What are skin boosters? A nurse's plain-English guide

Skin boosters are one of the treatments people ask about most, often without being sure what they actually are. In short, they're a way to improve how your skin looks and feels, not to change the shape of your face. Here's a plain-English guide from our clinic in Mansfield.

What are skin boosters?

Skin boosters are injections of hyaluronic acid placed into the skin, where they draw in and hold water. A moisturiser sits on the surface; a skin booster works within the skin itself. They're a treatment for skin quality rather than shape, so they won't change your features or add volume.

What do skin boosters help with?

They're best for dull or dehydrated skin, fine lines, crepey texture and tired-looking skin. If your skin feels dry or has lost its glow, and you'd like it to look fresher without looking "done", skin boosters may be worth talking about. If your main concern is skin that has lost its bounce, Lara may also talk to you about polynucleotides, which focus on repair and resilience.

Are skin boosters the same as dermal fillers?

No. Both use hyaluronic acid, but they do different jobs. Dermal fillers are firmer and restore volume in specific areas. Skin boosters are softer and improve hydration across the treated area. If you'd like more shape somewhere, filler is usually the conversation; if you'd like better skin, it's skin boosters.

Do skin boosters hurt?

Most people describe a brief sting rather than pain. Numbing cream can be applied first, and the skin booster is placed with very fine injections. Small bumps at the injection points are normal and usually settle within a day or so.

How many skin booster sessions will I need?

That depends on your skin. Skin boosters are available as a single treatment or as a course, with sessions a few weeks apart. Lara will recommend which suits you at your consultation, and explain why.

When will I see a difference, and how long do skin boosters last?

Many people notice better-hydrated skin within a couple of weeks, with the effect building over a course. After that, most people top up a couple of times a year. Everyone's skin is different, so Lara will talk you through what's realistic for yours.

What should I do after skin boosters?

For the first 24 hours, avoid make-up on the treated area, alcohol and strenuous exercise, and try not to press or massage the area unless you've been told to. Saunas, steam rooms and strong heat are best avoided for a couple of days. You'll be given written aftercare instructions and a way to contact the clinic if anything worries you.

Are skin boosters suitable for everyone?

Not always, which is why every treatment starts with a consultation. Lara reviews your medical history and any allergies first. Skin boosters aren't offered during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and the clinic doesn't treat anyone under eighteen.

Who will carry out my treatment?

Every treatment at The Mansfield Park Clinic is planned and carried out by Lara Eastwood, a Registered Nurse with 19 years in the NHS and 12 in aesthetics. The cost depends on whether you choose a single treatment or a course. It's confirmed at your consultation and given to you in writing before you decide.

Thinking about skin boosters in Mansfield?

Read more about skin boosters at The Mansfield Park Clinic. When you're ready, book a consultation with Lara at Carr Bank Stables, Windmill Lane, beside Carr Bank Park, or call 01623 461 723. No pressure and no obligation, just an honest look at your skin and what's realistic for it.