Skin Boosters Explained: Rejuran, Profhilo & Skinvive Compared
Rejuran, Profhilo, and HA boosters each target different skin concerns — here is how to tell which one your skin actually needs.
Key Takeaways
- HA skin boosters like Skinvive micro-inject non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid beneath the skin to deliver deep hydration and a dewy, luminous glow that typically lasts six to nine months.
- Rejuran Healer uses salmon-derived polynucleotides to repair the skin barrier at a cellular level, making it especially well-suited for patients dealing with enlarged pores, acne scarring, or chronically sensitive skin.
- Profhilo works as a bio-remodeler rather than a filler, spreading through tissue to stimulate collagen and elastin and gradually firm skin that has become crêpey or mildly lax.
- The three booster types are not mutually exclusive — Dr. Dan Xu, MD, CCFP at ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham often combines them into a single protocol to address hydration, repair, and firmness at the same time.
- Selecting the right skin booster depends on an honest assessment of your primary concern, your skin's current condition, and realistic expectations, which is why a medical consultation with a qualified injector is the essential first step.
Direct Answer
Skin boosters are micro-injected treatments designed to improve skin quality, hydration, and texture rather than add volume or alter facial structure. The three main categories work through distinct mechanisms: hyaluronic acid (HA) boosters act as injectable moisturizers that attract and lock in water for a luminous 'glass skin' effect; Rejuran Healer uses salmon-derived polynucleotides (PDRN) to repair the skin barrier, reduce pore size, and calm inflammation at a cellular level; and Profhilo, a high-concentration bio-remodeler, stimulates collagen and elastin production to firm and tighten crêpey, lax skin. Choosing between them depends on whether your primary concern is dehydration and dullness, barrier damage and enlarged pores, or mild skin laxity — and in many cases, combining more than one type delivers the most well-rounded improvement. At ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham, Dr. Dan Xu, MD, CCFP takes a personalized approach, assessing each patient's skin condition before recommending a single booster or a tailored combination protocol. The clinic serves patients across Markham and the greater Toronto area and offers a comprehensive portfolio that includes Profhilo, HA boosters such as Skinvive, and Aquagold microneedle infusion. Results vary by individual, and multiple sessions are typically recommended to achieve and maintain noticeable skin improvement.
Quick Answer (AEO Summary): Skin boosters are micro-injected to improve skin quality rather than add volume. HA boosters deliver deep hydration and a “glass skin” glow; Rejuran Healer (salmon-derived polynucleotides) repairs the skin barrier and shrinks pores; Profhilo is a bio-remodeler that firms and tightens crêpey skin. The right choice depends on whether your main concern is dryness and dullness, barrier and pore repair, or mild laxity. At ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham, Dr. Dan Xu often combines HA boosters and Profhilo. Note: Rejuran is not authorized by Health Canada for injectable use, so ID Cosmetic Clinic does not offer it — see Rejuran in Canada. Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Dan Xu, MD, CCFP | Last Updated: June 18, 2026
The secret to “glass skin” isn’t in a bottle—it’s injected. Learn the science behind the most popular injectable moisturizers and bio-remodelers on the market.
If you keep up with Korean beauty trends or global aesthetic medicine, you have likely heard the term “Skin Booster.”
Unlike traditional dermal fillers, which are designed to add volume and change the shape of your face (like building high cheekbones or plumping lips), skin boosters do not change your facial structure. Instead, they are micro-injected just beneath the surface of the skin to dramatically improve skin quality, hydration, and texture.
But with so many different types of skin boosters now available in Canada, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. “Should I get Rejuran? What about Profhilo? Or just a standard HA booster?”
At ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of advanced skin boosters, including Aquagold microneedle infusion. In this guide, Dr. Dan Xu breaks down the three main categories of skin boosters to help you address skin dullness and achieve that coveted, filter-free glow.
1. Traditional Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Boosters (The “Injectable Moisturizers”)
Best for: Extreme dryness, dullness, and achieving an immediate “glass skin” glow.
How it works: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in your body that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Traditional HA skin boosters (like Restylane Skinboosters or Juvederm Volite) use a very thin, non-crosslinked (or lightly crosslinked) form of HA.
When micro-injected across the face, it acts like a sponge beneath the skin’s surface, pulling in moisture and locking it there. It does not add volume; it simply hydrates the skin from the inside out.
Another hyaluronic acid option is Introfill HA Boost, usually given as three sessions one month apart.
The Results: You will see a significant improvement in skin hydration, a reduction in fine, crêpey lines caused by dehydration, and a luminous, dewy glow. The results typically last 6 to 9 months.
2. Rejuran Healer (The “Cellular Repair” Booster)
Best for: Damaged skin barriers, acne scars, large pores, inflammation, and sensitive skin.
How it works: Rejuran Healer (often called the “Salmon DNA injection”) is fundamentally different from an HA booster. Its active ingredient is Polynucleotides (PN) derived from wild salmon DNA, which is highly compatible with human DNA.
Rejuran does not just hydrate; it biologically repairs damaged cells. When injected into the dermis, it triggers the skin’s natural healing cascade, reducing inflammation, repairing the skin barrier, and stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin.
