Across Instagram and social media platforms, two types of treatments are dominating conversations in aesthetic medicine: skin boosters and biostimulators. These aren’t just passing trends—they represent a fundamental shift in how patients approach facial rejuvenation.
Understanding the Difference
Before exploring why these treatments are so popular, it’s important to understand what makes them unique.
Skin Boosters like Profhilo, Skinvive by Juvederm, and polynucleotides are injectable treatments that improve skin quality through deep hydration and bio-remodelling. They don’t add volume or change facial structure—instead, they enhance the skin’s natural qualities.
Biostimulators such as Sculptra and HArmonyCa work differently. Rather than providing immediate fullness, they stimulate the body to produce its own collagen gradually over time. The results develop slowly, appearing naturally refreshed rather than suddenly different.
Why Skin Boosters Are Gaining Popularity
Social media has amplified awareness of treatments that create genuine skin improvement. Skin boosters deliver exactly what today’s patients want: healthy, glowing skin that looks naturally radiant.
Profhilo: The Pioneer
Profhilo revolutionised the skin booster category. Its unique formulation contains one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid available, which spreads through the skin to improve hydration, elasticity and firmness.
The treatment involves strategic injection points across the face, allowing the product to distribute naturally through tissue. Results appear gradually—skin becomes more luminous, plump and youthful-looking.
What makes Profhilo particularly appealing is its simplicity. Two treatments, four weeks apart, provide results lasting six months or more. Many patients return for maintenance treatments twice yearly to sustain their improved skin quality.
Skinvive by Juvederm: The Latest Innovation
Skinvive represents the newest advancement in skin booster technology from Allergan, the makers of Juvederm. This FDA-approved treatment has been specifically designed to improve skin smoothness and hydration.
The formulation focuses on enhancing skin quality in a way that’s perfectly aligned with the natural aesthetic so many patients now seek. It’s particularly popular among younger patients practising prejuvenation—starting treatments early to maintain youthful skin.
Polynucleotides: Advanced Regeneration
Polynucleotides represent cutting-edge regenerative aesthetic medicine. Derived from salmon DNA, these molecules promote tissue repair and stimulate fibroblast activity—the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin.
The science behind polynucleotides is fascinating. They work at a cellular level to improve skin health, reduce inflammation, and enhance the skin’s natural repair mechanisms.
Patients notice improved skin texture, reduced fine lines, and overall rejuvenation. The treatment is particularly effective for the delicate under-eye area and can complement other aesthetic treatments beautifully.
The Biostimulator Revolution
While skin boosters improve existing skin quality, biostimulators take a different approach—they stimulate the body to rebuild lost collagen and structure.
Sculptra: Building Collagen Gradually
Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid, which works beneath the skin’s surface to rebuild collagen reserves gradually. As we age, we lose approximately 1% of our collagen each year from our mid-twenties onwards. Sculptra helps replace what time has taken away.
The treatment requires patience. Results develop over several months as the body produces new collagen. However, this gradual improvement is precisely why results look so natural—there’s no sudden change, just progressive enhancement.
Sculptra results can last two years or more, making it an excellent investment in long-term facial rejuvenation. It’s particularly effective for:
- Restoring volume to hollow temples
- Improving cheek contour and structure
- Addressing nasolabial folds naturally
- Rebuilding lost volume in the lower face
HArmonyCa: The Hybrid Approach
HArmonyCa represents an exciting evolution in biostimulator technology. It combines immediate correction with long-term collagen stimulation, offering the best of both worlds.
The unique hybrid formula contains calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres suspended in a hyaluronic acid gel. The hyaluronic acid provides immediate smoothing and lift, while the calcium hydroxyapatite stimulates collagen production for long-lasting structural improvement.
This dual-action approach makes HArmonyCa particularly versatile. It can address various concerns:
- Restoring facial volume loss
- Improving jawline definition
- Enhancing cheek structure
- Addressing moderate to severe lines
Results continue improving for several months as collagen production increases, with effects lasting 18 months or longer.
Why Medical Expertise Matters More Than Ever
With Instagram and social media bringing increased attention to these treatments, it’s crucial to understand that results depend entirely on the skill and experience of your practitioner.
Skin boosters and biostimulators require:
- Comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy
- Knowledge of appropriate product selection for different concerns
- Precise injection technique
- Artistic eye for facial balance and proportion
- Experience with these specific products
The wrong product in the wrong area, or incorrect injection depth, can compromise results. This is why choosing a medically qualified, experienced practitioner is essential.
Combining Treatments for Optimal Results
One insight from aesthetic communities across social media that deserves attention is the effectiveness of combining different treatment approaches.
The Art of Harmonised Enhancement
Dr Anita Dhunna often combines FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers from the Juvederm Vycross range with collagen stimulators like HArmonyCa to create beautifully natural, harmonised results.
This combination approach is where artistry meets medical science. The Juvederm Vycross range provides:
- Immediate structural support where needed
- Precise enhancement of specific features
- Instant improvement in targeted areas
- Smooth, natural-feeling results
When combined with HArmonyCa’s collagen-stimulating properties, the result is comprehensive facial rejuvenation that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term skin quality.
The artistic element is crucial here. Dr Anita Dhunna’s years of experience allow her to assess facial proportions, understand how different areas interact, and determine the precise balance of instant structure versus gradual collagen stimulation needed for each individual face.
The result is a harmonised appearance that looks naturally beautiful rather than “done,” with improvements that continue to evolve and last significantly longer than traditional filler treatments alone.
