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When I first heard about the micro droplet injectable skin booster known as “Skinvive,” I figured it was applied similarly to traditional filler. You know, in particular areas of the face that need a little enhancement (in this case, moisture). Even in the case of Botox, for example, there are maybe a total of 10 (minor) injections for one treatment. What I didn’t realize about Skinvive is that it’s injected into the entirety of the face just below the under-eyes and down (avoiding the nose, mouth and chin). So, basically, 40 dermis-level injections later, your treatment is complete.
I don’t want to waste your time, so if needles are really not your thing, this review isn’t for you. But if you’re a no-pain, no-gain type of consumer with dry or mature skin, keep on reading! Honestly though, the pain really isn’t that bad. You numb for approximately 40 minutes, and then the treatment itself is about 20, because it does take a while to get through each evenly squared portion of the face. You mainly just feel pressure and a slight pinch.
As with all treatments (especially on the newer side like Skinvive—which was approved by the FDA in 2023), I strongly advise seeing a highly regarded specialist, who’s known for administering this specific service. Sophia Kim, MSN, FNP-BC is the clinical director of Skin Detour in Beverly Hills, and came recommended by the internal Allergan Aesthetics team. Therefore, I knew I was in good hands. Afterall, she is one of their national trainers. Once we wrapped our treatment (which is typically $650 in the Beverly Hills market), Kim told me results vary based on skin type, hydration and individual response to hyaluronic acid.
“Some patients notice an initial boost in skin hydration right after the treatment, but by two to four weeks, skin appears smoother, softer and more radiant,” she said during our informational chat. “The results are subtle, but noticeable brightening can be seen with the end result delivering a dewy, refreshed look without added volume. Thanks to a modified form of hyaluronic acid, long-lasting hydration and stimulated collagen production can be expected. The treatment subtly improves skin texture and elastin over time.”
To further expand on what Kim noted about volume, Skinvive isn’t something you add to the lips or under the eyes. This isn’t a traditional filler in the way we’ve seen it with something like Juvederm products, so it won’t provide plumping or change face shape and structure. In fact, if you want to add moisture and smoothness, specifically, to your lips, there’s actually a separate filler designed with that intended purpose called Juvederm Volbella XC—which Kim personally recommends. It differs from the oft-confused Juvederm Ultra XC, which is more for augmentation and serious volume. I know, I’m trying to keep up, too!
We like
- Minimal pain with numbing
- Treatment can only help you, not hurt you (chronic skin conditions excluded)
- Not the type of treatment you’d ever get dissolved
- Amplifies moisture in skincare and skin-loving makeup
- Can last up to six months
- Only one treatment is necessary for results
We don't like
- Requires dozens of needle injections in one sitting
- Typically no immediate or jaw-dropping results; gradual over time
- Can cause week-long bruising
- Will still require legwork from skincare to see results
- Not a cure/long-term solution for dry skin, but rather enhances applied moisture
My Personal Experience With Skinvive
From personal experience in this case and during previous injectable treatments, you want to avoid supplements and over-the-counter pain medications the morning of your treatment. I completely forgot, and did double-duty on advised no-nos. I took my daily multivitamin, along with Tylenol for my period, and it greatly impacted blood flow and bruising from the treatment. While I did bleed more than what’s expected, it stopped shortly thereafter. There weren’t any scabs or blood marks, but bruises were evident for a week. Pain was minimal, though. You also can’t have oral surgery or teeth cleaning lined up within two weeks of Skinvive, because of bacteria spreadability.
It’s now been approximately six weeks since my treatment, which is a considerable amount of time to assess progress. What I realized (for me at least) is this treatment isn’t something like Botox, where you wake up one morning with a sudden glow and smoothed-out skin once the formula kicks in. There hasn’t been an aha moment where I’m like, this is it! What I have noticed, however, is the results of the treatment amplify any moisture-inducing skincare or makeup I use.
To elaborate, I still have dry skin. If I wash my face and fail to apply skincare, there will be no lit-from-within glow, and my skin will feel parched. However, the minute I apply said skincare (or hyaluronic acid-infused makeup, for example), that moisture holds. My skin takes really well to dewy products. Since the treatment, I’ve gotten far more compliments on my radiant glow. I tell everyone that I’m just a glowy-skin product freak (which is true), but they insist it’s so much more. I can’t tell if I’m just used to it and seeing things from a different lens. Either way, the moisture is apparently holding, and I’m not complaining.
But I do want to be clear that for me, this hasn’t been a jaw-dropping, stop-in-your-tracks change. Kim pointed out that someone with acne scars, for example, may see a more noticeable difference, as the treatment strongly targets texture.
Is Everyone a Candidate for Skinvive?
As with any chronic condition, it’s always key to address the major issue at hand before essentially covering it up with a Band-Aid. Skinvive isn’t going to magically cure something like eczema or psoriasis, so if a major flare-up is present within the skin, it’s best to directly target the issue as well as possible before treating it with a cosmetic injectable.
“I’d exercise caution with those who have active or inflamed eczema, as it could exacerbate the condition,” Kim explained. “It’s best to hold off until the skin is calm and well-controlled.
On the flip side, Skinvive can be quite beneficial for mature, dry skin as it enhances skin quality and hydration and may deliver even more noticeable results.”
By and large, as far as injectables are concerned, Skinvive is considered a universally beneficial treatment for anyone (they must be 21+, according to FDA regulations). If pregnant or nursing, it’s adamantly advised to consult with a doctor first.
Ultimately, results can last up to six months, depending on lifestyle factors like sun exposure and skincare routines. And a noticeable difference is more clear after application of skincare or skin-loving complexion makeup products. As Kim puts it: “Your skin just looks and feels great.”
