Over the past couple of years, I have seen a big shift in what people are looking for from their treatments. Everyone wants to look great (of course!) but there’s also a fear of looking overdone. I 100% get this and feel exactly the same way.
I’m being asked more and more about treatments that provide subtle, natural results. I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that you guys definitely don’t want anyone to take one look and think ‘oh, he/she’s had some work done!’
But we also know that there is only so much we can achieve with skincare alone. Even when that skincare is absolutely top notch. Which is where the next level treatments come in and where, right on cue, ‘skin boosters’ come into play.
But what the heck are skin boosters? An utterly fabulous question!
Skin boosters are micro-injections of a product (called hyaluronic acid) that help lock in moisture in the skin. They are a super solution for anyone who’s looking to prevent or treat signs of ageing. They help with deep skin hydration, improve skin elasticity, smooth out rough and bumpy skin and give an improved and more luminous skin complexion. Think of it a bit like a moisturiser that works from the inside.
And the even better news is that they leave skin looking nourished, smooth, firm, soft and glowing. Sign me up!
But hang on, if they are hyaluronic acid, aren’t they the same as filler?
Another great question. But nope, they aren’t. Though fillers and skin boosters are both hyaluronic acid (HA), they are made very differently to one another.
Filler is made up of cross linked HA which is specifically designed to stay where it’s put and is used to enhance shape or add volume. This is great where it’s needed but it’s definitely not the same as skin boosters. They also contain HA but it’s not cross linked so does not stick around in the same way. It is NOT a filler and so it won’t replace volume but instead slowly infuses the skin with HA to stimulate collagen and provide hydration.
As it’s such a popular concept, there are a few different branded treatments on the market. Here I have to confess to getting quite confused but them all. As you would expect, every brand swears that theirs give the best results and to be fair, many will probably do a superb job.
I haven’t tried them ALL (yet!) but I have spent a lot of time researching what is out there, as well as training in the ones that have solid, clinical evidence and a proven track record of safety and efficacy. I’m committed to carrying out this level of research so that I can be confident that I am delivering the best there is to offer. So, let me talk you through my top picks.
Teosyal Redensity 1®
Redensity is an award-winning product by Teoxane, and is a beautiful skin enhancer and revitaliser. It contains a HA complex that really delivers on skin hydration and repair and is designed to prevent premature skin ageing, restore skin density, and maintain a beautiful skin glow.
And do you know what – it really, really works! I had a session myself a couple weeks ago and I have not stopped having compliments about my skin since. Seriously impressive stuff.
So, here comes the science and why it works so well.
As well as the non cross-linked HA, it also includes a unique patented formula of effective natural components (including amino acids, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins). It helps optimise DNA synthesis which basically means it promotes skin renewal as well as stimulating the production of collagen and elastin which give that lovely plump glow we all crave. You can read more about this product on the official Teoxane page, here.
And the pro’s?
- I find this one is best for those in their 30s and 40s.
- You can target it to the areas you want to focus on, so for example you can use it around crows feet (lush) and the pesky fine lines around the mouth (hooray). This is a huge benefit over Profhilo (more on that later) which you inject in very specific places.
What about a treatment course?
An initial course of 2-3 treatments are recommended every 2-4 weeks for optimum results. Results can last up to 12 months, but maintenance sessions are needed, And of course, you need to be on top of your skincare to reap the long-term rewards.
Any side effects and/or downtime?
As this is performed with tiny micro injections, minor bruising and redness may occur at injection sites and small bumps are also likely to appear. You could also have some puffiness around the eyes if you’re prone to this. It’s a tiny bit ouchy, so numbing cream is also available.
There is a bit of downtime with this treatment – the little injection bumps stay round for a good 2-3 days so you need to factor that in (well worth it in my opinion but not one you can hide from the family for example).
Profhilo®
You’re likely to have heard of this one before. It’s won lots of awards and is certainly a celeb favourite. And so you may have thought this one would come at the top. I also love it, and for the right patient it’s like magic, but that’s the rub; for the right patient.
How does it work?
It’s a highly stabilised and concentrated HA that stimulates collagen and elastin, attracting water in the deeper layers of the skin. Due to the stabilisation, it will stick around in the skin for a little longer whilst it does its job before disappearing after a few weeks. During this period of hard work and down to the slow release of HA, the stimulation of four different types of collagen and elastin takes place (this is superb!). Here’s their official website if you’d like more info.
Profhilo® are also very vocal about the additional and significant tightening/lifting effects on the skin, and I have too have noticed this in certain cases. This means that I tend to suggest this treatment for those who are aged 50 and above or where the skin is particularly thin or fragile.
What are the pros?
- Compared to Redensity, Profilho has less injection sites (5 per side of the face) so injection bumps are often less visible
What about a treatment course?
An initial course of 2-3 treatments are recommended every 3 weeks or so for optimum results. Results can last up to 12 months, but a single top up is recommended every 4-6 months.
Any side effects and/or downtime?
I won’t lie to you – it stings quite a bit! It is quick and there are only a few injections, but it has no lidocaine in it, so you’ve really got to have your game face on!
The injection site bumps are bigger than with the Redensity treatment, but there are fewer. Mine looked like a large ‘under the skin’ spot for a few days, but you can get on with normal daily activities as soon as you like.
Ok, I’m interested!
I can already hear the next question coming – this all sounds great, Kat, but how do I know which one to have and how do I book in?
You can book a consultation with me if you’d like to discuss the treatments in more detail and together we can assess how good an option it is for you. I often get asked if you can have skin boosters when you’ve had other treatments like Botox and filler and yes, absolutely you can (minimum of 2 weeks before or after, or can be done at the same time). It also works beautifully alongside microneedling too! That said, it’s also a wonderful stand alone option, so a super versatile treatment to suit your individual skin goals.