Skin boosters are a separate injectable category from filler. They don't add volume; they hydrate, tighten, and improve skin quality through deep dermal HA delivery. Profhilo, Skinvive (by Allergan/Galderma), and Restylane Skinboosters are the three leading options in 2026.
This guide covers what each does, who they're for, costs, and how to choose between them.
Profhilo
High-molecular-weight + low-molecular-weight pure hyaluronic acid (no cross-linking). Spreads across the dermis from 5 BAP injection points per side.
- Best for: lower face skin laxity, neck quality
- Sessions: 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart
- Duration: 6 months
- Elyzea cost: S/980 (~US$280) per session
Profhilo is unique because of its hybrid HA composition — the high-MW HA holds water and lifts; low-MW HA penetrates and stimulates collagen. The combination is harder to replicate than single-MW products.
Skinvive (Juvederm Volite / Skinvive)
FDA-approved 2023 in the US. Single low-volume HA injection across the cheek for hydration and smooth glow.
- Best for: cheek glow, fine-line softening
- Sessions: single session
- Duration: 6 months
- US cost: US$700-$1,200
Skinvive is more localized than Profhilo. Better for targeted cheek improvement; Profhilo for broader lower-face/neck quality.
Restylane Skinboosters (Vital, Vital Light)
Multiple low-volume injections of stabilized HA. Two formulations:
- Vital: for face, deeper hydration
- Vital Light: for neck, décolletage, hands — thinner, more spreadable
Best for: face hydration, neck décolletage, hand rejuvenation. 2–3 sessions for full effect, lasts 6 months. Limited Lima availability.
How to choose
- Want lifting + skin quality combined: Profhilo
- Want a single-injection cheek glow: Skinvive
- Want full-face hydration over multiple visits: Restylane Skinboosters
- Want hand/neck rejuvenation specifically: Restylane Vital Light
Cost compare
| Treatment | US per session | Lima per session |
|---|---|---|
| Profhilo | $600-$1,200 | ~US$280 |
| Skinvive | $700-$1,200 | n/a (limited availability) |
| Restylane Vital | $600-$1,000 | limited availability |
Profhilo has the most established Lima availability at significantly lower cost than US.
Combining skin boosters with other treatments
Skin boosters pair well with:
- HIFU + Profhilo: lift + skin quality
- Morpheus8 + Profhilo: remodeling + hydration
- Filler + Profhilo: volume + skin texture
- Toxin + Profhilo: dynamic line softening + skin quality
Skin boosters work synergistically with most other aesthetic treatments because they address skin quality rather than competing for the same anatomical zone.
Frequently asked questions
Are these reversible?
Yes. Hyaluronidase reverses HA-based skin boosters within 24-48 hours.
How quickly do I see results?
Initial hydration immediate. Skin quality improvement at 4-6 weeks. Peak at 3 months.
Can I do skin boosters during pregnancy?
No. Postpone until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What's the recovery?
Mild swelling 24-48 hours at injection points. Possible bruising. No real downtime.
How are skin boosters different from regular filler?
Skin boosters spread broadly without adding volume. Regular filler is placed in specific anatomical zones for shape.
Which skin booster works best for melasma?
None directly treat melasma. Picosecond toning is the right tool.
Can men use skin boosters?
Yes. Particularly Profhilo on the lower face for skin quality without feminizing.
Bottom line
Profhilo is the most commonly available skin booster in Lima at meaningfully lower cost than US. For US-based patients flying down, Profhilo + complementary treatment (HIFU, Morpheus8, filler) is a high-leverage combined trip.