We are at a moment when the “less is more” routines are the most popular, and more and more people are trying to reduce the number of steps, but there are some very useful ones that help improve results and boost our regular products. One of them is boosters, a product that can also be found in aesthetic medicine, but which, little by little, has been incorporated into daily life at home.
Boosters for routine products that, with a small gesture, manage to improve results. Some of them can be used mixed with products such as serums, and what they contain is a high concentration of active ingredients that manage to optimize those results. We know them from pharmacist Eduardo Senante of www.farmaciasenante.com and dermatologist Elena Martínez Lorenzo.
A supplement to the routine
Eduardo Senante explains that the meaning of booster is «enhancer, propeller, driver». In the case of cosmetics, he highlights that they are formulations «that will empower the routine», especially the nighttime one, and that, moreover, «they can enhance the actives that we are going to apply afterwards». This means that they are a complement, an extra step that will not be a substitute for anything, helping to obtain more visible results.
Dr. Martínez Lorenzo adds that they are highly concentrated cosmetic products that act as boosters, i.e., they speed up or intensify the results of cosmetic treatments. They are used in consultation, the doctor notes, when the skin needs a plus, whether it is hydration, luminosity, beyond routine home treatments. For example, in very dehydrated, very dull skin.
Actives present in boosters
Boosters are very versatile and allow different combinations of actives. Eduardo Senante considers that the «most potent today are those with an intensive load of peptides and amino acids, which are the most potent today». These would be to promote the firmness and elasticity of the skin. On the other hand, we could reinforce the routine with «ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid» or with «antioxidant boosters like vitamin C». The pharmacist also considers those that contain «alpha-hydroxy acids to improve skin texture», in addition to the newer ones with «biodegradable microneedles that stimulate collagen production, boosting the effect of the collagen-stimulating product applied afterwards».
In the case of clinic boosters, dermatologist Martínez Lorenzo mentions those «with active ingredients in high concentrations», which are medical treatments placed in the medical consultation by means of microneedling (mesotherapy). Among the substances we find are hyaluronic acid, antioxidants such as vitamins, depigmenting agents like tranexamic acid. All of them are applied directly into the dermis for an interior effect.
Boosters in the routine
How do we use these boosters in the routine? Eduardo Senante explains that «incorporating it into the routine is very easy, but it must be done at the right time». The pharmacist considers that it can be after cleansing and before serum or after cleansing and after toner. Another option would be «before the serum or if I don’t use serum, before the moisturizer». The professional believes it can be used as an intensive treatment or daily in our day or night routine.
The moment to start using them, the professional notes, is «when the skin needs an extra boost or to see results more visible or more quickly». Some examples would be «skins that want a better look to wrinkles, dull and that want to boost brightness or dehydrated and dull that want to increase hydration». In short, he recommends them when we want visible results without altering the rest of the routine. That said, he warns that «we must listen to our skin and its barrier function», i.e., that «depending on how sensitive our skin is, we may be able to use more potent boosters or not». Therefore, if we apply the right booster at the right moment and with the necessary routine, it can transform the texture, brightness and hydration of the skin.
In the case of aesthetic treatments
When considering using a booster as an aesthetic treatment, there are a series of precautions to take before and after. Dr. Elena Martínez Lorenzo explains that before performing it «we must avoid taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding, avoid areas of skin that are irritated or avoid treatments».” “She also highlights the importance of «avoiding prior cosmetics that alter the skin barrier and avoiding solar exposure or tanning cabins during the three or four days prior».
After performing it, Martínez Lorenzo considers «avoiding massaging the area or using irritant products after the treatment». As well as «solar exposure, do not use very occlusive creams or makeup in the hours following the treatment».” “Also «avoid physical exercise, saunas or very intense heat sources during the 24 hours after treatment and in the 7–10 days after, do not perform skin treatments that would disrupt the skin barrier».
Boosters for the skin
V6.10 Relax Face by Sepai.
Sepai
The Spanish skincare brand offers several boosters that can be combined with its products. V6.10 Relax Face can be used on sensitive skin and reduces expression wrinkles. Its formula is a combination of peptides that slow down the frequency of nerve signal transmission so that the muscles contract less. (49 euros)
Timexpert SRNS Repair Night Progress by Germaine de Capuccini.
Germaine de Capuccini
Timexpert SRNS Repair Night Progress is a night-time booster that corrects signs of aging. It has a formula with 22 actives that regenerate the skin at night and continue to act during the day. The skin is firmer and more radiant. (118.85 euros)
Glow Perfecting Serum Drops by Weleda.
Weleda
The skincare brand has launched three boosters, including Glow Perfecting Serum Drops. A high-concentration active formula that achieves a luminous skin and adds uniformity to the complexion. It can be used alone or combined with the moisturizer. (13.95 euros)
Booster 7% Ectoine by Paula’s Choice.
Paula’s Choice
Booster 7% Ectoine is a hydrating serum that in seven days achieves a more radiant skin, improves the barrier function and provides intense hydration. It combines in the formula hyaluronic acid, glycogen and squalane. (49 euros)
