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Curious what a treatment at VIVA looks like? Watch our treatment demonstration below with the full treatment process with before and afters.
Dr Rupert Critchley MD · Founder, VIVA Skin Clinics · JCCP member
Skin boosters are injectable treatments that improve skin quality from within, leaving it more hydrated, firmer and naturally radiant. Unlike dermal fillers, they don’t add volume or change your face shape. They’re designed to improve how your skin looks and feels.
Most skin boosters are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance your skin already produces to hold moisture. Others use polynucleotides (PDRN), which support the skin’s own repair processes. At VIVA Skin Clinics, all skin booster treatments are carried out by our qualified nurses and doctors.
In this guide, our clinicians explain how skin boosters work, the different types, what results to expect and how they compare with fillers.
Skin boosters work by placing tiny amounts of product into the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the surface. From there, they hydrate the skin and help it renew itself.
Hyaluronic acid boosters act like a sponge. HA attracts and holds water, so it plumps the skin with hydration from within, softening fine lines and crepey texture. Some HA boosters also stimulate collagen and elastin, which help keep skin firm.
Polynucleotide (PDRN) boosters work differently. Rather than adding hydration directly, they support the skin’s natural repair and renewal. This makes them well suited to thin, delicate skin, such as under the eyes.
The treatment is done with a fine needle or cannula in a series of small injections, and usually takes around 30 minutes.
Skin boosters improve overall skin quality, and the benefits build over a course of treatment. Depending on the product, they can give you:
The most common treatment area is the face, followed by the neck, chest and hands. Profhilo Body can also treat areas such as the arms, abdomen and inner thighs.
The right skin booster depends on your main concern and the area you want to treat. These are the types we offer at VIVA.
| Skin booster | Type | Best for | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seventy Hyal | Hyaluronic acid | Deep hydration, dull and dry skin | Face |
| Profhilo | High and low molecular weight HA | Skin laxity, crepey texture, overall skin quality | Face |
| Profhilo Body | High and low molecular weight HA | Loose or crepey skin on the body | Arms, abdomen, inner thighs |
| Vitaran II | PDRN (polynucleotides) | Skin repair, texture, radiance | Face |
| Lumi Eyes | PDRN (polynucleotides) | Dark circles, fine lines, tired-looking eyes | Under-eyes only |
| Vitaran I | PDRN (polynucleotides) | Dark circles, fine lines, tired-looking eyes | Under-eyes only |
Not sure which is right for you? Your clinician will recommend the best option, or a combination, at a free consultation. See prices and book on our Skin Boosters treatment page.
We also offer treatments that go further than hydration, stimulating collagen for longer-lasting firmness.
| Treatment | What it is | Best for | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juvéderm VOLITE | HA skin booster | Hydration, fine lines, skin smoothness | Up to 12 months |
| HArmonyCa | Hybrid of HA and calcium hydroxylapatite | Lifting and firming with collagen stimulation | Up to 18 months |
| Sculptra | Poly-L-lactic acid collagen stimulator | Gradual volume and firmness across the face | Up to 2 years |
Skin boosters improve skin quality, while dermal fillers restore volume and shape. Both can contain hyaluronic acid, but they’re made and used very differently.
| Skin boosters | Dermal fillers | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Hydration, glow, firmness, texture | Volume, contour, lift |
| Changes face shape? | No | Yes |
| Product consistency | Thin, spreads through the skin | Thicker gel that holds its shape |
| Where it’s placed | Within the skin | Deeper, under the skin or on the bone |
| Typical course | 2–3 sessions | Usually 1 session |
The two work well together. Many clients pair filler for structure with skin boosters for skin quality, for results that look refreshed rather than “done”.
Skin boosters suit anyone who wants healthier, more radiant skin without changing their features. They’re popular with women and men from their late twenties onwards, as a preventative treatment or to refresh skin that’s starting to show signs of ageing.
Skin boosters can help with:
They’re also a popular choice before a wedding or big event. Book your course 2–3 months ahead so your skin is at its best on the day.
Skin boosters may not be suitable if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection, or have certain medical conditions. Your clinician will check your medical history at your consultation.