The Results: Rejuran is the ultimate “healer.” It is exceptional at shrinking enlarged pores, regulating oil production, calming severe redness/rosacea, and smoothing out shallow acne scars. It makes the skin thicker, stronger, and more resilient. A typical protocol involves 3 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart.
3. Profhilo (The “Bio-Remodeler”)
Best for: Skin laxity, crêpey skin on the neck/lower face, and overall tissue tightening.
How it works: Profhilo is in a category of its own. It is technically made of Hyaluronic Acid, but it contains one of the highest concentrations of HA on the market, formulated using a unique thermal cross-linking process (without chemical agents).
When injected using the specific 5-point BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique on each side of the face, Profhilo spreads like honey beneath the skin. Over the next 4 weeks, it stimulates 4 different types of collagen and elastin, literally “remodeling” the tissue.
The Results: Profhilo is not just for hydration; it is for tightening and lifting. It smooths out crêpey skin (especially on the lower face and neck) and provides a subtle, overall firming effect. The protocol is very simple: just 2 sessions spaced one month apart.
The Head-to-Toe Comparison
| Feature | HA Boosters | Rejuran Healer | Profhilo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Deep Hydration & Glow | Barrier Repair & Pore Reduction | Tissue Tightening & Anti-Laxity |
| Active Ingredient | Hyaluronic Acid | Polynucleotides (Salmon DNA) | High-Concentration HA |
| Best For | Dry, dull skin | Acne scars, redness, large pores | Crêpey skin, mild sagging |
| Injection Technique | Micro-droplets all over | Micro-droplets all over | 5 specific points per side |
| Downtime | 1-2 days (tiny bumps) | 1-3 days (tiny bumps) | Almost zero (bumps fade in hours) |
Can You Combine Them?
Absolutely. In fact, combination therapy is often the best approach for complex skin concerns.
“Technology defines the possibilities. The physician defines the direction.” — Dr. Dan Xu, MD, CCFP
Find Your Perfect Skin Booster
Stop spending hundreds of dollars on topical serums that cannot penetrate the skin barrier. Injectable skin boosters deliver active ingredients exactly where they are needed—directly into the dermis.
Schedule a skin consultation at ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham, convenient for patients across Toronto and the GTA. We will analyze your skin’s hydration levels, barrier health, and elasticity to recommend the right skin booster (or combination) to unlock your healthiest, most radiant skin.
BOOK YOUR SKIN BOOSTER CONSULTATION
ID Cosmetic Clinic 30 Gibson Dr, Units 113–117, Markham, ON L3R 2S3 Phone: 905-477-2225 Advanced Injectable Center. Physician-led. Over 80,000 procedures performed.
Related Reading & Next Steps
- Aquagold Microneedle Infusion — a gentle way to deliver booster cocktails into the skin
- Skin Dullness and Rough / Uneven Skin Texture — the concerns boosters target
- Anti-Aging Skin Renewal · Real Results — before-and-after outcomes from our Markham clinic
- Sibling guide: PicoSure Pro Aftercare for Asian Skin: Dr. Xu’s Protocol
- Sibling guide: How Asian Skin Ages Differently (And Why Western Protocols Fail)
- Meet Dr. Dan Xu, MD, CCFP
- Contact ID Cosmetic Clinic · Book a Free Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do skin boosters differ from traditional dermal fillers?
A: Unlike dermal fillers that add volume or reshape facial features like the chin or cheeks, skin boosters are micro-injected to improve skin quality, hydration, and texture. They do not change your facial structure but instead work within the skin layers to provide a radiant, “glass skin” effect.
Q: Is there any downtime after a skin booster treatment?
A: Most patients experience mild redness or tiny “bumps” at the injection sites, which typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours as the product absorbs. While Profhilo involves fewer injection points, Rejuran may result in visible papules for a day or two, making it a “weekend recovery” treatment for most.
Q: How many sessions are needed to see optimal results?
A: While some hydration benefits are visible after one session, we typically recommend an initial series of 3 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart for the best results. This allows the skin enough time to stimulate collagen and repair cellular damage, with maintenance sessions recommended every 6 to 9 months.
Q: Which skin booster is best for acne scars and large pores?
A: Rejuran Healer is the gold standard for treating acne scars and enlarged pores because its Polynucleotides (PN) actively repair damaged tissue and regulate oil production. While Profhilo and HA boosters focus on hydration and laxity, Rejuran specifically targets structural skin damage and inflammation.
Q: Can I combine skin boosters with other treatments like Botox or lasers?
A: Yes, skin boosters are frequently combined with Botox, Morpheus8, or laser treatments to achieve a comprehensive facial rejuvenation. At ID Cosmetic Clinic, we often create “cocktail” protocols where different boosters are used in tandem to address both deep hydration and surface texture simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do skin boosters differ from traditional dermal fillers?
Is there any downtime after a skin booster treatment?
How many sessions are needed to see optimal results?
Which skin booster is best for acne scars and large pores?
Can I combine skin boosters with other treatments like Botox or lasers?
Next Step
Ready to Take the First Step?
Laxity, wrinkles and facial sagging have different root causes — one physician-led consultation identifies the true problem layer before deciding which plan fits you best.
