Applications of Injectables and Topicals in Cosmetology

Applications of Injectables and Topicals in Cosmetology

 I. Injectables 

Common Types 

Botulinum toxin (Botox): Used to relax dynamic facial wrinkles (forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, glabellar lines, etc.).

Dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid/collagen: Used for facial contouring, tear trough filling, lip augmentation, cheek augmentation, and rhinoplasty/chin reduction.

Growth factors/PRP (platelet-rich plasma): Promote skin regeneration, improve skin texture and pore size, and reduce fine lines.

Drug-based injections (such as microneedle injections and mesotherapy): Inject small doses of active ingredients (vitamins, amino acids, fat-dissolving drugs, etc.) to improve skin radiance and localized fat loss.

Main Effects/Indications

 Rapid, visible improvement of wrinkles and facial contours Local volume augmentation or reduction (lip and cheek augmentation, tear trough reduction) Improves facial symmetry and youthfulness Directly targets deeper structures (dermis or subcutaneous tissue) Advantages Significant and rapid results (from a few days to immediate) Can precisely target the target area Can achieve facial reshaping and volume restoration, effects not easily achieved with topical products

II. Topicals 

Common Types 

Skincare: Moisturizers, serums (retinoic acid/retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, etc.) 

Whitening/Blemish Removal: Hydroquinone, arbutin, kojic acid, vitamin C, etc. (safety and compliance requirements apply)

 Sunscreen: Chemical or physical sunscreens

Firming/Anti-Wrinkle Creams and Masks: Contain antioxidants, collagen-stimulating ingredients, and moisturizers. 

Topical medications, such as topical tretinoin, are used for acne and fine line treatments.

III. How to Combine the Two (Combination Strategy) 

 Common practice: 

First use injections (such as fillers or Botox) to achieve structural improvements, then use topical products (such as tretinoin, antioxidant serums, and sunscreen) to maintain and prolong the effects.

Examples: Botox for wrinkle relaxation combined with an anti-aging serum to maintain skin texture; hyaluronic acid fillers combined with maintenance moisturizers and collagen-stimulating products.