While carefully curated beauty regimens are common, being mindful of feeding the body’s biggest organ with the nutrients it requires is not. This is where the booster steps in.
Booster basics
Rather like a nutritious hit for the skin, the booster is a highly concentrated formula designed for use both alone (prior to serum), or combined with another skincare product such as moisturiser for added benefit.
The high-performing product - which often contains active ingredients - helps to target individual skin concerns that range from skin firming to hydration and pigmentation. The benefits of each booster varies depending on its hero ingredient and purpose, but the potency and effectiveness of each is what’s proving popular amongst consumers, encouraging brands to introduce them into their repertoire of creations.
Structural protection
Think of the booster as structural investment. The product is key to strengthening the protective wall of the skin’s barrier - a key in the fight against ageing as well as maintenance. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Samantha Bunting explains this outer layer: “The stratum corneum is a specialised layer that forms the outermost part of our epidermis. It’s a vital front-line, protecting us against the perils of the environment - UV, pollution, infection, toxic chemicals and so on. On a more superficial note, it’s the bit that we see, so it’s very important from a cosmetic point of view."
Vogue UK continues that while “these translucent formulas fortify the skin’s barrier” they also “speed the cell’s metabolic functions so your favourite products can work faster and more effectively than ever.” This means that not only do boosters protect, but they enhance the effectiveness of existing skincare regimens, supercharging the results and benefits of products already in use.
Emma Hobson, education manager for the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica, says boosters are so effective due to their design - penetrating deep into the layers of the skin: “They are designed to target the deeper layers of the skin, creating visible, tangible changes in a short period of time.” She suggests for maximum results to use on a freshly scrubbed complexion: “They work at their optimum when applied on recently exfoliated skin.”
The customisation trend
Boosters are also booming in popularity as the trend for customisable skincare continues to gain traction. Adding to the appeal for consumers, boosters are forming part of the growing customisation trend within the beauty industry. As Simon Pitman reported for Cosmetics Design: “Customisation is an alternative means of providing consumers and manufacturers with what they want.” Personalisation - available through customising a skincare regimen and addressing individual concerns with the use of a specialised skincare booster - is proving more and more popular to beauty consumers.
agrees: “What really makes them innovative is that boosters allow you to tailor your skincare routine - they aren't a one skin type fits all cream - instead they mix into and ‘supercharge’ the products that already work for your skin type, so really anyone can use them.”
Convenience is key to the appeal of the booster - there is not a stringent program intended for the product, rather just use when needed: “Some people may not need a booster all the time, but most of us will find we need these types of products at some point. Each booster gives you the ability to tailor your routine to meet your skin’s needs, which may vary from day to day and from year to year,” Paula’s Choice continues.
