What Are Skin Boosters?
Get the glassy, radiant, glowing skin from your fave social filters in real life. Welcome to the mouthwatering world of skin boosters—the ingredient your finely-tuned skincare routine may be missing.
While dermal fillers correct volume loss and neurotoxins like Botox® relax the muscles that cause wrinkles, we now have a treatment that directly targets skin texture, tone, firmness, and skin hydration. This class of treatment, often included in a class of treatments called biostimulators, delivers a glowing, dewy, plump, and picture-perfect face that is ready for anything.
What Is SkinVive?
SkinVive is a branded skin booster from Juvederm. Skin boosters are minimally cross-linked microdroplets of hyaluronic acid that are injected into the superficial dermis for long-term skin hydration with minimal upkeep. Think of them as injectable skin care or an injectable moisturizer.
Unlike the hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers, the HA molecules in skin boosters are much more fluid, so they spread out under the skin rather than staying put. The HA sprinklings disperse to deliver a subtle, face-wide firmness that mimics the best touch-up filters for the real-life luminosity you desire.
Skin booster injections also align with the shifting philosophies of facial aesthetics as the trends shift from the overdone, too-plump look to a gorgeous, natural glow that just highlights how beautiful you already are. As an added bonus, many skin boosters also work as biostimulators to increase the production of skin-firming collagen and elastin.
With the FDA’s 2023 approval of Skinvive™ by Juvéderm, which is approved for use in the cheeks, injectable skin boosters are finally getting the attention they deserve in the US. For years, the skin-savvy across Europe and in countries like Korea have embraced the treatment as a mainstay—popular brands include Profhilo, Juvedérm Volite, and Redensity 1 by Teoxane.
Now, there are a number of options available stateside, including Skinvive™, Restylane Skinboosters, and RHA 1, which walks the line between filler and booster as the first FDA-approved injectable to address dynamic wrinkles.
How Does SkinVive Work?
Skin cells require sufficient hydration to perform all of their biomechanical functions. Over time, our skin loses vital moisture as a normal part of the aging process—leading to dehydrated skin that heightens the visible signs of aging. Biorevitalization treatments contain non-crosslinked or minimally-crosslinked hyaluronic acid molecules that pump much-needed moisture directly into skin cells.
Hyaluronic acid is a water-loving molecule naturally produced by the body that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. When HA molecules are injected into the superficial dermis, they rejuvenate the skin by replenishing moisture in each cell it encounters, increasing skin health, function, and quality.
Because of their unique viscoelastic properties, skin boosters can be used to achieve a far more natural-looking result than traditional HA dermal fillers, which can sometimes look overdone. Skin boosters like Skinvive™and Restylane Skinboosters can also be classed as biostimulators because their regular use stimulates cellular regeneration, increasing collagen and elastin production. The result is firmer, tighter, naturally plump, and healthy skin that highlights your natural beauty.
Skin Care Products
SkinVive Cost
Skin boosters like Juvederm’s SkinVive are microdroplets of hyaluronic acid that are injected into the superficial dermis for long-term skin hydration with minimal upkeep. Think of them as injectable skin care or an injectable moisturizer. 1 mL per cheek is recommended. Less smooth skin may require more product volume to achieve the desired results.
Skin Boosters Before and After
Skin boosters deliver a radiant complexion, enhanced hydration, and a more luminous glow for naturally gorgeous results. Injectable moisturizers like SkinVive offer especially incredible results when paired with dermal fillers, Sculptra, Radiesse, neuromodulators, and a tailored skincare routine. Discover the improved vitality, suppleness, and skin rejuvenation possible for skin of all ages with your chosen skin booster treatment.
Skin Boosters Candidacy & Prep
Ideal Candidates
Everyone 21 years of age and up.
Skinvive™ Contraindications
Skin boosters like Skinvive™ are a very safe treatment for all skin tones. However, individuals with the contraindications listed below should not have this treatment.
Pregnant or nursing
Under the age of 21
Severe allergies marked by a history of anaphylaxis or history or presence of multiple severe allergies.
History of allergies to Gram-positive bacterial proteins or products that contain lidocaine.
Active rash, irritation, infection, or eczema in or around the treatment area.
To prepare for your skin booster treatment, we suggest the following items and products to speed your recovery process, maximize your results, or both. Feel free to purchase the items from FACE in advance for pick up at your appointment time—or we can ship them to you if that is more convenient. You can also browse the shop in person during your appointment window.
Procell Livra MD System: Cellular Renewal & Healing Accelerator
Mild, unscented, alcohol-free cleanser (like Native Nectar Refresh & Moisturize Micellar Cleansing Water)
Brushable SPF 50 + sunscreen for on-the-go SPF refresh (like Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen)
Moisturizers, Oils & Creams (like Native Nectar MultiVitamin Supplement, Zaq Hydrating Collagen Boosting Serum)
Green color-correcting makeup (like Colorescience All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector)
Skin injectables are an amazing way to care for your skin at any age. Use any of the products above to care for your skin before and after your treatment for a luminous, hydrated, naturally gorgeous look.
Skin Boosters FAQ
What are the benefits of skin boosters like SkinVive by Juvederm?
