Skin Boosters, Polynucleotides & Dermal Fillers.
The Big 3
What's the Difference?
Let's talk about what they actually do for your skin, who they're suitable for and how to know which treatment you might benefit from.
If you've ever looked into aesthetic treatments, chances are you've come across skin boosters, polynucleotides and dermal fillers.
You've probably also seen countless before and after photographs, heard people raving about the results and wondered whether any of them would actually benefit your own skin.
The problem is, with so many treatments available, it can become a little overwhelming trying to understand what does what.
Although all three treatments involve injectables, they're actually quite different in what they aim to achieve.
And that's something I think is really important to understand before considering any treatment.
At StudioTwenty2, I've always believed that aesthetics should be about working with your natural features and improving the things that genuinely concern you. Not following trends or having treatments simply because they're popular.
So I thought I'd explain the differences, the benefits and answer some of the questions I get asked most often.
Let's start with Skin Boosters
Think hydration, healthy looking skin and that lovely fresh glow.
As we get older, our skin naturally changes. It can become drier, lose some of its elasticity and start to develop those little fine lines that weren't there before.
You might find that your usual skincare doesn't seem to give you quite the same results anymore, or that your makeup starts settling into areas it never used to.
This is where skin boosters can be a lovely option.
Most skin boosters are formulated with hyaluronic acid, something that's already naturally present in our skin and plays an important role in keeping it hydrated.
Unlike traditional dermal fillers, skin boosters aren't primarily designed to change the shape of your face or create noticeable volume
Their purpose is to improve the quality of the skin.
Depending on the product and your individual skin concerns, they can help improve hydration, elasticity, texture and the appearance of fine lines.
I often think of skin boosters as a treatment for people who don't necessarily want to look different. They just want their skin to look fresher, healthier and a little more like it used to.
Where can they be used?
The face is probably the most familiar treatment area, particularly the cheeks, but certain skin boosters can also be used on the neck, décolletage and hands.
The exact areas depend on the product being used and whether it's suitable for that particular part of the skin.
Who would I recommend exploring them for?
Someone whose main concern is dehydration, dullness, reduced skin elasticity or fine lines rather than a loss of facial volume.
They're also worth discussing if you have a good skincare routine but feel your skin still needs a little extra help.
It's worth remembering that skin boosters aren't a replacement for volume restoring treatments. If your main concern is hollow cheeks or a lack of lip definition, they're unlikely to give you the result you're hoping for.
Now, Polynucleotides
This is where things get particularly interesting in the world of skin quality treatments.
Polynucleotides have become incredibly popular in aesthetics, particularly for concerns around delicate, crepey skin and the signs of ageing.
But what actually are they?
Polynucleotides are purified fragments of nucleic acids, commonly obtained from fish sources such as salmon or trout.
They're used in aesthetic treatments because of their potential to support the skin's natural repair processes.
Rather than simply adding hydration or creating volume, polynucleotide treatments are intended to help improve the condition of the skin itself.
Research into their benefits is promising, particularly in relation to skin texture, elasticity and fine lines, although the clinical evidence is still developing. We need more high quality studies to understand exactly how effective different products are and how long the improvements last.
One area that gets a lot of attention is the delicate skin around the eyes.
As we age, this area can become thinner and more crepey. Fine lines can become more noticeable and the skin doesn't always appear as smooth as it once did.
Polynucleotides may be an option for improving some of these skin quality concerns.
However, something I always think is important to explain is that not every under eye concern has the same cause.
Dark circles can be caused by pigmentation, genetics, shadows, hollowness or visible blood vessels. Polynucleotides aren't going to correct all of these things.
That's why understanding what is actually causing the concern matters so much.
Where can polynucleotides be used?
They're commonly discussed for the eye area, face and neck, with some formulations also being used for other areas of the body.
They're particularly interesting for people concerned about fine lines, crepey looking skin, changes in texture and reduced elasticity.
They aren't designed to give you bigger lips, fuller cheeks or a more defined jawline.
And although you may see them described online as treatments that rebuild or regenerate the skin, I think it's important to be realistic. They may support improvements in skin quality, but they cannot reverse the ageing process or guarantee collagen regeneration.
The results, where achieved, are generally subtle and gradual.
