What Are Hyaluronic Acid Skin Boosters and Do They Actually Work?
“You could drink a lot of water and it just might hydrate your skin, or you could avoid frequent trips to the toilet and get a skin booster instead.”
These types of skin boosters are well known for their ability to hydrate the skin and improve skin quality. Unlike dermal fillers, skin boosters are not designed to restore facial volume or alter facial contours. Their primary purpose is to improve skin hydration and quality.
Why does Skin Lose Hydration?
One of the main functions of your skin is to prevent your body from losing water to the environment, in other words your skin prevents you from turning into a raisin. A common analogy for the outer layer of the skin is the 'brick and mortar' model. The skin cells act as the bricks, while specialised lipids (fats) act as the mortar. The brick and mortar helps seal the moisture in, but there is some water loss through this outer layer. Studies have shown that as we age, the skin becomes less effective at retaining moisture. This occurs for several reasons, including changes in the skin barrier, reduced production of protective lipids, and a decline in naturally occurring molecules such as hyaluronic acid. The result is skin that often feels drier, rougher, and less supple.
So How do Skin Boosters Work?
If ageing skin struggles to retain moisture, could we simply replace some of what has been lost? This is the principle behind many HA skin boosters, and HA comes in different forms.
You may think of fillers when I mention HA, but the main difference between fillers and skin boosters is how the HA is arranged. In fillers the HA is highly crosslinked which allows the molecule to retains its structure and therefore provide its filling effect. Skin boosters are less crosslinked or non-crosslinked, allowing them to spread evenly throughout the skin .
What does HA do?
First, HA is an excellent humectant. In simple terms, it attracts and holds onto water, helping to improve skin hydration.
Secondly, HA interacts with skin in different ways. The science is complex and I don’t want you to fall asleep whilst you read this blog. In short, some forms of HA may help stimulate fibroblasts and support collagen production, while others are involved in signalling processes associated with wound healing. It depends on the molecular weight of the HA.
What Results Can You Expect?
Most skin booster treatments are performed as a course of 2–3 sessions, usually spaced 2–4 weeks apart, depending on the product used and your individual skin concerns.
At Dr+Skin in Bolton, we commonly use products such as Sunekos and Profhilo. These treatments contain hyaluronic acid and are designed to improve skin hydration and overall skin quality.
Many patients notice that their skin feels more hydrated, plumper, and appears more radiant within days of treatment. However, the full benefits often develop gradually over several weeks as the skin undergoes natural rejuvenation processes.
Skin boosters are particularly suited to individuals who feel their skin appears dull, dehydrated, or lacks elasticity. They can be used across a wide range of age groups and are generally considered a safe treatment when performed by a trained practitioner.
At Dr+Skin, we believe skin boosters are an excellent addition to a comprehensive skin health program. They fit well with our philosophy of achieving natural-looking results by improving skin quality rather than dramatically altering facial appearance.
The most suitable skin booster for you will depend on your individual concerns, skin type, and treatment goals. If you are considering skin boosters, we recommend booking a consultation with a qualified practitioner who can assess your needs and discuss the most appropriate options for you.