If you've been browsing YouTube or Googling ways to get glowing, youthful skin, chances are you've come across the terms Skin Booster and Dermal Filler. They both involve injections. They both promise better skin. But what exactly are they? How are they different? And which one is right for you?
Let's break it all down in simple terms so you can decide what your skin really needs.
Skin boosters are like deep hydration therapy for your skin. Instead of applying skincare on the surface, skin boosters are injected directly into the skin—specifically, the top or middle layers—to deeply hydrate, improve skin texture, and boost overall glow from the inside out.
They're not about changing your face shape or adding volume. Instead, skin boosters aim to:
Hydrate the skin long-term
Smooth out fine lines and rough texture
Brighten dull or tired-looking skin
Improve elasticity and skin tone
Reduce large pores and acne scars
Most skin boosters contain hyaluronic acid (HA)—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. Some also include amino acids, vitamins, or antioxidants.
Popular products: Prejuva, NutriDerm
Dermal fillers are more about structure and volume. These are thicker gel-like substances injected deeper into the skin (or even under the skin) to restore volume loss, fill deep wrinkles, or enhance facial features like lips, cheeks, jawline, or nose.
So instead of improving skin quality like boosters do, dermal fillers are used to:
Fill hollow areas (like under-eye tear troughs)
Smooth out deep wrinkles (like nasolabial folds)
Reshape or enhance features (chin, jaw, lips, nose)
Restore youthful volume lost due to aging
Most dermal fillers also use hyaluronic acid, but in a more cross-linked form, which makes it firmer and longer-lasting. Other types include Calcium Hydroxyapatite (like CHArmacy, Radiesse) and PLLA (like Sculptra, Devolux) that stimulate collagen production for long-term improvement.
Popular products: Juvéderm, Aqua Secret, Revisage, Sculptra, Devolux
Feature | Skin Booster | Dermal Filler |
Goal | Improve skin quality, glow, and hydration | Add volume, reshape, and fill deep wrinkles |
Texture | Runny, lightweight | Thicker, gel-like |
HA type | Non-crosslinked or lightly crosslinked | Highly crosslinked |
Injection depth | Superficial (upper dermis) | Deep dermis or subcutaneous layer |
Duration | 6–12 months | 6 months to 2+ years |
Common areas | Face, neck, chest, hands | Lips, cheeks, chin, nose, tear troughs |
So, skin boosters are for glow. Fillers are for shape.
Here's how to choose based on your goals:
Look fresher, dewier, more “well-rested”
Reduce fine lines and enlarged pores
Fix dry, dull, or tired-looking skin
Improve skin on the face, neck, chest, or hands
Start an anti-aging routine in your 20s or 30s
Add volume to hollow cheeks or under-eyes
Define the jawline or chin
Smooth deep folds (like smile lines)
Get plumper lips
Reverse visible signs of aging
And yes—you can absolutely combine both! Many doctors recommend doing volume correction first with fillers, then skin boosters to enhance skin quality for a complete, natural result.
Skin boosters: Usually 6–12 months. Some people start with 2–3 monthly sessions, then maintain once or twice a year.
Dermal fillers: Varies based on product and area, typically 12–18 months. Thicker fillers or collagen-stimulating types may last longer.
Remember, results fade gradually. To maintain the glow or shape, you'll need regular top-ups.
Like any injectable treatment, skin boosters and dermal fillers can have side effects, but they're usually mild when done by trained professionals.
For skin boosters, common reactions include slight redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. These effects typically go away within a few days and are rarely serious.
Dermal fillers can cause more noticeable swelling or bruising, and in rare cases, issues like asymmetry or lumps. The most serious—but very rare—risk is vascular occlusion, which happens if filler enters a blood vessel and can cause tissue damage.
So, are these treatments safe?
Yes—as long as they're done properly. Always choose a certified medical professional, ask about the products they're using (FDA-approved or CE-marked is ideal), and make sure they have experience with facial anatomy. Avoid DIY solutions or non-medical injectors—your face isn't the place to cut corners.
Let's be honest—TikTok and YouTube are full of beauty content, but not all of it is accurate.
Many creators use filters or lighting to exaggerate results
Some promote non-approved products or DIY methods
Not all “experts” are actually medical professionals
✅ Pro tip: Stick to verified doctors or clinics on social media. Look for before-and-after photos, treatment explanations, and realistic expectations—not just quick glam transitions.
Let's make it easy:
Your Goal | Your Best Option |
Want better skin hydration, glow, smoother texture | Skin Booster |
Want fuller cheeks, lips, chin or contouring | Dermal Filler |
Want both glow and shape | Use Both Together |
There's no "one size fits all" in aesthetics. The best treatment is the one tailored to your skin, your goals, and your timeline.
Always book a consultation first—a qualified injector can assess your face and skin to suggest what suits you best.
Start slow. Less is often more, especially with injectables.
Be patient. Results improve over days to weeks.
Keep your expectations realistic. These treatments are enhancements, not magic.
And most importantly, do this for YOU—not for a filter, trend, or anyone else's opinion.
Dermax is a trusted supplier of aesthetic injection products. If you're looking to buy skin booster dermal filler at competitive prices, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us anytime—we're here to help with reliable products and support.
