|
| |
|
|
 |
Restylane Review Summary
|
|
Restylane®
is advertised as a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler
that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct
facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane® is available through
prescription only from a medical professional, and is
delivered by injection. The product is intended for use by
those with severe skin damage, and the treatment is supposed
to last for six months.
The website for the product provides information on how the
skin ages, how to find a doctor, how the formula works, and
posts safety information on use of Restylane®.
|
|
Ingredients At A Glance |
|
Restylane® contains hyaluronic acid, naturally found in the
human body and is thought to help increase moisture in the
skin. Restylane® uses NASHA technology, said to be unique to
the product. As this is a pharmaceutical medication, the
label information with a complete list of ingredients is not
available.
|
|
Ingredients In Focus |
|
NASHA stands for Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in
the connective tissues that hydrates and provides protection
and helps increase the elasticity of the skin. Many products
include forms of hyaluronic acid that are derived from
roosters and cows; this product does not use animal proteins
because, according to the website, diseases can be
transmitted this way and risk for allergic reactions to
products increases with exposure to animal-derived proteins.
|
|
Diet Lifestyle |
|
The product is only available through a doctor’s
prescription, and as mentioned, is meant to treat people
with severe facial wrinkles and nasolabial folds. For those
who feel they may benefit from a pharmaceutical drug, the
product may be a desirable option. However, as with most
prescription medications, side effects are likely to occur.
The website warns that redness and swelling could occur for
up to seven days after treatment, and exposure to sunlight
should be avoided during this time. Over the counter options
are available as well, and many have no side effects
associated with them and are proven to be effective in
reducing the signs of aging. These types of products may be
preferable for those interested in less harmful treatment
methods.
|
|
Positives |
|
• Website posts links to scientific research
• Product claims to be free of animal extracts
|
|
Negatives |
• Label information is not provided
• Side effects such as redness and swelling may occur for
some
• Use of product increases sensitivity to UV rays
• Many customers have spoken of their disappointments with
this product on consumer blogs. Click here to read more
about these on the
Restylane blog.
• Product is available through prescription only
|
|
Final Thoughts |
|
Without a complete list of ingredients, it is difficult to
accurately assess how effective this method of treatment is.
Hyaluronic acid is often used in anti-aging formulas, and is
thought to be effective, but is generally included with
other ingredients. From what we do know, however, injections
can be painful, and have potential side effects like
swelling and redness, plus increased sensitivity to
ultra-violet rays. The web site posts an extensive list of
warnings, precautions, contraindications and adverse effects
associated with this product’s use; because of this and the
need for prescription, this method of treatment is only an
option for those with severe damage to the facial tissues.
For those interested in a simpler, gentler approach, many
other products are available using different treatment
methods.
Over the counter products are available that contain
hyaluronic acid plus a blend of other effective ingredients
designed to boost collagen production. These products
generally come in topical creams, and have been shown to be
effective without the negative side effects.
|
|
|
