Biostimulators

The increasing interest in health and beauty is driving more research in cosmetic medicine, and new products and treatments are gaining popularity.

This is causing more people to wonder how they work and what is available in the market. One main question always arises: What are the differences between these treatments? How can I best address my specific aging or skin issue?

Biostimulators are a fairly new treatment that is available to us. Several of these products are on the market now, so which one would work best for you? Let’s look at what biostimulators are, what they have in common, and what makes them different.

Why biostimulators?

Our skin is formed by collagen. This protein is a vital building block for the skin. It provides structure and elasticity to the skin, helping it to appear firm and youthful. As we age, we gradually lose more and more collagen, and the skin appears looser, starts wrinkling, and becomes lax.

In the past, doctors used injectable collagen fillers to replace lost collagen in the skin. But his filler, made from cow collagen, caused allergies and inflammation. Because of this, researchers had to find new and better ways to produce collagen. The fascinating world of biostimulators started evolving.

What are biostimulators?

Biostimulators aim to stimulate collagen production to improve skin quality and reduce signs of aging.

They stimulate the skin’s natural tissue, enhancing collagen and elastin production and improving its behaviour. This new technology improves skin appearance, reduces wrinkles, hydrates, and boosts collagen, elastin, and fat production.

This helps renew and rejuvenate the skin. It can also improve skin structure by stimulating natural tissue, influencing collagen and elastin production, and controlling skin behaviour.

Dr Nadja Haub clarifies

Biostimulators are not dermal fillers that add volume. They are also not mesotherapy. Instead, it’s like a Super Skin Booster that hydrates and boosts collagen, elastin, and fat production. As a result, the skin for skin bioremodels. A biostimulator between skin boosters and fillers offers great hydration and skin rejuvenation.

What do biostimulators do?

They mainly stimulate collagen and elastin, but some products also help the skin regenerate. In summary, they can have the following benefits:

• Help with skin tightening
• Improve sagging skin
• Enhance skin hydration
• The skin looks healthier
• Improve volume loss in the face

What do biostimulators not do?

They cannot lift saggy faces. This is because they do not have enough force to lift the face as for example dermal fillers.

• Minimal lifting capacity of a sagging face
• Can not contour a face
• Unable to correct asymmetry

Are biostimulators dermal filler?

No, they are not. Dermal fillers contain a natural sugar in the skin called hyaluronic acid.

Scientists change this sugar in a laboratory to form a gel. This gel, sometimes quite thick, can lift sagging facial tissues and help contour the face. Several studies showed that it also stimulates collagen, but compared to biostimulators, this effect is less.

But interestingly, manufacturers have also made some of the newer biostimulators from hyaluronic acid. But this type of biostimulator is more of a skin hydrator (one example is Profhilo).

Different types of biostimulators

Let’s look at each biostimulator and their advantages an disadvantages before we compare them.

Profhilo

Profhilo has a special mix of high and low-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid. The doctor gently injects the substance, which is like honey, under the skin. It then spreads to different parts of the face to boost collagen and elastin.

This unique mix nourishes skin cells and improves skin. It does this by providing deep hydration and some rejuvenation.

Profhilo does not give as much lift or volume as other fillers. However, it can add volume in specific areas because it spreads easily in the tissue. Because of this, it is a great treatment for difficult areas like the neck, around the mouth, and hands and arms. These areas may not have lost volume, but the skin has become less elastic.

Advantages

• Deeply hydates the skin from within.
• Very safe
• It is a popular treatment and has been around for some time, so we know it is safe.

Disadvantages

• Minimal collagen production
• Does not last very long, approximately 4 to 6 months

Profhilo works very well for people with dry skin who only have mild volume loss in the face and do not require much firming.

PLLA (Sculptra)

Sculptra can provide excellent aesthetic results, lasting up to 5 years. Doctors can use it alone or with other products, such as dermal filler. The treatment’s results are long-lasting and satisfying for many people. The biostimulator uses fine particles that the body absorbs over time.