And finally, Dermal Fillers
Probably the most familiar of the three, but also one of the most misunderstood.
When people hear the words dermal filler, they often immediately think of lips.
And while lip enhancement is certainly one of the most popular uses, dermal filler can do much more than that.
As we age, changes happen beneath the surface of our skin too.
We naturally lose some facial fat, our bone structure changes and areas that once looked fuller can gradually lose volume.
This can affect the cheeks, the area around the mouth, the chin and the overall contours of the face.
Dermal fillers are designed to restore or enhance volume, shape and structural support.
Many of the fillers used in aesthetics are made from hyaluronic acid, although there are other types available.
What I particularly like about a considered approach to dermal filler is that the goal doesn't have to be changing someone's appearance.
Sometimes it's simply about restoring a little of what's been lost or enhancing a feature while keeping everything beautifully proportionate.
Of course, dermal filler can also be used for people who naturally have less volume in certain areas and would like a little more definition.
Which areas can dermal filler treat?
Lips are a common choice for improving fullness, shape and definition.
Cheek filler can help restore selected areas of volume loss or enhance facial contour.
Chin and jawline treatments may improve definition and facial balance in suitable clients.
Filler can also be considered for certain lines and folds around the mouth.
However, not every crease needs filling, and sometimes directly injecting the area someone is concerned about isn't the most appropriate approach.
This is where understanding facial anatomy and assessing the face as a whole becomes really important.
I also think it's worth addressing the worry that filler will automatically make you look unnatural.
It doesn't have to.
But results depend on product choice, placement, technique, the amount used and whether filler is actually appropriate in the first place.
More filler does not automatically mean a better result.
So how do you know which treatment is right for you?
I think the easiest way to understand the difference is to ask yourself what you're actually hoping to improve.
* If your skin feels dehydrated, dull or less supple than it used to, a skin booster might be worth exploring.
* If you're more concerned about crepey skin, fine lines and changes in skin texture or elasticity, polynucleotides may be something to consider.
* And if your concern is a loss of volume or you'd like to enhance the shape and definition of certain facial features, dermal filler may be the more appropriate option.
Sometimes concerns overlap, and more than one approach might be suitable.
Equally, sometimes a good skincare routine or a completely different treatment will be the better starting point.
I would never want a client to feel they need a particular injectable simply because it's the one everyone seems to be talking about.
Let's answer some of the questions you might be wondering about
Will these treatments make me look different?
Not necessarily.
Skin boosters and polynucleotides are generally chosen to improve skin quality rather than change facial features.
Dermal filler can create a visible change in volume or contour, but that doesn't mean it has to look dramatic.
The most important thing is having realistic expectations and agreeing on the result you're hoping to achieve before going ahead.
Are the treatments painful?
There can be some discomfort with any injectable treatment.
Most people describe a little pinching, pressure or stinging, although everyone has different levels of sensitivity.
Depending on the treatment and area, numbing products may be available to help make things more comfortable.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies depending on the product, your skin and what you're trying to achieve.
Skin boosters and polynucleotides are often recommended as a course of treatments, followed by maintenance if needed.
Dermal fillers are usually planned differently, depending on the area, the amount of correction required and your desired result.
There isn't one schedule that's suitable for everyone.
How quickly will I notice results?
With dermal filler, you'll often notice a change straight away, although swelling can make the area look different initially. It's important to allow everything to settle before judging the final result.
Skin boosters tend to work more gradually, with improvements in skin hydration and appearance developing over time.
Polynucleotides also require patience. Any improvements in skin quality are generally expected to develop over the following weeks rather than appearing immediately.
How long will the results last?
This is probably one of the questions I hear most often.
Unfortunately, there's no exact answer because so many factors can influence how long a treatment lasts.
Skin booster results often last for several months, depending on the formulation and the individual.
The longevity of polynucleotide results is less firmly established, and maintenance varies between products.
Dermal fillers can last many months or sometimes considerably longer. It's also important to know that some fillers can remain in the tissues beyond the timeframe you may have been quoted.
This is why I wouldn't recommend having further filler simply because a certain number of months has passed. We should always assess what's already there first.
Can I have more than one of these treatments?
Potentially, yes.
Because the treatments have different purposes, they can sometimes complement one another.
