Skin Boosters: What They Are and Are They for You?

What are skin boosters and how do they work?

Most products in this category contain hyaluronic acid in a more fluid form than filler, and some add amino acids or other ingredients. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin and is very good at attracting and holding water.

The doctor injects very small amounts at many points, or uses a fine cannula, on the face, neck or hands. The product spreads through the skin and improves hydration from within. It is also thought that it may help the skin improve its quality over time.

How do they differ from fillers and mesotherapy?

These treatments are often confused, but each has a different aim and its own place in a treatment plan, and a doctor may combine more than one. In short:

• Filler: a thicker gel used to restore volume or define features, such as the lips, cheeks and tear troughs.
• Skin boosters: a lighter product spread superficially and evenly to improve skin quality and hydration, not to change the shape of the face.
• Mesotherapy: superficial injections of mixtures that may contain vitamins or other ingredients; formulas vary widely and the scientific evidence is less clear.

Who are skin boosters suitable for?

They may help people with dry or dull skin, fine lines or uneven texture, or skin affected by years of sun and air-conditioning. They are sometimes used on the neck and the backs of the hands.

They are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or where there is active inflammation or infection at the injection site. People with immune conditions or bleeding disorders, or who take blood thinners, need a doctor's assessment first. They are also not the right answer for marked sagging or major volume loss.

How many sessions are needed and how long do results last?

A course usually starts with two to three sessions about 3 to 4 weeks apart, depending on the product and your skin. Results often last around 6 months, sometimes longer or shorter depending on the product, the person and lifestyle, with a top-up session when needed.

The glow appears gradually over weeks once the initial swelling settles, not straight after the session. If you have an occasion coming up, plan your sessions well ahead. The session itself is usually short, after a numbing cream is applied and the skin is cleaned thoroughly.

What are the possible side effects?

Skin boosters are a common procedure in the hands of a qualified doctor, so make sure they are given by a licensed doctor using a product approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Like any injection, they have possible side effects, mostly temporary:

• Small bumps at the injection points that usually fade within one to three days.
• Redness and mild swelling.
• Bruising, especially in people taking medicines that thin the blood.
• Rarely: infection, allergy, small lumps or blood-vessel complications that need prompt medical care.

What realistic results can you expect?

Expect skin that is more hydrated, smoother and healthily radiant, and softer fine lines for some people. Do not expect them to lift sagging, change your features or remove pigmentation and deep scars; each of these has a different treatment.

Daily care remains the basis of a healthy glow: sunscreen, moisturising, good sleep and not smoking. Skin boosters complement these habits; they do not replace them.