical products are gaining traction in America because they can give the skin a dewy appearance, infusing it with moisture to help achieve that "lit from within" glow.

What are injectable moisturizers, and do you need them? It's time for a deep dive into the world of these surface-level injectables and what they can do to plump up your aesthetic routine.

What are injectable moisturizers?

The phrase "injectable moisturizer" can be a little confusing. Some people want to use it interchangeably with hyaluronic acid fillers to plump their pout or add volume to facial features. However, that is not the case. True injectable moisturizers are in a category all their own, even though many products contain some of the same core ingredients as fillers, such as hyaluronic acid.

First things first. Injectable moisturizers are not the same as fillers.

"These are like micro-injections into the skin itself," said Kristy Hamilton, MD. "So, it's not like a dermal filler, dermal fillers like lip fillers or cheek fillers."

Instead, injectable moisturizers are more superficial. Roy Kim, MD, said these products are injected just underneath the surface of the facial or neck skin.

"SkinVive is the only FDA-approved skin booster," said Dr. Kim, adding that other biological agents are being used in different countries to help moisturize and boost the luminosity of the skin.

These other biological agents include:

• Juvelook: A Korean product, very similar to Sculptra
• Calcium hydroxyapatite: Similar to Radiesse, but much smaller droplets help to avoid nodule formation
• Rejuran: Salmon sperm DNA 
• Exosomes: Tiny balloons filled with DNA, liposomes that can help cells to communicate
• Micronized acellular dermal matrix (ADM): These are chopped up into fine pieces and should be very biostimulatory since they are derived from cadaver tissue.
• Amniotic stem cells: These are found in the amniotic fluid that surrounds a fetus during pregnancy, and can be used in regenerative medicine after birth

Injectable moisturizers are placed with a syringe just under the skin surface, which sets them apart from other products on the market. These other treatments may make their way to our shores, but SkinVive remains the only FDA-approved option in the United States.

"It's like a very watery type of hyaluronic acid, and you can stamp it into the skin all over the face," said Dr. Hamilton.

How do injectable moisturizers work, and are they right for you?

A topical moisturizer sits on the skin's surface, but injectable moisturizers penetrate slightly deeper, reaching the dermis. However, these products do not get injected into the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, where fillers or other injectables are typically used to create structure. These products are skin boosters. They are not meant to add contours or volume to the skin or facial features.

Instead, injectable moisturizers help improve the skin's appearance. Dr. Kim said patients can expect healthier-looking and glowing skin with fewer fine lines. He also notes that these injectables can help improve the appearance of scars, like cesarean section scars.

"It's going to plump up everything and be more hydrated," said Dr. Hamilton. "When you have more hydration in your skin, everything looks smoother. You're going to have less dullness; you're going to have more luster to your skin."

Dr. Kim also noted that these injectables make skin feel thicker. That's because skin boosters may help the body boost collagen growth in addition to providing deeper moisturization.

The results are not permanent, but Dr. Kim said that the glow-boosting properties of moisturizing injectables available in the U.S. can last four to six months. Products offered in other countries can provide benefits for up to nine months, depending on a patient's metabolism.

Who can benefit from these types of treatments? Everyone who wants more moisturized and dewy skin!

"Anyone theoretically is a candidate for it," said Dr. Hamilton. "It's anyone who wants to have more hydration."

Other injectables, such as fillers, may change your appearance more significantly, while these provide only a slight refresh to your skin.

"Skin boosters are a great foundation for something that works, does not really alter your appearance in a bad way and does not add or subtract volume to your face," said Dr. Kim.

If you are looking for a glow-up for a big event or want to enhance the look and feel of your skin, talking to a board-certified plastic surgeon about adding an injectable moisturizer to your routine may be right for you.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.