Everyone 21 years old and up can experience these skin booster benefits:
A glowing, radiant face
Subtly tighter, more lifted skin
Diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Improved skin tone
Brighter complexion
Decreased skin surface roughness
Naturally plump and hydrated skin
Firmer skin structure
Enhanced elasticity
Improvements in skin smoothness
Decreased dry patches
Accelerated collagen and elastin production
Overall improvement in the appearance and quality of skin tone
There are also some unique benefits to the treatment for people with mature skin. Skin boosters can help address the skin changes associated with menopause and improve the texture of skin on the neck and décolleté.
How long do skin boosters last?
Skin boosters can last anywhere from a few weeks to 6 months, depending on the product you receive, the amount used, your provider’s injection technique, your skin type and individual rate of metabolism, plus lifestyle and environmental factors.
How long does Skinvive last?
In clinical trials conducted by the manufacturer, a single Skinvive™ treatment reportedly lasts 6 months. Regular maintenance treatments, a targeted skincare routine, and a healthy lifestyle can help extend and maximize your results.
How long do Restylane Skinboosters last?
Restylane Skinboosters require an initial round of 3 treatments, scheduled 4-6 weeks apart, plus maintenance appointments every 6 months. In independent clinical trials, 66% of participants reported that the effects of Restylane Skinboosters lasted longer than 4 months.
How soon will I see the results?
Most people start to see skin booster results within the first 2-4 weeks after treatment, but it can take 8 weeks to see the full benefit of your treatment.
How many sessions do I need?
Depending on the skin booster product you choose, you will need between 1 and 3 initial treatments, followed by maintenance treatments every 4-6 months.
What is the difference between skin boosters and dermal fillers?
Skin boosters are injectable gel-like substances whose primary ingredient is water-loving hyaluronic acid. Yes, this is the same active ingredient in HA fillers, but the difference lies in their formulation. Dermal fillers are designed to be more cohesive with a higher viscosity or thickness, while skin boosters are more runny so they can spread out underneath the skin.
Dermal fillers are formulated using a high degree of cross-linking for mid-to-deep injection that increases volume, fills lines and wrinkles, and contours the face to enhance features—for immediate, noticeable results.
Skin boosters like SkinVive, on the other hand, are injected into the superficial dermis using a much more fluid formulation that uses either non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid, like Profhilo, or minimally cross-linked HA, like Skinvive™. This enables HA skin boosters to disperse after injection, delivering hyaluronic acid throughout the treatment area to plump and deeply hydrate skin cells in a subtle but extremely natural-looking way, improving skin quality and elasticity with regular use.
Are skin boosters painful?
Most clients report mild to moderate discomfort. You will feel a pin prick sensation, especially over the forehead, cheekbones, and lip area. Some clients report the treated skin feels hot and tight after treatment. After the treatment, the skin turns red, fades within the first hour or so, and resolves within 24 hours. Patients can choose to do a pre-treatment Topical Numbing Cream Add-On if desired.
How long does each session last?
Each session lasts about an hour.
What are the side effects of skin boosters?
The most common side effects from skin booster treatments are minor and generally resolve within a few days. These include:
Redness in the treated areas
Swelling around the injection sites
Sensitivity or tenderness
Minor bumps at the points of injection
Possible bruising at injection sites.
Skin Boosters Aftercare
The aftercare instructions for skin boosters are minimal. We recommend using a physical barrier, like a hat to protect your skin from the sun, plus sunscreen on a daily basis.
Skin Booster Side Effects
These common side effects of skin boosters usually resolve within the first couple of days after your treatment.
Redness
Swelling
Tenderness
Small bumps at the injection sites
Potential bruising at the injection sites
If these side effects linger, please consult with your injector.
Because skin boosters are injected at multiple points across the face, it can be difficult to conceal the immediate post-injection side effects. Please plan accordingly to be as comfortable as possible during the healing process.
These products can help maximize your results and expedite the healing process.
Aftercare Must Do:
Keep the treatment area clean and minimize contact for 24 hours.
Take arnica montana and bromelain tablets as needed for swelling and bruising.
Drink plenty of water 48 hours before and after treatment.
Aftercare Avoid:
Makeup for 24 hours post-treatment.
Direct sun exposure.
Hot showers and saunas for 48 hours after treatment.
Flying 48 hours before and after the appointment.
Sleeping on the treated area for 72 hours.
Highly processed foods 72 hours before and after treatment.
Massaging the treated area for one week, unless advised otherwise by the provider.
Tretinoin, retinol, retinoids, glycolic acid, peels, or skin-sensitizing products for one week.
Remember:
Reach out to the office with any questions or concerns.
Final results may take several weeks to become apparent.
Helpful Hints:
The following are optional ways to maximize results and optimize healing. These methods can help significantly quicken healing time.
Use the Procell Cellular Renewal & Healing Accelerator Serums after your treatments until your skin has healed.
Do the 30-minute Red Light LED therapy add-on at the end of your treatment. Or, better still, purchase your own Red Light LED therapy machine and use it for 30 minutes daily during your healing.
Take collagen, vitamin C, and L-lysine supplements to give your immune system and collagen production a boost.
Get ample sleep and rest.
Keep stress low.