Best Treatments for Under-Eye Wrinkles: Rejuran vs Skinvive

The skin under the eyes is thin, delicate and constantly in motion. It is often the first place where fine wrinkles, crepey texture and dryness become visible. Because the area is so delicate, many people prefer gentle injectable treatments over aggressive resurfacing.

In Korea, two skin boosters often considered for under-eye wrinkles are Rejuran, a polynucleotide injectable, and Skinvive, a hyaluronic acid microdroplet injectable. Both aim to improve the quality of the skin rather than fill hollows, but their ingredients, feel and typical use differ. This guide explains how they compare.

What causes under-eye wrinkles?

Fine lines under the eyes come from several overlapping factors: thinning of the skin and loss of collagen, reduced hydration, repetitive movement from smiling and squinting, sun damage and, in some people, chronic rubbing from allergies or eye irritation. Under-eye wrinkles are different from tear-trough hollows, which come from volume loss and bony changes, and from puffiness or bags, which come from fat or fluid. Skin boosters are mainly suited to the first problem: thin, crinkly, dehydrated skin.

Before choosing a product, it is worth asking the doctor to assess which of these issues is dominant in your case. A booster will not lift a heavy eye bag or fill a deep groove, and using the wrong treatment for the wrong cause is one of the most common reasons people feel disappointed with under-eye results.

How Rejuran works

Rejuran contains polynucleotides (PN) derived from salmon DNA. It is used with the aim of supporting the skin's own repair processes and improving elasticity and thickness over time. Rejuran I, sometimes called Rejuran Eye, is a version designed for the delicate eye area.

• Main benefit: gradual improvement in skin thickness, elasticity and fine crepey lines.
• Course: often recommended as a series of around two to four sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
• Downtime: small bumps, mild swelling and occasional bruising for a day or a few days.
• Comfort: injections can sting; numbing cream is commonly used.

People with a known fish or salmon allergy should discuss this before treatment, as polynucleotides are derived from salmon.

How Skinvive works

Skinvive is a hyaluronic acid microdroplet injectable designed to improve skin smoothness and hydration. It contains a small amount of lidocaine for comfort and is placed superficially in many tiny deposits. Its effect is closely linked to hydration, giving the skin a smoother, plumper surface. Not all clinics use it specifically under the eyes, and its use around the eye area depends on the doctor's judgement and local practice.

• Main benefit: improved hydration, smoothness and glow, which can soften fine dry lines.
• Course: often a single session, with some doctors adding a top-up, then maintenance.
• Downtime: small bumps and redness for a day or two; bruising is possible.
• Duration: results commonly last several months, depending on the person.

Rejuran vs Skinvive: key differences

• Active ingredient: Rejuran uses polynucleotides; Skinvive uses hyaluronic acid.
• Main goal: Rejuran focuses on skin repair and elasticity; Skinvive focuses on hydration and smoothness.
• Speed of results: Skinvive often shows a hydration effect sooner; Rejuran improves more gradually across a course.
• Sessions: Rejuran usually needs several sessions; Skinvive often fewer.
• Swelling risk: hyaluronic acid can attract water, so under-eye placement must be very conservative; Rejuran is less likely to cause persistent puffiness but can cause temporary bumps.
• Reversibility: hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with hyaluronidase; polynucleotides cannot be dissolved in the same way.

Which should you choose?

• Thin, crepey skin that looks fragile: Rejuran is often preferred for its repair-oriented approach.
• Dry, dull under-eye skin with fine dehydration lines: a hyaluronic acid booster such as Skinvive may give a quicker visible improvement.
• Tendency to puffiness or fluid retention: be cautious with hyaluronic acid products in this area and discuss Rejuran or other options.
• Limited time in Korea: one session of either can be done, but Rejuran usually needs follow-up sessions to reach its full effect.

Some doctors combine boosters with other gentle treatments, such as toxin for crow's feet, radiofrequency with an eye tip, or carefully chosen laser treatments. If a hollow tear trough is the main concern, filler or fat-related treatments may be more relevant than either booster.

Risks and precautions

Bruising is the most common side effect under the eyes because of the many small blood vessels. Lumps, persistent swelling, or visible bumps can occur, especially if product is placed too superficially or in too large an amount. Infection is uncommon but possible with any injection. Anyone with active eye infection, eczema around the eyes, a history of significant under-eye swelling or recent eye surgery should mention this to the doctor. Treatment is generally postponed during pregnancy.

Practical advice for treatment in Seoul

Ask exactly which product will be used, how much, and whether it is suitable for the under-eye area. Request to see the sealed product if you wish. Expect bruising to be possible, so avoid scheduling under-eye injections the day before an important event or photographs. Avoid rubbing the eyes, wearing heavy eye make-up and saunas for a day or two afterwards, and follow any written aftercare. Daily sunscreen and sunglasses help protect results.

Conclusion

Rejuran and Skinvive can both help with fine under-eye wrinkles, but they take different routes. Rejuran is generally chosen for gradual repair and elasticity over a course of sessions, while Skinvive focuses on hydration and smoothness with a quicker visible change. The best choice depends on whether your under-eye skin is mainly thin, dry or prone to swelling, and an experienced doctor can tailor the product and technique to this sensitive area.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Suitability, results and recovery vary from person to person.