Why you need a skin booster

If you’re anything like me, you might be a little overwhelmed by the range of at-home skin care treatments on the market. From serums, to facial oils, to concentrates, the options are endless for giving your skin a nourishing treat in between cleansing and moisturising. And now there’s a new product on the block – skin boosters.

But what are they, how do you use them, and how can they benefit your skin? Let’s find out...

What is a skin booster and what are the benefits of using one?

In a nutshell, skin boosters are the same as serums – they’re skin treatments. “The concept of both [serums and boosters] is to provide the skin with additional support during periods of impaired functionality to assist with addressing ageing, inflammation, pigmentation, and so on,” explains Debbie Dickson, Director of Education at DMK Australia.

So, what type of skin booster should you keep your eye out for? Debbie recommends one that helps boost your skin’s immunity: “DMK’s Beta Gel [Solution] takes action to support the skin’s defence systems, supporting the skin so its youthful qualities do not deteriorate.”

bh loves: Alpha-H Vitamin E, AHAVA Time to Revitalize Extreme Night Treatment, BABOR BOOST CELLULAR Glow Booster Bi-Phase Ampoule, Elizabeth Arden SUPERSTART Skin Renewal Booster

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What skin types would benefit from using a skin booster?

Everyone’s skin can reap the replenishing benefits of a skin booster. “All skin types of any age can do with a little bit of help from time to time... it really is never too late to start looking after your skin!” says Debbie. “The trick is to find a formulation that addresses the dysfunction, not just the symptom. That way you are truly taking steps towards long-lasting results and skin health.”

How is a skin booster different to a facial oil?

Oils are more about repairing your skin’s protective barrier, rather than its impaired functionality. “Generally, oils are used for barrier repair therapy, which works on rebalancing the skin’s epidermal barrier – the acid mantle that functions as a barrier to both the escape of moisture and the entry of infectious or toxic substances,” she explains. “If your [skin’s] barrier is compromised, it can result in transepidermal water loss, resulting in dryness, scaling, roughness, wrinkles, and premature aging. Depending on the contained active ingredient and the extraction methods, oils work on assisting to restore this.”

bh loves: Vanessa Megan N.E.O Nature’s Elixir Face Oil, INIKA Cosmetics Certified Organic Pure Rosehip Oil

RELATED: Which facial oil should you be using

How do you incorporate a skin booster into your skin care routine?

Generally, you apply the thinner liquid formulations first, followed by thicker ones. “As a rule of thumb, it always goes by the viscosity of the liquid. Boosters and serums tend to go on straight after cleansing because they don’t contain the same emulsifiers or emollients that your cleansers and moisturisers do,” explains Debbie. “Boosters and serums are typically aqueous (watery) solutions and go on first so that their delivery system may be effective in supplying the targeted area with their active ingredients. Follow these with your other various oils, creams, and sun-protection/SPF, as directed by your trusted skin care professional.”

bh loves: NIVEA Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Pearls, St. Derma Intense Revitalizer Cream

RELATED: How to improve the condition of your skin

Have you tried a skin booster before? What serums or boosters do you use in your skin care routine?