In short: “Skin booster” covers several different injections. Classic hyaluronic acid boosters mainly add hydration and glow. Profhilo spreads a high dose of hyaluronic acid under the skin to improve hydration and early laxity. Polynucleotides, such as Rejuran and Salmon DNA (PDRN), focus on repair: texture, fine lines, thin or sensitive skin and acne scarring. The right choice depends on whether your skin needs hydration, firmness or repair.
Key takeaways
- Start with your skin concern, not the product name.
- Dry, dull, dehydrated skin: hyaluronic acid skin boosters.
- Dehydrated skin with early laxity or crepiness: Profhilo.
- Rough texture, fine lines, thin or sensitive skin, scarring: polynucleotides (Rejuran) or PDRN (Salmon DNA).
- None of these adds volume like filler. They improve skin quality.
- Many plans combine two of them over a few months.
What each treatment is
Hyaluronic acid skin boosters
Skin boosters inject a light hyaluronic acid gel into the skin with many tiny injections. Hyaluronic acid holds water, so the skin looks more hydrated, smoother and brighter.
- Best for: dry, dull or dehydrated skin, fine surface lines
- Course: usually 2–3 sessions a few weeks apart
- Downtime: small bumps and redness, usually gone in a day or two
Profhilo
Profhilo is a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, injected at only a few points on each side of the face. It spreads under the skin by itself. As well as hydrating, it supports collagen and elastin, so it helps with early laxity.
- Best for: dehydrated skin with early laxity, crepey skin on the face and neck
- Course: usually 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart
- Downtime: small bumps at the injection points for a few hours to a day
Profhilo Structura is a different product for mid-face volume support. See Profhilo vs Profhilo Structura.
Polynucleotides and PDRN (Rejuran and Salmon DNA)
These are made from purified salmon DNA. They do not mainly hydrate. They support the skin’s own repair, which improves texture, thickness and resilience over time.
- Rejuran uses polynucleotides (PN). It is often used for texture, fine lines, thin skin and early acne scarring. Rejuran i is a version for the under-eye area.
- Salmon DNA treatments use PDRN, which is made of shorter DNA fragments. They are often used for repair, calming sensitive skin and overall skin quality.
- Best for: rough texture, fine lines, thin or crepey skin, sensitive skin, acne scarring, under-eye fine lines
- Course: usually 3 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart
- Downtime: small bumps and redness for 24–48 hours
For the differences between the Rejuran versions, read Rejuran Healer vs Rejuran i vs Rejuran S.
Side-by-side comparison
| HA skin boosters | Profhilo | Polynucleotides / PDRN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Hyaluronic acid | High-concentration hyaluronic acid | Purified salmon DNA (PN or PDRN) |
| Main job | Hydration and glow | Hydration plus early firmness | Repair and skin quality |
| Best for | Dry, dull skin | Dehydration with early laxity | Texture, fine lines, thin or scarred skin |
| Injection pattern | Many small injections | 5 points per side of the face | Many small injections |
| Typical course | 2–3 sessions | 2 sessions | Usually 3 sessions |
| Downtime | 1–2 days of small bumps | A few hours to a day | 24–48 hours of small bumps |
| When results show | Within days to 2 weeks | Hydration within days; firmness over several weeks | Gradually over 2–4 weeks and beyond |
| Adds volume | No | No | No |
Which one does your skin need?
| How your skin looks and feels | Often considered |
|---|---|
| Tight, dry, flaky, dull, especially after summer or air conditioning | HA skin booster |
| Dehydrated and starting to look less firm or crepey | Profhilo |
| Rough texture, open pores, fine lines | Rejuran or Salmon DNA |
| Thin, sensitive or reactive skin | Polynucleotides or PDRN |
| Early acne scarring | Rejuran, often with Morpheus8 or Frax Pro |
| Fine lines and crepiness under the eyes | Rejuran i or Salmon DNA (eye-specific protocol) |
| Crepey neck | Profhilo or polynucleotides |
| Lost volume in cheeks or temples | None of these; consider filler or a collagen stimulator |
Can they be combined?
Yes. A common plan pairs a hydrating treatment with a repair treatment. For example, Profhilo for hydration and firmness, plus Rejuran for texture, spaced a few weeks apart. Skin boosters also combine well with devices such as Morpheus8, and with Botox for lines caused by movement. Your doctor will plan the order and gaps.
Read more in Skin Boosters vs Collagen Stimulators.
Risks and what to expect
Common: small bumps at the injection points, redness, mild swelling, tenderness and bruising. These usually settle within 1–3 days.
Less common: infection, lumps that last longer and allergic reactions.
Not suitable if you: are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection or cold sore in the area, or have certain autoimmune conditions. Tell your doctor about any allergy to fish or salmon before polynucleotide or PDRN treatment.
Aftercare: avoid make-up for about 12 hours, and avoid saunas, steam rooms and intense workouts for 24–48 hours. Do not massage the area unless told to. Use daily sunscreen.
Realistic expectations
- These treatments improve skin quality. They do not lift, fill or reshape the face.
- Results are gradual and subtle. Most people say their skin looks healthier, not different.
- Results usually last several months. Maintenance sessions keep them going, often every 6–9 months.
- Lifestyle still matters: sun protection, sleep, hydration and not smoking.
What happens at a skin-quality consultation
At Roxana Aesthetics Clinic, a doctor examines your skin up close and asks about your routine and past treatments. They check:
- Whether the main issue is hydration, laxity, texture or repair
- Skin thickness and sensitivity
- Any scarring, pigmentation or active acne
- Upcoming events, so the plan has time to settle
You then get a plan with the product, the number of sessions and the timing.
Book a personalised skin-quality consultation at Roxana Aesthetics Clinic, 825 Al Wasl Road, Dubai, or message the clinic on WhatsApp at +971 54 581 3345.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Profhilo and other skin boosters?
Both use hyaluronic acid. Profhilo uses a high concentration that spreads under the skin from a few injection points, and supports firmness as well as hydration. Other skin boosters mainly hydrate and use many small injections.
Are polynucleotides better than Profhilo?
They do different jobs. Profhilo mainly hydrates and helps early laxity. Polynucleotides mainly support repair, texture and thin skin. The better choice depends on your skin’s main concern.
Is Rejuran the same as Salmon DNA?
Both come from salmon DNA. Rejuran uses polynucleotides (PN). Salmon DNA treatments usually use PDRN, which is made of shorter fragments. They overlap a lot, and your doctor will suggest the one that fits your skin.
How many sessions do I need?
Profhilo is usually 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart. HA skin boosters are usually 2–3 sessions. Rejuran and Salmon DNA are usually 3 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart.
How long do skin booster results last?
Usually several months. Many people have maintenance sessions every 6–9 months.
Can skin boosters replace filler?
No. Skin boosters improve skin quality but do not add volume or reshape the face. Lost volume needs filler or a collagen stimulator.
Is there downtime after skin boosters?
Small bumps and redness usually settle within 1–2 days. Bruising can take a few days longer. Most people go back to work the same or next day.
Which skin booster is best before a wedding or event?
Plan at least 4–8 weeks ahead so the full course can finish and any bruising can settle. Read the 8-Week Pre-Event Treatment Plan.
This article is for general information. It is not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. Speak to a qualified doctor about your own skin before starting any treatment.
