Why does the skin become dry, dull and crepey?
With age, the skin contains less hyaluronic acid and retains water less effectively. It gradually becomes drier, thinner and less supple. Fine lines may then be more visible and the complexion less radiant.
Skin ageing also causes changes in dermal collagen and elastic fibres. Sun exposure accelerates these changes and promotes pigmentation spots, fine lines and texture irregularities.
However, less toned skin does not necessarily mean that facial tissues are sagging. Dehydrated, slightly crepey skin can give an impression of lost tone while the tissues remain properly supported.
Skin dehydration and true tissue sagging do not require the same treatments.
How do Skinboosters improve skin quality?
Skinboosters deliver hyaluronic acid directly into the skin to increase hydration. Unlike injections intended to increase volume, they are distributed in small amounts throughout the treatment area.
Hyaluronic acid has a strong ability to retain water. After injection, the skin gradually becomes better hydrated, smoother, more supple and more radiant.
Clinical studies mainly show improved hydration and radiance. Some also observe improvements in texture, fine lines and elasticity.
The result remains natural: Skinboosters improve skin appearance without changing the shape of the face.
Are Skinboosters effective on dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated, dull or slightly crepey skin is one of the main indications for Skinboosters. Treatment is particularly useful when cosmetic products no longer maintain satisfactory hydration.
Early fine lines associated with dehydration can also become less visible as skin quality improves. This particularly concerns small fine lines on the cheeks, neck or décolletage.
However, Skinboosters do not replace a suitable skincare routine. Daily sun protection and moisturising cosmetics remain necessary to preserve skin quality.
Can Skinboosters firm the skin?
Skinboosters can make skin more supple and improve its appearance, but do not produce a lifting effect, even though better-hydrated, smoother skin may appear firmer. Certain studies also show improved skin elasticity after hyaluronic acid injections.
However, Skinboosters do not lift tissues that have sagged. They correct neither jowls, a sagging jawline nor significant loss of firmness.
When sagging is the main problem, a different treatment should therefore be chosen.
At what age should Skinboosters begin?
Skinboosters may be considered when the skin becomes drier, less radiant or develops fine lines. There is no specific age for starting treatment.
In a young person, Skinboosters may be offered for dehydration or the first superficial fine lines. With age, they are more indicated when overall skin quality deteriorates.
Treatment can also be performed in areas where the skin is thin and signs of ageing are particularly visible, notably the neck, décolletage and backs of the hands.
The indication for Skinboosters therefore depends mainly on skin condition rather than the patient's age.
How many Skinbooster sessions are needed for a result?
A Skinbooster session may already improve skin hydration and radiance, but several sessions are often needed for a more substantial improvement in skin quality.
The protocol depends on skin condition. Several studies have assessed courses of three sessions two to four weeks apart. For example, a recent randomised study on non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid assessed three sessions at four-week intervals.
Results appear gradually. Hydration may improve within the first weeks, whereas improvements in texture, fine lines or elasticity may require more time.
Annual maintenance sessions are then offered when the effects decrease. Their frequency depends on the product used and changes in the skin.
Skinbooster or mesotherapy: which should you choose to revitalise the skin?
Mesotherapy is mainly used to provide a radiance boost and improve superficial hydration, whereas Skinboosters provide a longer-lasting improvement in skin quality.
Mesotherapy involves numerous small superficial injections. The products used contain non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and, depending on the formulation, other components.
Skinboosters are hyaluronic acid-based products specifically designed to improve skin quality. Their composition, injection depth and persistence in the skin vary according to the product.
For simply dull skin to be improved before an event, mesotherapy may suffice. When the skin is persistently dehydrated, slightly crepey or has fine lines, a Skinbooster is more appropriate.
Skinbooster or Sculptra: which treatment should you choose to improve skin firmness?
A Skinbooster acts mainly on skin hydration and quality, whereas Sculptra gradually stimulates collagen production.
This difference becomes important when the skin no longer has dehydration alone, but true loss of density and firmness.
A Skinbooster is suitable for dry, dull or slightly crepey skin. Sculptra may be offered when collagen reduction becomes more significant and the aim is to improve tissue support gradually.
The choice between these treatments depends on what gives the skin its less toned appearance.
Which fine lines can Skinboosters treat?
Skinboosters improve superficial fine lines associated with dehydration and changes in skin quality. They do not treat expression lines or deep wrinkles.
Expression lines are caused by repeated muscle contractions. Forehead lines, glabellar lines and crow's feet are mainly treated with botulinum toxin injections.
Deep wrinkles associated with volume loss or a structural fold may require hyaluronic acid injections or another treatment suited to their cause, such as laser sessions.
Pigmentation spots and texture irregularities associated with photoageing are not indications for Skinboosters. They can be treated with peels or certain lasers.
Can Skinboosters prevent skin ageing?
Skinboosters can maintain hydration and skin quality, but do not stop skin ageing.
Ageing depends on many mechanisms: reduced collagen and hyaluronic acid, changes in elastic fibres, sun exposure, smoking, hormonal variations and genetic factors.
A Skinbooster therefore addresses only some of these changes. It does not prevent loss of deep facial volume or protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation.
Daily sun protection remains one of the most important measures for limiting sun-related skin ageing.
What are the limitations of Skinboosters?
Skinboosters mainly treat dehydration, superficial fine lines and changes in skin quality. They do not correct volume loss, significant sagging, pigmentation spots or deep wrinkles.
Volume loss can be corrected with hyaluronic acid or Sculptra injections.
Facial sagging requires techniques that provide a non-surgical lift, a treatment suited to tissue sagging. Improving skin hydration cannot lift tissues.
Pigmentation spots and irregularities are treated with certain peels or lasers.
The choice of treatment therefore depends on the cause. In Geneva, medical examination determines whether dull, crepey or less firm skin is associated with skin quality, volume loss or sagging.
Article written by Dr Valeria Romano
Dr Valeria Romano supports each patient through a comprehensive approach to facial, body and intimate aesthetics, as well as skin and hair quality. Every treatment is based on a personalised medical assessment.
Learn more about