Usually, after the first treatment, you may need one or two follow-up sessions within 2 to 4 years. Some small bumps may appear, but they usually go away without treatment.

Advantage

• It is a liquid and can not block any vessels, so it is very safe
• It lasts for a very long time
• It stimulates a lot of collagen.

Disadvantage

• You may need a lot of Sculptra to see good results, eg it can become expensive.
• You may need one vial for every ten years of your life. For example, at age 30, you would need three vials. At age 40, you would need four vials, and so on.

Sculptra is very popular because it lasts for a long time and helps the skin produce a lot of collagen.

CaHA (Radiesse)

Calcium Hydroxy Apatite (CaHA) is an inorganic ceramic that resembles mineral bone and is produced in a lab. It activates cells in your skin called fibroblasts, and these stimulate more collagen.

What is worth knowing about Radiesse

• Initial volumising effect for one month
• Then decreases by 50%
• After that, collagen gradually builds up and returns to its original volume. Thus, the entire volume of the filler will be replaced with collagen.

Advantage

• It adds a good amount of volume to the face.

Disadvantage

• The effect does not last as long as other biostimulators
• There is a slightly higher risk of complications.

Polycaprolactone (Ellanse)

• Volumises immediately
• You do not lose this volume
• A study found that it can increase the skin’s thickness by up to 25% and lasts for up to 4 years, probably longer.
• Skin biopsies showed that the skin had more elastin and blood vessels to nourish it. The texture and pore size of the skin also improved.

Disadvantage

• It is still a fairly new treatment
• Not many studies are available about how safe it is, how it works and how effective it is

Which biostimulator should I use?

It’s difficult to determine which biostimulator is most effective for you. This is because there aren’t many high-quality studies comparing their effectiveness. Researchers have studied some biostimulators more than others, but they must conduct more research to understand their differences.

Differences between them are often based on what we see as doctors. For example, Profhilo does not stimulate much collagen but is excellent at hydrating the skin. In contrast, Ellanse stimulates quite a lot of collagen but does not hydrate the skin much.

To make things easier, I have summarised the most popular biostimulators in a table:

Can you combine a biostimulator with other treatments?

Yes. If your face looks saggy, you can use dermal filler to lift it for a more refreshed look. Next, use a biostimulator to improve your skin’s firmness and texture and add volume to your cheeks or temples.

What complications can a biostimulator cause?

Complications from biostimulators are rare but can include redness, swelling, bruising, and sometimes lumps or nodules. Your doctor can manage these temporary side effects.

Sometimes, a small amount of the biostimulator can block a vessel, causing the tissue around it to die. However, this risk is much lower compared to dermal filler. Keep in mind that if a vessel blocks, an enzyme cannot clear it, leading to untreatable damage.

Follow care instructions and attend follow-up appointments after treatment for best results and to reduce risk.

What other treatments can stimulate collagen and firm the skin?

Several other treatments can stimulate collagen and firm the skin. Some popular options include laser treatments, microneedling, radiofrequency therapy, and chemical peels. Very few studies are available that compare each treatment.

However, all these treatments stimulate collagen production or tighten the skin through various mechanisms. Often, it just depends on what treatment you choose and what you feel comfortable with. The actual outcome may be the same.

We should never forget that caring for our skin can help boost collagen production and maintain a youthful appearance. Eating well and staying active are important factors in keeping our skin young and firm.

Skincare products containing retinol, vitamin C, and peptides can help boost collagen production and maintain firm, glowing skin. These ingredients stimulate collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Retinol boosts cell turnover and enhances skin texture, while vitamin C brightens skin and shields against environmental damage. Peptides are amino acids that help support collagen production and improve skin firmness and elasticity.

In summary

Biostimulators are safe and can produce noticeable results. They work by stimulating the skin, making them a great option for adding volume to the skin.

If you want to improve your looks with a stimulator, Dr Nadja Haub at Satini Cosmetic Clinic can help. She will evaluate your face and recommend the best product for you.