Skincare Boosters: Why You Need Them and How To Pick The Perfect One

We learn fast at a very young age that image talks. Whether we like it or not, we are being judged on our appearance and how we present ourselves to the world. Growing up I used to dread going anywhere with a bare face. It made me painfully insecure and extremely self-critical. I struggled with acne, hyperpigmentation and the scaring and discoloration left behind. I discovered makeup as a way to hide my bare skin and an outlet to brave the world.

Because I was always focused on covering my face under layers upon layers of makeup, I neglected to give my bare skin the attention and care it deserved. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I began exploring the vast realm of skincare and started understanding the various benefits that can be delivered to the skin. I now understand that great skincare can make a big difference in the overall look and appearance of my skin without makeup, as well as brighten my mood and boost my confidence levels.

Today I’ll introduce you to Skincare Boosters, products that are able to take your skincare game to the next level: What They Are, How They Work and How To Pick The Perfect One for your skin. Read on for details …

What Are Skincare Boosters

Skincare boosters are highly concentrated formulas that penetrate the skin at a deeper level, thus working faster and amplifying skincare results.

How Do Skincare Boosters Work

Skincare boosters focus on unique capabilities of a particular ingredient used at a high concentration. Thus, they allow you to create a custom skincare routine to address specific concerns such as dry/dehydrated skin, uneven tone, hyperpigmention, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles. The textures are lightweight, thus absorbing faster and easier and providing more noticeable results. Booster serums are ideal to layer with other skincare because of their feather-light consistency and easy absorption.

Picking The Perfect Skincare Booster

Paula’s Choice Skincare has created a range of skincare boosters formulated only with ingredients backed by research for the exact concerns they’re designed for. I’ve been using Paula’s Choice boosters for over a year now. I first received several of these in a PR package and have since repurchased them with my own money. My skin can definitely tell when I skip and don’t use them consistently.

The skincare boosters I recommend and have been using are suitable for all skin types.

Hyaluronic Acid Booster

– penetrates the skin’s surface to lock in moisture and provide a shot of hydration. It’s like a tall glass of water for the skin. It revives dull, dehydrated skin creating a plumper, smoother appearance. You can use it alone or mixed in with another product, such as a Vitamin C Serum or your regular moisturizer.

15% Vitamin C with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid

– this booster contains 15% pure Vitamin C and a powerful concoction of antioxidants. It works to brighten a dull complexion and even out the skin tone, revealing a luminous, more radiant and youthful-looking skin. You can use it alone or mixed in with your moisturizer. I typically use this in the morning and mix it in with my Hyaluronic Acid Booster. I use it before my moisturizer.

25% Vitamin C

– this is a highly concentrated booster that delivers 25% of pure, stabilized Vitamin C onto target areas, such as stubborn dark spots and redness, dullness and areas that exhibit a loss of moisture. You can use it alone or mixed in with a Hyaluronic Acid serum or your moisturizer. If you use it on its own as a spot treatment, Paula’s Choice suggests using it at night as the last step in your skincare routine. Simply pat (don’t rub) onto troubled area. I’ve been using this as a spot treatment to combat some stubborn hyperpigmentation I have on my nose. I don’t use it every day, only on those nights when I don’t use a retinol.

10% Niacinamide

– also known as Vitamin B3, this is a powerful, multi-tasking antioxidant that improves skin texture and tone, while calming and soothing. It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and redness, as well as refines the appearance of pores and promotes a more luminous, smoother complexion. I use this booster in the morning, after my toner. I then apply a mix of Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, followed by my moisturizer.

Peptides

– this anti-aging booster really packs a punch! It’s formulated with 8 different peptides, each targeting specific concerns such as loss of firmness dullness, discoloration and wrinkles. The result is skin that feels firmer and is more resilient. You can use this serum alone or mix it in with other serums or your moisturizer. I usually use it on its own once or twice daily, either before my Vitamin C Serum in the morning or before my Retinol at night.

1% Retinol

– this is a pure form of retinol in a slow-release delivery system. Retinol has become a staple in my skincare routine, especially now in my late 30’s. I love Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol because it’s also formulated with anti-oxidants and peptides. It absorbs quickly and it doesn’t aggravate my sensitive skin. It evens out and brightens my skin tone, while improving texture and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles. I use it 3-4 times a week, usually on its own and in the evening. If my skin is very dehydrated, I mix it with a pump of Hyaluronic Acid and massage that concoction onto the skin. I always follow with a moisturizer and facial oil.

Moisture Renewal Oil with Ceramides and Argan Oil

– although this is marketed as a skincare booster, it is essentially a facial oil. It’s a blend of 9 essential, non-fragrant plan oils and ceramides. See detailed list of ingredients here. What I like about this oil is that it’s very light and completely fragrance-free. It revitalizes the skin, replenishes dry and dehydrated skin, calms and soothes any redness and irritation. You can use it alone or mixed in with your moisturizer. I prefer to use it at the end of my skincare routine, usually at night and after I had applied my moisturizer. I gently push and press it into the skin using my facial roller, as described in a previous post here.

All Paula’s Choice Skincare Boosters are available at the Dermstore here or you can find them available on sale for a limited time on Paula’s Choice website here.

Have you tried any skincare boosters before? Which ones are your go-to’s?

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