Hyaluronic Acid vs Collagen Biostimulator: WHAT's Best for Your Skin?

In recent years, dermal fillers have revolutionized non-surgical aesthetic treatments, offering solutions to address volume loss and contour defects resulting from aging, diseases, or trauma. As we age, skin gradually loses its natural components that keep it looking youthful. This leads many to explore injectable treatments to restore that lost volume and vitality.

It’s essential to consider that fillers aren’t all created equal nor do they work the same way. There are several distinct types, each with unique consistencies and designed for enhancing specific areas of the face. The two main categories we’ll explore today are hyaluronic acid fillers and collagen biostimulator.

Also read: Comparing Hyaluronic Acid and Polynucleotides

Hyaluronic Acid Filler vs Collagen Biostimulator: Their Respective Roles

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a hyaluronan, is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG), a polysaccharide that occurs naturally in the skin and throughout body’s connective tissue. But what makes it so remarkable for skin rejuvenation?

Key Properties of HA

Exceptional Water Retention: HA has the capacity to bind water up to 1000 times its mass
Instant Volume: Provides immediate plumping effect, key to skin moisture
Natural Humectant: Functions to hold water molecules, keeping skin hydrated
Structural Support: Creates lubrication and volume with a pliable framework that suspends and adheres to collagen and elastin

How HA Filler Work

Immediate Volumization: HA fillers physically occupy space within the tissue, providing instant volume
Hydrophilic Properties: Once injected, they continue to draw water molecules, enhancing their volumizing effect
Structural Support: They provide mechanical support to facial structures that have lost volume
Natural Integration: Modern HA fillers integrate seamlessly with surrounding tissues, allowing natural movement
Controlled Degradation: They are gradually metabolized by the body over time through a process called enzymatic degradation

Types of HA Filler

High Firmness Fillers
Medium Firmness Fillers
Soft Fillers
Skin Boosters

Collagen Biostimulator

Before understanding collagen biostimulators, let’s clarify what collagen actually is. Collagen is a natural protein organized in the matrix of our body and skin. It imparts durability and resilience, essentially providing the structural support that keeps skin firm.

Key Properties of Collagen

Structural Integrity: Provides the framework that supports skin and gives it firmness
Tensile Strength: Offers remarkable resistance to stretching, preventing sagging
Cellular Scaffold: Serves as a foundation where cells can attach and organize
Wound Healing: Essential for tissue repair and regeneration processes

How Collagen Biostimulators Work

Controlled Inflammatory Response: Triggers the body’s natural self-healing and regenerative processes
Collagen Production: Stimulates the creation of new collagen and other essential proteins
Long-term Benefits: Improves elasticity, firmness, and diminishes signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging

Types of Collagen Biostimulators

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)
Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA)
Polycarprolactone
Polynucleotides (PN)

REMEMBER, Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen both decrease as you become older. Aging and external factors such as UV rays and inflammation reduce both HA and collagen. This is why skin becomes thinner, sagging, lax, less hydrated and dull.

Thinking of Non-Invasice Facelift Solutions? Read this insightful article on The Benefits of Comestic Laser Treatment.

FDA-approved Injectable products Available in Dream Clinic

1. Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler

Juvederm collection - USA
Restylane - USA
Teosyal RHA /Redensity II - Switzerland
Belotero (Germany)
Aliaxin (Italy)

Also read: What You Should Know Before Trying Dermal Fillers

2. Collagen Biostimulator

Radiesse - Germany
Rejuran - Korea
Plinest/Newest - Italy
Karisma
Profhilo HA Biostimulator - Italy

Also read: Radiesse vs Sculptra vs Ellanse: Which is Right for You?

Comparing HA Dermal Fillers & Collagen Biostimulator

Factor	Hyaluronic Acid Fillers	Collagen Biostimulators
Primary Action	Volume replacement	Collagen stimulation
Onset of Results	Immediate	Gradual (4-12 weeks)
Duration	6-9 months	>12 months
Reversibility	Yes (dissolvable)	No (permanent changes)
Best For	Specific areas needing volume	Overall skin quality improvement
Treatment Areas	Lips, cheeks, tear troughs, nasolabial folds	Mid-face, lower face, neck, décolletage
Recommended Age	All ages	Often 40+
Number of Sessions	Usually single session	Often series of treatments

Collagen biostimulators generally offer longer-lasting results compared to more common injectables like crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers. This is because they stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, gradually enhancing skin quality over time.

As a result, the effects of biostimulators can last 12 months or even several years, making them a desirable option for individuals seeking long-term improvements.

On the other hand, HA fillers provide immediate, visible results with a noticeable “fuller” effect right after treatment. But how long do these results last?

Typically, HA filler results last between 6 to 9 months, depending on factors such as the product’s concentration and viscosity. The longevity of results also varies based on the treatment area—areas with more movement may see shorter durations compared to static regions.

Treatment Options for Different Age Groups

Both young and old can suffer from dry skin due to environmental factors and can benefit from these treatments, but their needs differ significantly.

Younger Adults (20s - 30s)

For this age group, HA fillers are excellent options to deposit “water reservoirs” into the skin, creating a more glowy and dewy appearance.

Preventative collagen stimulation can also benefit this age group. Since collagen in our skin is very stable and takes about 20 years to be replaced naturally, younger people generally show fewer signs of collagen loss. However, starting collagen stimulation treatments early can help maintain youthful skin structure and delay visible aging.

Mature Adults (40s and beyond)

As we age, both HA and collagen decrease significantly. For those who have reached their 40s or those with genetically predetermined sagging skin at a younger age, collagen stimulators become increasingly important. These treatments address the root cause of aging by replenishing diminished collagen reserves.

In a Nutshell

At Dream Clinic, we understand that neither HA fillers nor collagen biostimulators alone represent a complete solution to age-related skin changes. Both play essential, complementary roles in maintaining youthful, vibrant skin.

Our experienced aesthetic specialists take a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation, analyzing your unique facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals before creating a personalized treatment plan that may incorporate both types of treatments for optimal results.

We proudly offer all FDA-approved premium products mentioned above, ensuring you receive only the highest quality facial treatments backed by extensive clinical research and safety data.

During your consultation at Dream Clinic, we will assess your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment strategy, whether that’s HA fillers, collagen biostimulators, or a strategic combination of both.

What are you still waiting for? Visit our aesthetic skin clinic at KL or Penang for a personalized aesthetic assessment and perfect your own beauty! Our team is ready to help you achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results that enhance your unique features while maintaining a refreshed, youthful appearance.

“Dare to Dream beautiful, We make Dreams happen”