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Dr. Lena Fan: Seeing unsatisfactory results from Skinboosters? Here’s why
 | Dr. Lena Fan |
Collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) are key components of healthy and youthful skin. Collagen is integral to keeping skin firm and tight, while HA hydrates the skin by retaining water molecules up to 1000 times its weight. As we age, our collagen and hyaluronic acid levels decrease, resulting in dry and lax skin that lacks the radiance and firmness of our younger selves.
Skinboosters are a fuss-free and convenient way to combat this by restoring lost HA and collagen levels in our skin. Traditionally associated with injections that contain HA to provide hydration to the skin, Skinboosters today run the gamut, from non-HA containing ones to those that correct textural imperfections and signs of ageing, such as skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles.
While there are many popular options out there, it is important to choose the skinbooster that is most suitable for your skin’s needs. In this article, I will explain the differences between 4 popular types of skinboosters (Profhilo, Rejuran, Nucleofill and Gouri) to help you decide which is the best for your skin.
What are the different types of Skinboosters in Singapore?
The table below details different types of skinbooster treatments and their characteristics
| Ingredients | Skin concern | Benefits | Injection style | Downtime | Price | |
| Rejuran Healer | Polynucleotides 2% (Salmon DNA) |
|
|
| 48 hours for bumps to resolve |
|
| Nucleofill (Strong) | Polynucleotides 2.5% (Salmon DNA) |
|
|
| 48 hours | From $1,000 (1.5ml) |
| Profhilo | Non cross-link low & high molecular weight HA |
|
|
| 48 hours | From $800 (2ml) |
| Gouri | Liquid PCL |
|
|
| 48 hours | From $600 (1ml) |
Profhilo is an improvement on traditional HA skinboosters by virtue of its high concentration of pure HA molecules that is well-tested in its bio-remodelling abilities to provide deep dermal hydration and gentle tightening in the long-term.
Rejuran Healer and the newer Nucleofill both contain polynucleotides (PN) derived from fragments of salmon DNA that kickstart the production of collagen and elastin in our skin. Nucleofill has a higher concentration of PN compared to Rejuran Healer, but both contain powerful skin healing properties which are suitable for persons with damaged skin, such as sensitivity, pigmentation, or scarring.
Gouri is the newest kid on the block, made up of liquid-type polycaprolactone (PCL) that stimulates collagen production. It subtly restores volume to sunken areas with collagen loss, at the same time improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Which skinbooster is suitable for me?
There are many factors to consider when it comes to deciding which skinbooster best serves my patients’ needs. I’ve personally found these guidelines to work:
| Skin concern/goal | Skinbooster type |
| Instantly refreshed and radiant skin | Profhilo to deliver deep dermal hydration |
| Uneven skin texture due to acne scars or early signs of ageing | Rejuran Healer or Nucleofill to rejuvenate the skin |
| Wrinkles and sagging skin | Gouri; the collagen banking properties of Gouri are essential in restoring youthful appearance, especially for patients in their 30s to 50s |
One thing to note is that our skin does not experience ageing evenly, some parts of the face may age more quickly or are more dehydrated than other parts due to factors such as genetics, sun exposure, etc. A combination of different skinboosters helps to maximise the results for patients who suffer from multiple concerns. Having a wide range of skinbooster choices allows the doctor to customise each patient’s treatment plan and target their individual concerns precisely.
Getting the most out of your skinbooster
Unlike dermal fillers, skinboosters have no risks of blindness or skin necrosis. That is not to say that injection of skinboosters doesn’t require expertise and experience.
Clean does not always mean effective
For example, Profhilo contains HA and needs to be injected superficially in order to achieve its intended results of deep and long-lasting dermal hydration. If you have ever done a Profhilo session without seeing any large wheals or bumps at the injection points that gradually subside in 2-3 days, it means that the Profhilo was not injected at the correct dermal layer, resulting in minimal to no result while causing more propensity for bruising.
On the other hand, Gouri needs to be injected in the deep dermis to stimulate collagen production. This is also a primary reason why your personal experience of skinboosters may be different from your friend’s.
Always ensure your Skinbooster treatment is customised to YOUR comfort and needs
Another common misconception that patients often have is regarding the injection techniques for each skinbooster. Profhilo injections are known to be less painful than Rejuran as it is commonly touted to require only 5 injection points each side of the face compared to the bee-hive style of Rejuran which can take more than 100 detailed injection points.
Detailed injection style of Rejuran
Large wheals formed with 5-BAP injection style of Profhilo
However, as all skinboosters are fully soluble, it is possible to use the 5-point injection technique for Rejuran as well. An experienced doctor will be able to treat particular areas of concern with varied injection points no matter the choice of skinbooster—the best injection technique is one customised for each patient’s individual needs.
Method of delivery matters
The use of an injector gun to easily and quickly achieve over 100 injection points is a common method when it comes to Rejuran. However, the use of an injector gun is less precise at delivering the skinbooster to the right layer of skin, and a substantial amount of skinbooster is gone to waste due to the inevitable leakage. The lack of precision of the injector gun can also damage blood vessels, causing unnecessary bruising. Therefore, I always choose freehand manual injection over injector guns for my patients as it optimises the results of their skinboosters. Every drop counts!
How long does it take for Skinboosters to work?
From the very first treatments, patients can begin to observe the varying results of different skinboosters. Here is the part where I remind them that consistency is key—it is important to complete the initial sessions before moving onto the maintenance phase.
Depending on your skin condition, 2 to 3 sessions are required initially at 1 month apart in order to achieve a baseline of the active ingredients in your skin to kick-start the intended bio-stimulation effects for long-lasting results.
After the initial sessions, you only need a session every 6 to 12 months in order to maintain the optimal state your skin is in to reverse any signs of ageing.
Conclusion..
Skinboosters are one of my favourite aesthetic treatments given their safety, convenience, and well-tested results. I hope this article has been helpful to you at deciding which skinbooster is best for you, and to troubleshoot why a certain skinbooster that you have tried may not have met your expectations and needs.
If you have further questions, feel free to drop me an email at ask@veritas.com.sg.