Skin Booster vs. Biostimulator: What’s the Difference

The world of aesthetic medicine keeps developing, and skin boosters and biostimulators are some of the latest techniques used in age-reversing treatments. Both options are excellent solutions for patients looking for skin rejuvenation, but there are some important differences between them that medical professionals and their clients should be aware of. 

This article will help you understand: 

• What skin boosters and biostimulators are
• How they work
• The top brands to choose
• The results of combining the two treatments

What Are Skin Boosters?

Skin boosters are injectable products that improve the overall quality of the skin by hydrating it from the inside out. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that are designed to add volume to a targeted area, skin boosters refine elasticity, texture, and hydration, without modifying facial features. 

The majority of skin boosters contain hyaluronic acid (HA) which is naturally present in the skin with the purpose of retaining moisture. On top of that, some products also include vitamins, peptides, and antioxidants to provide additional skin health support. 

What Are Biostimulators?

Biostimulators actually stimulate the body to create its own collagen. Unlike boosters that are mainly based on hyaluronic acid, they contain other powerful ingredients such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa), or polynucleotides that gradually improve the firmness and texture of the skin. 

Biostimulators use a special type of compound that combines low and high-molecular-weight chains that mimic the body’s natural compound structure. This unique blend has the power to stimulate fibroblasts – the cells responsible for the production of collagen and elastin, which are the two main factors when it comes to youthful skin. 

Skin Rejuvenation on a Cellular Level 

Both types of treatments work on a cellular level to improve skin quality, but they do it differently. Skin boosters which typically contain hyaluronic acid deeply hydrate the skin by binding to water molecules in the dermis. By doing so, they create an environment ready to support fibroblast activity and improve skin elasticity and texture.

In contrast to skin boosters, biostimulators trigger a controlled inflammatory response that encourages fibroblasts to produce new collagen over time. This is how biostimulators provide long-lasting improvements by rebuilding the structure of the skin from within. 

How They Work

Now let’s take a look at the similarities and differences in the functioning and the results of skin boosters and biostimulators: 

The Procedure

Both types of procedures usually take between 30 and 45 minutes, including the application of a numbing cream that provides comfort to the patient. In both types of treatment, the product is injected into specific areas of the skin using a fine needle or a cannula. 

Results

The use of skin boosters results in hydrated and plumper skin almost immediately, even though the final effects are seen after several sessions scheduled a few weeks apart. As for biostimulators, it takes more time to see the results since the collagen is deposited gradually. Therefore, if you take a look at the collagen biostimulators before and after images, it is clear that the effects are noticeable after 2 to 3 months. 

Longevity of the Results

Based on individual factors like the specific treatment used, skin type, and lifestyle, the majority of patients get to enjoy visible results of skin boosters from 4 to 6 months. On the other hand, the results of biostimulators can last from a few months to a few years, also depending on the same set of factors.

The Recovery Process

Both treatments are normally well-tolerated by patients, but there are some side effects to be aware of. After the administration of skin boosters, there can be some redness, mild swelling, or minor bumps which are all expected to disappear within a few hours or a few days. Patients who opt for biostimulators might experience mild bruising that usually resolves within a week. 

Ideal Candidates

Skin boosters are suitable for adults of all ages, whether they are in their 20s or 60s. They are ideal for patients looking to boost skin hydration, reduce large pores, minimise fine lines, improve skin radiance, and have a subtle rejuvenating effect. 

Biostimulators are also suitable for patients of all ages, but they are often chosen by individuals in their 40s and onward who have already experienced a loss of skin firmness and show visible signs of ageing. They are perfect for patients who want to improve overall skin health and hydration, Additionally, biostimulators are particularly suitable for younger patients who experience premature signs of ageing. 

Best Product Examples

This section will tell you about the most popular skin booster and biostimulator products:

Skin Boosters

The top skin booster brands are:

• Profhilo: This is a highly concentrated hyaluronic acid solution designed to spread evenly to stimulate the renewal of the skin.
• Juvelook: Juvelook is a combination of hyaluronic acid and polylactic acid (PLA) that work together to boost collagen stimulation and skin hydration. 

• Rejuran: Rejuran contains polynucleotides (PN) that enhance skin regeneration and collagen production. 

Biostimulators

Here are also the top brands that produce some of the best biostimulators for face and other areas: 

• Sculptra: This is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) solution that gradually stimulates the production of collagen. 

• HarmonyCa: Here we have a combination of calcium hydroxylapatite and hyaluronic acid, working together perfectly to enhance skin hydration and elasticity. 

• Nucleofill: Nucleofill is an innovative polynucleotide-based injectable treatment that contours and firms the skin, while also providing hydration and collagen stimulation. 

Can the Two Treatments Be Combined?

When patients combat visible signs of ageing, medical professionals can absolutely buy biostimulators and combine them with skin boosters. Biostimulation used with skin boosters creates moisture deposits in the skin, and the skin’s surface becomes smoother and more youthful. 

The use of these two innovative approaches leads to the following benefits: 

• Fresh and rejuvenated skin texture. 
• Improved skin collagen and elastin production.
• Deep skin hydration.
• Clearer contours.
• Smoother skin with a silky glow. 
• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles. 
• More volume in the cheeks, temples, and eye area. 
• Minimised acne scars and cornification. 

Conclusion

Skin boosters and biostimulators are some of the most innovative treatments in today’s modern medicine. They both work at a cellular level, offering a noticeable reduction in visible signs of ageing. However, each of them has its own perks, and this article was here to help you understand their basics.

References:

1. Yi K, Waranaree Winayanuwattikun, Kim S, et al. Skin boosters: Definitions and varied classifications. Skin research and technology. 2024;30(3).
2. Guida S, Galadari H, Giordano Vespasiani, Pellacani G. Skin biostimulation and hyaluronic acid: Current knowledge and new evidence. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;23(2):701-703.