If your skin feels too lackluster or dry for a moisturizer to make a noticeable difference, skin boosters may be the answer. More than a highly concentrated serum or rich face cream, these in-office treatments deliver intense hydration, a subtle glow and even light plumping. Long popular in Europe and Asia, skin boosters are now gaining traction in the United States. Ahead, three dermatologists explain what to know.
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What Are Skin Boosters?
Skin boosters are injectable treatments used primarily to hydrate the skin. According to Nina N. Hartman, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C., they’re composed predominantly of hyaluronic acid and designed to be placed directly into the dermis to enhance skin quality from within.
She explains that it’s the intent of use that sets skin boosters apart from traditional hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. “Skin boosters are not intended to add volume or alter facial contours,” she says. “Instead, their role is to restore skin hydration and promote a more radiant, youthful appearance. By increasing dermal hydration, they improve texture, elasticity, luminosity and overall skin smoothness.”
While other injectables can improve hydration, Janet Allenby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, FL, notes that increasing moisture isn’t their primary function. With skin boosters, hydration is the goal: Hyaluronic acid placed within the dermis increases its water-binding capacity, delivering deeper, longer-lasting moisture.
“This gives the skin a plumper, dewier appearance,” Dr. Hartman adds. While results can be noticeable almost immediately, she notes there are also longer-term benefits. “Boosters help support collagen and elastin activity, improving skin resilience and structure over time,” she says. “They can also reduce the appearance of fine lines, crepiness, enlarged pores, superficial scarring and rough texture.”
How Long Do Skin Booster Results Last?
Dr. Hartman says results from skin boosters typically last around six months. Because of that, treatments are generally repeated twice a year to maintain results.
If you’ve had injectable treatments before, the process for skin boosters is fairly similar. After cleansing and applying a topical anesthetic, hyaluronic acid is injected into the dermis, where it boosts hydration and lightly plumps the tissue.
What Are the Risks of Skin Boosters?
Like any injectable treatment, skin boosters come with potential risks, including inflammation, allergic reactions and scarring. However, sticking to FDA-approved, research-backed products significantly lowers that risk.
“In a dermatology office, we have access to many different skin boosters, but you should only be using FDA-approved products,” Dr. Allenby says. When asked which option they recommend, both she and Dr. Hartman point to Juvéderm Skinvive. “It’s the first and only FDA-approved hyaluronic acid intradermal microdroplet injection available in the United States,” Dr. Hartman explains.
While other boosters such as Profhilo and Sunekos are commonly used internationally, they have not yet been FDA-approved in the United States.
How Do Topical Skin Boosters Compare to Injectables?
While most skin boosters are injectable, certain topical products can offer similar—though more limited—benefits. “These types of boosters are highly concentrated, often in a serum format, to deliver potent ingredients that help improve hydration, radiance and overall glow,” says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
Think ampoules and serum capsules, which can be helpful for addressing dry, dull skin and signs of fatigue. Their concentrated formulas allow them to penetrate more effectively than standard serums and may offer noticeable results, Dr. Allenby adds.
Convenience is another key difference. “Since they don’t require injections or devices like a skin pen—which can carry a risk of scarring—they’re safe to use at home,” Dr. Allenby says. As Dr. Saedi notes, topical boosters can simply be applied after cleansing and layered into an existing skin-care routine.
“Injectable skin boosters, on the other hand, require sterile technique, anatomical expertise and medical oversight,” Dr. Hartman adds. “They’re not designed for home use.”