For example, someone might have concerns about both skin hydration and facial volume.
That doesn't automatically mean they need two treatments, though. The right approach is to consider each concern individually and plan treatments safely.
What about downtime?
With all three treatments, you should expect the possibility of some temporary redness, swelling, bruising or tenderness.
Small injection marks or bumps can also occur.
Most people can return to normal daily activities fairly quickly, but it's sensible to allow some recovery time, particularly if you have an important event coming up.
You'll always need to follow the aftercare advice specific to your treatment.
Something I'd really like you to take away from this...
You don't necessarily need filler because you've noticed a few fine lines.
You don't automatically need polynucleotides because you're over 40.
And you certainly don't need to book every new treatment that appears on social media.
Our skin is individual, and there are so many reasons why it changes over time.
Hormones, genetics, sun exposure, stress, lifestyle, skincare habits and the natural ageing process all play their part.
The key is understanding what's actually happening with your skin and choosing an approach that makes sense for you.
At StudioTwenty2, I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, understanding your options and making decisions because you genuinely want to, not because you feel you should.
Sometimes a little extra hydration is all that's needed.
Sometimes restoring a small amount of lost volume might be appropriate.
And sometimes the best advice is to leave things exactly as they are.
Beautiful skin doesn't mean flawless skin. And good aesthetics shouldn't mean losing the features that make you, you.
If you're curious about any of these treatments, or aren't quite sure where to start, you're always welcome to get in touch.
We can talk through your concerns, what you'd like to achieve and whether any of these treatments may be suitable.
No pressure, no unnecessary treatments. Just honest advice and a considered approach to looking after your skin.
StudioTwenty2
Beautifully individual. Always.
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*Please note: This article is intended for general education. Injectable treatments carry risks and aren't suitable for everyone. Individual suitability, product choice and treatment plans should always be established through a full consultation and informed consent.*
Let's answer some of the questions you might be wondering about
Will these treatments make me look different?
Not necessarily.
Skin boosters and polynucleotides are generally chosen to improve skin quality rather than change facial features.
Dermal filler can create a visible change in volume or contour, but that doesn't mean it has to look dramatic.
The most important thing is having realistic expectations and agreeing on the result you're hoping to achieve before going ahead.
Are the treatments painful?
There can be some discomfort with any injectable treatment.
Most people describe a little pinching, pressure or stinging, although everyone has different levels of sensitivity.
Depending on the treatment and area, numbing products may be available to help make things more comfortable.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies depending on the product, your skin and what you're trying to achieve.
Skin boosters and polynucleotides are often recommended as a course of treatments, followed by maintenance if needed.
Dermal fillers are usually planned differently, depending on the area, the amount of correction required and your desired result.
There isn't one schedule that's suitable for everyone.
How quickly will I notice results?
With dermal filler, you'll often notice a change straight away, although swelling can make the area look different initially. It's important to allow everything to settle before judging the final result.
Skin boosters tend to work more gradually, with improvements in skin hydration and appearance developing over time.
Polynucleotides also require patience. Any improvements in skin quality are generally expected to develop over the following weeks rather than appearing immediately.
How long will the results last?
This is probably one of the questions I hear most often.
Unfortunately, there's no exact answer because so many factors can influence how long a treatment lasts.
Skin booster results often last for several months, depending on the formulation and the individual.
The longevity of polynucleotide results is less firmly established, and maintenance varies between products.
Dermal fillers can last many months or sometimes considerably longer. It's also important to know that some fillers can remain in the tissues beyond the timeframe you may have been quoted.
This is why I wouldn't recommend having further filler simply because a certain number of months has passed. We should always assess what's already there first.
Can I have more than one of these treatments?
Potentially, yes.
Because the treatments have different purposes, they can sometimes complement one another.
For example, someone might have concerns about both skin hydration and facial volume.
That doesn't automatically mean they need two treatments, though. The right approach is to consider each concern individually and plan treatments safely.
What about downtime?
With all three treatments, you should expect the possibility of some temporary redness, swelling, bruising or tenderness.
Small injection marks or bumps can also occur.
Most people can return to normal daily activities fairly quickly, but it's sensible to allow some recovery time, particularly if you have an important event coming up.
You'll always need to follow the aftercare advice specific to your treatment.