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Looking for the right specialized skincare products to use during your needling session? A skin booster could be just what your routine needs. If you're wondering what a skin booster is, think of it as an extra boost that hydrates, firms, and brightens while supporting your everyday skincare. 

In this guide, we'll go over how to choose a bright skin booster, the benefits, where to apply it, and how to combine booster skin care with everyday skincare products for better results. Let's get right into it… 

What Is a Booster?

A booster is a high-potency solution used when your skin needs extra support, targeting specific concerns like hydration, uneven tone, or loss of elasticity.

Stayve boosters are specialized microneedling serums packaged in individual ampoules, designed to address various skin concerns such as uneven skin tone, acne, dehydration, and signs of aging. These concentrated formulations are specifically created for shallow-depth microneedling treatments (up to 0.5mm), making them ideal for safe and effective at-home use. Each single-use ampoule ensures maximum potency and sterility, delivering targeted active ingredients directly into the microchannels created during your needling session for enhanced absorption and results.

Choosing a Booster by Skin Type

Let's break down the options by skin type: 

Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Choose a lightweight formulation that contains either niacinamide or zinc, as they will help in regulating the oil production and keeping your complexion clear. Just don't make the mistake of using the products with non-comedogenic products, as you want to avoid clogging your pores.

Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Choose formulas with multiple weights of hyaluronic acid, plus ceramides and peptides. Apply after a moisturizing serum, then follow with a cream. A brightening skin booster brings life back to dull and dehydrated skin.

Sensitive Skin

It is recommended to avoid extremely sensitive skin where possible. For sensitive skin, choose minimal ingredient lists containing panthenol, centella, or oats. Patch testing is recommended before regular usage, and new products should be introduced gradually to maintain tolerance.

Mature or Aging Skin

To increase elasticity, use options that contain peptides, retinol substitutes, or antioxidants.

Choosing a Booster by Application Area

Stayve boosters are designed for versatile use across different facial areas. Select your booster based on the specific skin concerns present in each zone, rather than location-specific restrictions:

Eye Area

Choose hydrating formulas like Aqua Stem Cell Culture or Hyaluronic Acid ampoules for addressing fine lines and dehydration. Use gentle stamping motions rather than long strokes, and avoid getting too close to the eyes. The delicate under-eye skin requires light pressure and generous serum application.

T-Zone

For concerns like excess oil, enlarged pores, or shine, select AC Stem Cell Gold or other clarifying ampoules. Apply using gentle circular motions, as the nose area can be particularly sensitive.

Cheeks and Jawline

Address aging concerns, uneven tone, or loss of firmness with appropriate boosters like Salmon DNA Gold, Collagen, or Whitening Stem Cell Culture ampoules. These larger areas allow for smooth, even application techniques.

Full Face

Any Stayve booster can be applied comprehensively across the face, neck, and décolleté area. Follow the recommended treatment order: chin, cheeks, forehead, then nose.

Application Guidelines

  • Use 12, 16, or 18-needle cartridges for optimal serum distribution and coverage
  • Maximum needle depth: 0.5mm 
  • Avoid areas with scratches, eczema, or dermatitis
  • If serum contacts the eyes, rinse immediately with water
  • Store opened ampoules refrigerated and use within 14 days

Tips for Choosing a Booster

A few helpful tips to keep in mind:

  • Tip #1. Match the booster to your skin's needs. Select serums based on whether your skin requires hydration, clarifying, firming, or brightening benefits.
  • Tip #2. Check active ingredients for sensitivities. Review key actives to ensure they don't include known allergens or ingredients that have previously triggered reactions.
  • Tip #3. Always perform a patch test. Even if the formula appears free of irritants, apply a small amount on the jawline and wait 24 hours before full-face use.
  • Tip #4. Combine multiple boosters if desired. Stayve recommends and permits using different ampoules in one session to harness the benefits of each formula simultaneously.
  • Tip #5. Use dedicated aftercare products. After microneedling, follow with specialized post-needling serums and creams designed to soothe, support the skin barrier, and enhance recovery.

Enhance Your Dr. Pen Treatment With the Right Booster

For guidance on booster skin care or safe microneedling with Dr. Pen, contact our team for tailored advice today!

FAQ

Let's go over the key things people often ask.

How long does shipping take?

We offer guaranteed 2-day UPS air delivery.

If you place your order before 11AM (Monday-Friday), your order will ship the same day from our Indianapolis, IN warehouse and arrive within 2 business days.

Orders placed after 11AM on Friday, or on weekends (Saturday/Sunday), will ship the following Monday and arrive within 2 business days from that shipment date. Free shipping is available on orders over $49.

What's the difference between a booster, a serum, and an ampoule?

A serum is a highly concentrated, fluid skincare treatment formulated to address specific skin concerns. Serums often come in small glass bottles called ampoules, which are single-use vials designed to preserve potency and hygiene. Stayve boosters are essentially ampoules of specialized serums formulated exclusively for superficial microneedling (not injections), delivering targeted actives directly through the microchannels created by the device.

Can I use more than one booster at a time?

Yes. Stayve allows combining different boosters in the same microneedling session. Using multiple ampoules lets you target several skin concerns at once - just apply each formula according to its intended purpose and follow the thin-to-thick layering rule for best results.

How often should I apply a booster?

Apply a booster at every microneedling session, which - at the recommended needle depths - typically occurs every 10–14 days. Any leftover product in the ampoule can be used daily as a regular topical serum between treatments.

Do boosters replace serums or moisturizers?

Boosters complement serums and moisturizers rather than replace them. As their name suggests, boosters deliver an intense, targeted boost to your skin, while serums and moisturizers maintain and support those results on a daily basis. For optimal benefits, use boosters in conjunction with your regular serums and creams.

Should I apply a booster before or after serum?

Stayve boosters are special serums formulated for use during the microneedling procedure itself to maximize delivery through the microchannels. Most other active serums should only be applied several hours to a full day after microneedling, once skin sensitivity has diminished.

Can I use a booster on sensitive areas like around the eyes?

Yes, if the label mentions it, but choose fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested options. Avoid strong acids or harsh exfoliants near delicate eye skin.

How long does it take to see results from a booster?

Many clients notice improvements - such as increased hydration, smoother texture, and a subtle glow - after the very first treatment. For optimal, long-lasting benefits, maintain proper aftercare and a consistent skincare routine, and schedule multiple microneedling sessions spaced 10–14 days apart.

Is a booster necessary if I already have a serum?

If the serum meets all your skin needs, they may be optional. Use a booster for additional focus on one concern without changing the rest of your skincare routine.

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