Skinvive Injections Review with Photos

Hi, my name is Lauren and I’m a 42-year-old beauty editor who has avoided injectables. . . until now. Yes, having proudly (and rather loudly) abstained from any form of injecting in the past, I have to admit that I started to dabble.

I still believe that the lines on your face tell a story and that aging is a privilege, but also. Why do I look so tired?

There is no avoiding it. In an age where the norm is to see unlined, emotionless faces wrapped in plump, perfect skin, it can be quite intimidating to look in the mirror and notice every volume and line.

Last year, I had a round of polys that gave me a bruised face for four weeks, softened my “11” lines (which, annoyingly, made my eye bags look more prominent), and tried Botox massages to stop my teeth grinding. Strangely, the only thing I ever had back is the chewer, because the relief of waking up without jaw pain was so beneficial, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t done it sooner.

The funny thing is that this was the only cosmetic treatment that didn’t change my aesthetics at all. Botox made me feel older and look more tired, although it helped me understand why people can get carried away once they start.

It also completely changed my mind about “baby Botox”, the idea that you can have a little bit so you don’t look too frozen or unnatural, because now I realize it’s basically just a marketing term. In reality, there is no such thing. Mainly because it wears down, so you either keep going (and often need more as the lines get deeper), or the lines come back regardless of how much you originally had.

I thought this little dip into the world of injectables would be my first and last attempt at looking fresher and that I would stick to my skin care (which I love) and my LED mask. However, that changed when someone mentioned Skinvive.

About Skinvive

Skinvive is an injectable hyaluronic acid that is placed into the skin using many tiny micro-injections (think little “droplets” spread evenly across the face and sometimes the neck). Rather than adding volume like traditional filler, it works by boosting hydration within the skin itself, helping it look smoother, fresher and more radiant. Like your skin has drunk a lot of water from the inside out.

The best part? It is designed to be a one-time treatment, with results that can last up to nine months or so, with minimal downtime for most people, and no follow-up treatments are needed for it to work. As someone who notoriously never follows through, this was the most important point for me.

Well, I headed to Dr. Manav Bawa at Time Clinic for a consultation and a conversation about the results I wanted to achieve (and my options). I went to see him the week after I moved house, which was stressful enough, hauling two kids and a dog across town, but I also hardly slept at all.

The morning of the date, I barely recognized myself. I honestly felt and looked like I aged ten years in two weeks, which is another reason why I decided to put my face in his hands.

We discussed how I wasn’t interested in Botox and I wasn’t interested in fillers, and agreed that Skinvive was the right treatment for me.

I also agreed to book a follow-up treatment of HarmonyCa, an injectable collagen stimulator that helps support firmness and improve definition over time, as I felt that although I wanted my skin to look refreshed, I could do with a little extra lift around my cheekbones and jawline. That said, I wanted to see the impact of Skinvive on its own first, so we booked HarmonyCa for six weeks later.

How does Skinvive work?

Before the injections (which are about 20 small jabs per side), my face was cleaned and numbing cream was applied. This makes the whole treatment less painful and helps it run smoothly, because there are so many injection sites, the doctor has to work quickly and evenly.

I applied the Skinvive to the center of my face, from my temples to my jaw line. The area was mapped in small sections and then the injections were given all over the face in a consistent pattern.

In total, the treatment took about 15 minutes, and thanks to the numbing cream, I didn’t feel a thing.

Dr. Bawa then gently massaged my skin to make sure everything settled evenly without lumps. (This was something I had seen could go wrong after doing some research online, so I was relieved.) He also showed me what to do if I noticed small bumps over the next few days.

I left the clinic and my skin felt a little tight, but when I got into the car, I was honestly surprised to see that there was not a single sign or hint of redness. Considering my polynucleotide experience, I was so relieved.

What I love about Skinvive

Ok, first off, one and done is a winner for me. I don’t have the time (or financial forecasting skills) to plan a full calendar of treatments. I want to know how much it costs, pay it once and then move on. Now, don’t get me wrong: Skinvive is expensive, which I will properly review in a moment. But it has unwittingly saved money, too.

Going right back after the injections: there was no downtime, no telltale signs, and I experienced no lumps. I continued as normal with my usual multi-step skin care routine and waited. Until one day, around 10am, I noticed that my face was still glowing from a heavy oil-based moisturizer and my makeup was practically nowhere to be seen. My skin was also weird as the products just didn’t absorb. This went on for a few days until I finally put two and two together and decided to strip everything completely.

I ditched the oil cleanser, stopped the serum and switched to a simple gel cleanser and moisturizer. It still took a few days to settle in, but my skin finally started to feel “normal” again.

By the second week, I noticed that my skin felt hydrated throughout the day. Even at night, it still looked fresh and plump, my smile lines had softened and my skin felt soft and supple.

And honestly? I didn’t need skin care at all. Around week three, I was basically just cleansing and wearing SPF, because I really felt like it was enough. My skin had a glow that I didn’t want, or need, to hide under makeup.

What to consider before trying Skinvive

I always like to think about who else would benefit from a treatment (or product) because I know I’m in a very privileged position, I try so many things through work and it matters if I would actually spend my own money on it.

And that’s expensive. Skinvive tends to cost around £250-£600 per treatment depending on the clinic, the area being treated and how much product you need. While it does mean I’ve used fewer expensive, targeted serums, it’s not exactly an equal trade and I don’t want to pretend it is.

That said, if you struggle with skin texture, dullness or dehydration, or want a low-maintenance period without sacrificing the look of your skin, this could be a really good option.

I can also see it being great before a wedding or special occasion, especially if you combine it with treatments like lasers, peels or microdermabrasion facials (done sensibly, with good timing). It’s also something I can imagine being a game-changer for anyone over 45 who wants to put some moisture back into the skin, particularly during or after menopause.

It doesn’t change the shape of your face. It doesn’t change your structure. But it gives you that overall fresher, plumper looking complexion. Basically: your skin, but on its best day, every day.

Where to learn more about Skinvive

I had the Skinvive treatment on Time Clinicprices start from £350 and are determined by the individual clinic and doctor and depend on location. For more information about Skinvive and to find your local clinic visit skinvive.co.uk.

Lauren Ezekiel is a former associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism, she started her career in 2008. Lauren is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup. A mum of two, Lauren is an advocate of the benefits of beauty and self-care for your mental wellbeing, which inspired her award-winning charity initiative We CU 2020. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK!, Health & Beauty, The Sun, Asda, Dare and Metro.