If you’ve been researching injectable skin treatments recently, you may have noticed the options have multiplied.
It’s no longer just “dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle injections”. Now there are skin boosters, polynucleotides, biostimulators and more – all promising healthier, younger-looking skin in slightly different ways.
For many patients, the terminology quickly becomes confusing.
The good news is that these treatments aren’t competing with one another. They simply work at different layers and timelines. Understanding what each category actually does makes it much easier to decide where to start.
Let’s start by unpacking what each of these aesthetic treatments involve:
Skin boosters focus on hydration and overall skin quality.
They’re usually made from hyaluronic acid and are injected very superficially to improve the condition of the skin rather than change facial shape.
Their main benefits include:
deeper hydration
improved elasticity
smoother texture
subtle glow
softening of fine lines
Think of skin boosters as improving the “finish” of your skin.
They’re often a gentle first step for patients who want fresher-looking skin without altering their features.
Polynucleotides work differently.
Rather than simply hydrating, they support repair and regeneration at a cellular level. They help calm inflammation, encourage tissue repair and improve the skin’s environment so it can function more effectively.
They’re often used for:
acne scarring
redness or sensitivity
skin that looks stressed or damaged
Results tend to develop gradually as the skin rebuilds itself.
You can think of polynucleotides as helping the skin recover and strengthen, rather than just adding moisture.
Biostimulators focus on boosting collagen production over time.
Instead of providing immediate hydration or volume, they trigger your body’s own collagen response, leading to firmer, thicker, more resilient skin over several months.
Biostimulators are commonly chosen for:
skin laxity
loss of firmness
deeper lines
age-related thinning
overall structural ageing
Results appear more slowly but can last longer.
This category is often better suited to patients noticing more advanced signs of ageing.
Not exactly. These treatments improve skin quality and biology, while dermal fillers provide structure and volume.
If hollowing or contour loss is the main concern, fillers may still be needed. Skin boosters, polynucleotides and biostimulators address the skin itself rather than reshaping the face.
In many cases, they complement fillers rather than replace them.
Key differences at a glance
Skin boosters |
Polynucleotides |
Biostimulators |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Hydration & glow | Repair & regeneration | Collagen stimulation |
| How they work | Attract moisture | Support tissue healing | Trigger new collagen |
| Results timeline | Quick, subtle | Gradual | Slow, progressive |
| Best for | Dull, dehydrated skin | Fragile or damaged skin | Laxity & deeper ageing |
| Downtime | Minimal | Minimal to mild | Mild swelling or tenderness |
| Feel | Fresh & radiant | Stronger & healthier | Firmer & tighter |
A simple way to think about it:
Early dullness or dehydration → skin boosters
Sensitivity, scarring or weakened skin → polynucleotides
Loss of firmness or laxity → biostimulators
If you’re new to injectable skin treatments, starting gently often makes the most sense.
Stronger or deeper treatments can always be introduced later if needed.
Yes – and this is often where the most natural results come from.
Rather than relying on one product, treatments can be:
layered in the same plan
phased over several months
adjusted as your skin changes
For example, someone might visit our clinic in Harley Street and – following a consultation with our team of doctors – begin with a skin booster for hydration, then introduce polynucleotides for repair, followed by a biostimulator for long-term firmness.
This step-by-step approach keeps improvements subtle and balanced.
Yes – and this is often where the most natural results come from.
Rather than relying on one product, treatments can be:
layered in the same plan
phased over several months
adjusted as your skin changes
For example, someone might begin with a skin booster for hydration, then introduce polynucleotides for repair, followed by a biostimulator for long-term firmness.
This step-by-step approach keeps improvements subtle and balanced.
When comparing skin boosters vs polynucleotides vs biostimulators, there isn’t a single “best” option.
Each simply addresses a different biological process. The right starting point depends on your skin quality, your age-related changes, your lifestyle and your long-term goals.
A thorough medical consultation at our clinic in Harley Street allows your treatment plan to evolve gradually, supporting healthier skin over time rather than chasing quick fixes.
Skin boosters hydrate. Polynucleotides focus on repair and strengthening of the skin tissue.
No. Biostimulators stimulate collagen over time, while fillers add immediate volume and shape.
Skin boosters usually show the quickest visible glow and hydration.
Biostimulators often last longer because they rely on your own collagen production.
Yes, many patients benefit from a phased or layered approach.
Generally yes, especially skin boosters, but suitability should always be assessed professionally.
Usually minimal — mild swelling or small injection marks for a few days.
A consultation is the best way to assess your skin and create a personalised plan.
Your feedback is always important to us, as it helps us to improve our systems and processes in our continual pursuit of excellence. If you have any suggestions, comments, or concerns please get in touch.