Other Effective Combinations
Skin Boosters + Botox: Addressing both skin quality and dynamic lines creates comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Botox softens expression lines while skin boosters improve overall skin health.
Biostimulators + Dermal Fillers: For patients requiring both structure and collagen stimulation, combining approaches can be highly effective. For example, using Juvederm for precise lip enhancement or tear trough treatment, while employing HArmonyCa for broader facial structure.
Skin Boosters + Biostimulators: This combination addresses skin quality while simultaneously rebuilding collagen foundation. It’s particularly effective for patients noticing both textural concerns and volume loss.
The art lies in determining which combination suits each individual face—something that requires both technical skill and aesthetic judgement developed over years of practice.
The “Invisible” Treatment Approach
What makes skin boosters and biostimulators perfect for patients seeking a natural aesthetic is their subtlety. These treatments enhance without transforming. You look like yourself—just more rested, refreshed and radiant.
This invisible approach to aesthetics represents the future of the industry. Patients don’t want obvious treatments; they want to maintain their unique features while addressing specific concerns.
What to Expect During Treatment
Understanding the treatment process helps patients feel confident and prepared.
Skin Booster Treatments:
- Consultation to assess skin quality and discuss goals
- Injection technique using very fine needles
- Multiple injection points across treated areas
- Minimal discomfort with topical anaesthetic if needed
- Little to no downtime
- Results developing over 2-4 weeks
- Treatment courses typically involve 2-3 sessions
Biostimulator Treatments:
- Comprehensive facial assessment
- Treatment planning based on areas of concern
- Injection using appropriate technique for chosen product
- Possible mild swelling for a few days
- Results developing gradually over 2-6 months
- Multiple sessions usually recommended
- Long-lasting improvement (18-24 months)
Who Benefits Most From These Treatments?
Skin Boosters are ideal for:
- Anyone noticing dull, tired-looking skin
- Patients wanting to improve hydration and texture
- Those seeking the “glass skin” or glowing complexion effect
- Younger patients focusing on skin health maintenance
- Patients looking to enhance skin quality before events
Biostimulators suit:
- Patients experiencing volume loss in the face
- Those wanting natural, gradual improvement
- Anyone seeking long-lasting collagen stimulation
- Patients who prefer subtle enhancement over time
- Those looking to restore facial structure naturally
Many patients benefit from both approaches, addressing different aspects of facial ageing simultaneously.
The Role of Maintenance
Both skin boosters and biostimulators require maintenance to sustain results, though less frequently than traditional dermal fillers.
Skin Boosters: Most patients return for top-up treatments every 6-12 months to maintain improved skin quality.
Biostimulators: After the initial treatment course, annual maintenance sessions help sustain collagen production and facial structure.
This maintenance approach fits perfectly with the preventative philosophy many patients are now adopting—regular, subtle treatments that maintain youthful appearance rather than dramatic interventions to correct significant ageing.
Why This Approach Makes Sense
The popularity of skin boosters and biostimulators across Instagram and social media reflects a more sophisticated understanding of facial aesthetics.
Patients recognise that:
- Healthy skin forms the foundation of youthful appearance
- Natural collagen production delivers better long-term results
- Gradual improvement looks more authentic than sudden change
- Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to facial volume
- Prevention is easier than correction
This educated approach benefits everyone. Patients achieve better outcomes, and practitioners can focus on artistry and subtle enhancement rather than obvious transformation.
Your Personalised Treatment Plan
At Dr Anita Dhunna’s clinics in South Woodford (East London / Essex), Hatfield (Hertfordshire) and Bishop’s Stortford (East Hertfordshire), individualised treatment strategies are developed based on each patient’s unique facial structure, concerns, and aesthetic goals.
During consultation, discussions include:
- Specific skin quality concerns
- Areas where volume loss has been noticed
- Expectations and desired outcomes
- Which treatments or combinations would be most effective
- Treatment timeline and maintenance requirements
- Realistic expectations for results
The goal is always natural-looking enhancement that maintains unique characteristics while addressing concerns.
The Science Behind the Trend
While Instagram and social media have brought these treatments into public awareness, they’re backed by substantial clinical research and years of development.
Hyaluronic acid’s ability to attract and bind water molecules is well-documented, making it ideal for skin hydration and rejuvenation. Poly-L-lactic acid’s collagen-stimulating properties have been extensively studied, with results showing sustained improvement over time.
These aren’t experimental treatments—they’re established, clinically proven approaches to facial rejuvenation that happen to align perfectly with contemporary aesthetic preferences.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Facial Aesthetics
The trend towards skin boosters and biostimulators represents the future direction of aesthetic medicine. The industry is moving away from simply filling and freezing towards treatments that genuinely improve skin health and work with the body’s natural processes.
This shift benefits patients through:
- More natural-looking results
- Longer-lasting improvements
- Better skin health overall
- Reduced need for frequent top-ups
- Enhanced confidence without obvious treatment
Begin Your Journey
If you’re curious about how skin boosters or biostimulators could enhance your natural beauty, Dr Anita Dhunna welcomes the opportunity to discuss your options.
Visit dranitadhunna.com to book a consultation at one of her clinics in South Woodford (East London / Essex), Hatfield (Hertfordshire) or Bishop’s Stortford (East Hertfordshire).
Together, a personalised treatment plan can be created that delivers the natural-looking enhancement you’re seeking.