Most people see better hydration within a few weeks, with full results after completing their course. Results build gradually, so they look natural.
| Skin booster | Recommended course | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Seventy Hyal | 3 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart | 1 session a year |
| Profhilo | 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart | Every 6 months |
| Lumi Eyes | 3 sessions, 3 weeks apart | As advised by your clinician |
| Vitaran I and II | As advised by your clinician | As advised by your clinician |
With maintenance, results can last up to a year. How long they last for you depends on your age, skin type and lifestyle, including sun exposure and smoking.
Most clients find skin boosters very tolerable, and there’s little to no downtime. You’ll feel a series of small pinches, and some products contain a local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. Numbing cream can also be applied beforehand.
What to expect afterwards: small raised bumps at the injection points are common and usually settle within 24 hours. Some redness, mild swelling, tenderness or small bruises can last a few days. Serious complications are rare, especially when treatment is carried out by a qualified medical professional.
Aftercare for the first 24 hours:
Your clinician will give you full aftercare advice for your treatment. If you’re worried about anything after your appointment, contact the clinic on 02037 332199.
Choosing a safe practitioner: skin boosters should only be carried out by a qualified medical professional. Before booking anywhere, you can check a practitioner on the Save Face and JCCP registers, and read the NHS guidance on cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Rupert is our Medical Director and serves on the board for the JCCP helping regulate aesthetics. He also heads up or learning platform for the VIVA Academy. Supporting Dr. Rupert is our team of Doctors and Nurses who specialise in cosmetic procedures: Meet our team
Every treatment at VIVA is carried out by qualified nurses and doctors, so you’re in safe, experienced hands from consultation to aftercare.
Consultations are always free, giving you the chance to talk through your goals, ask questions and get an honest recommendation before you commit. Payment plans are also available across our treatments with Clearpay and Klarna.
You’ll find us at three clinics, with a fourth opening in Surrey this November:
Download the VIVA app to join VIVA CLUB and get 10% off all treatments, plus easy booking and appointment management.
We offer new client bookings and exciting offers monthly, so book soon to secure your appointment. Our consulations are free and we offer flexible finance.
Book online here or through the VIVA app. For any questions, call us on 02037 332199 (Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 10am–4pm).
Choose between our experienced nurse practitioners and doctors. All treatments include a consultation and aftercare.
While your dedicated practitioner will always be there to answer every last one of your questions in person, this section is here to give you a bit of a head start on some of our most common queries.
The best skin booster depends on your aesthetic goals and how often you would like to attend clinic. Sculptra is a once a year treatment rather than Lumi eyes which requires multiple visits.
Actual patient results from our clinic. Every treatment is tailored for a natural, balanced enhancement.
Dr Rupert Critchley MD · Founder, VIVA Skin Clinics · JCCP member
Hi guys, Vikki here from VIVA Skin Clinics. Today I’m going to be performing a skin booster treatment, using Redensity 1.
So, what is a skin booster? A skin booster can help with loss of elasticity and loss of collagen, so we’re taking back the skin quality we’ve lost over the years. It focuses on skin rejuvenation and collagen restoration, and it also helps to hydrate the skin.
A good candidate for skin boosters is someone who feels their skin quality is lacking. They may not have the firmness, hydration or plumpness they once had, so again, it’s about taking back the years.
The procedure usually takes around half an hour. With Redensity 1, we recommend three sessions initially, three to four weeks apart, and then a top-up every six months to maintain the collagen restoration. A good skincare routine at home helps your results last, with cleansing, hydrating and exfoliating, plus a follow-up appointment every six months for continued good skin health.
So, where can we inject skin boosters? They can be used on the face, the neck, the décolletage and the hands.
The aftercare for this skin booster treatment is to keep the area clean for 24 hours and let it heal. Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat such as saunas and steam rooms, alcohol and smoking for 24 hours. Also avoid active skincare products, such as retinoids and acids.
I hope you enjoyed watching this treatment. If you’d like to see before and afters, take a look at our Instagram page, and if you’d like to see more content like this, give us a like, comment below and subscribe to our channel.
Transcript lightly edited for readability.
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