Skin boosters are injectable treatments that improve hydration, elasticity, and texture in the face. As the name suggests, they give the skin a healthy boost to replenish lost moisture and repair damaged skin tones.
Why are skin boosters becoming so popular [1]? Well, as we get older, we lose a significant amount of hydration and moisture in our skin. That is why we tend to look more dewy and fresh-faced when we are younger, despite not having a skincare routine or injectable treatment. There are many factors why this happens, and it has much to do with our body’s ability to produce natural proteins and substances such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin.
When we lose hydration, our skin starts to show signs of ageing. This includes crepey skin, dull skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, and saggy skin. As it has been for centuries, people are generally concerned about looking their age or older. Looking “old” and having poor-quality skin has been linked [2] to poor self-esteem, loss of self-confidence, and even serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Besides skin ageing concerns, achieving “glass” or “porcelain” skin is becoming popular among today’s youth. Porcelain skin generally refers to a clear and even skin tone and complexion and is associated with a youthful, healthy, and glowing facial appearance. According to skincare blogger and K-beauty expert Jude Chao [3], “Glass skin is a term for exceptionally smooth, even-toned and lustrous skin that's so flawless it has the appearance of glass.” Made popular by Korean celebrities and skincare advancements in the country, porcelain or glass skin is easily achievable with injectable treatments such as skin boosters.
In the past, cosmetic treatments and surgeries to repair damaged skin and fix the signs of ageing were expensive and not very accessible to the general public. However, in recent years, thanks to medical advancements and technology, treatments such as skin boosters have become safe, accessible, and affordable to more and more people. With their ability to reverse the effects of ageing and provide a younger and youthful appearance, it is no wonder that skin boosters have become a highly popular and sought-after treatment.
Once we reach our twenties, we produce approximately 1 per cent less collagen [4] in our skin each year. Collagen is a protein that maintains skin elasticity, moisture, and healthy joints. However, as we age, the body cannot produce enough naturally.
Elastin is another protein and major skin component that is similar to collagen. However, its primary function is to provide stretchiness (it is approximately 1000 times more flexible than collagen). Elastin production also slows down as we age, leading to loose skin.
Skin boosters rehydrate the skin, and certain types also stimulate and trigger the body to produce new collagen and elastin for a natural boost to improve volume, hydration, elasticity, and firmness. This offers effective and long-lasting results as the skin repairs itself naturally and restores a radiant glow to the face.
Skin boosters also contain formulations with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which are injected under the skin to restore hydration and radiance, giving the recipient a youthful and healthy glow. They can also treat other signs of ageing and damaged skin, such as wrinkles and scarring.
Hyaluronic acid is another natural substance that acts as a lubricant in our joints and tissues. Production of hyaluronic acid also decreases significantly as we get older, which leads to dry skin and, eventually, fine lines and wrinkles.
As everyone is unique and has different skin types and tones, other factors may also decrease skin health over the years, leading to premature ageing. These include genetics, allergies, lifestyle, diet, excessive sun exposure, and certain medications. These factors may lead to dry skin, uneven or dull skin tone, acne, scarring, and loss of volume in the face. Skin boosters effectively address and treat these concerns.
As the skincare and aesthetic industry continues to boom, various forms and types of skin boosters are now available. Those considering this option may find it overwhelming to choose the right type for their skin. While your dermatologist can assist and guide you about the best skin booster for your skin type, it’s good to know about the different types and what they do for your skin.
Here’s what you should know about the differences between the types of skin boosters:
| Types of skin boosters | NCTF (Chanel) injections | Rejuran | Hyaluronic acid skin boosters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formulation | Hyaluronic acid and amino acids, vitamins A, B, C, and E | PN (Polynucleotide) 2% extract from Wild Salmon DNA | Hyaluronic acid |
| Mechanism | Stimulates the production of collagen and boosts overall skin health. | Activates the skin's regenerative ability in the dermal layer. | Revitalises, firms, and rehydrates the skin from deep inside the dermal layer. |
| Concerns | Improves skin complexion and texture, smoothness, firmness, and radiance. | Improves elasticity and firmness in the skin. Decreases fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Treats melasma, scarring, and other skin problems. | Improves skin texture, elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance. |
| Durability | 6-8 months | 4-6 months | 6-12 months |
While skin boosters are generally safe and do not provide serious health risks, remember that these injectables' temporary side effects include redness, swelling, and bruising. They often reduce and subside within a day or two. Typically, your aesthetic doctor will apply numbing cream to ease pain and discomfort during the procedure. Therefore, you may experience some tenderness and soreness when the numbing cream fades off. It usually is bearable and subsides quickly after the treatment.
Skin boosters do not offer permanent solutions for dry skin and other forms of skin damage. Results may last several months but may be hampered by lifestyle factors such as smoking or poor diet, allergies, acne, or genetics. Improving your skin’s hydration with a nourishing diet, skincare routine, facials, and regular skin booster treatments are all part of maintaining overall skin health.
Skin boosters fall under the umbrella of injectables. However, with so many injectable treatments available today, knowing the difference between them can be confusing.
Dermal fillers, in particular, are commonly mixed up with skin boosters, but their primary purpose differs. Dermal fillers are typically used to add volume and fill in lines, wrinkles, and hollow areas of the face. They effectively enhance and sculpt facial features, restore lost volume, and create a more youthful appearance. Skin boosters, on the other hand, are designed to improve the overall quality and hydration of the skin and enhance the skin’s radiance and texture instead of the primary aim of adding volume or filling wrinkles.
Skin boosters also differ from BTX, another popular injectable. Skin boosters focus on improving skin quality and hydration, while BTX is used to relax muscles and temporarily reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
Skin boosters can be used at any age but are typically recommended for those who have just reached age 25 when collagen and elastin production significantly slows down, and the signs of ageing start to show. However, everyone’s skin is different. You may consider skin boosters if you have specific skin concerns or goals for improving skin quality, hydration, and overall radiance.
Skin boosters are a suitable and effective option for those who want to address the following issues:
If you still have questions and concerns about skin boosters and if they are the right treatment for you, book a consultation with Dr Lee Mun Heng today. He is specialised and experienced in aesthetic medicine and can guide you on the right treatment for your skin type and concerns.
Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator