Blog: March 2025
It finally feels like spring has arrived. For those of you who also follow me on Instagram, you know that winter is not my favourite time season. I am really enjoying the brighter, longer days and keeping my fingers and toes crossed for a good summer. (Now where is that Child of Prague statue).
The change in season impacts our skin. Is it time for your skincare refresh? With the longer, milder, brighter days, we want to ensure that you're looking and feeling your most fabulous this March.
As well as that, it's a month to celebrate the amazing women in our lives with International Women's Day on the 8th of March and Mother's Day fast approaching.
To all the women who have positively impacted the lives of fellow women, encouraged and created a safe space in the room, may you continue to be fierce, bold and daring.
Happy International Women's Day!
Not that you ever need an excuse, but another great reason to treat yourself. I am all about self care.Book a Treatment
THE PERFECT PRESENT
Mother's Day, is just around the corner (30th of March). Show your mother how much you appreciate her with a gift voucher for Rae Clinic.
This is the perfect time to treat the most important lady in your life to an extra special gift.
Alternatively, it might be a good time to remind your significant other, or children what you deserve this year.
Purchase Gift Voucher
Skin Care Refresh
Today's newsletter is all about biostimulators. I will be exploring what is in and out for summer in a later newsletter. A brief outline for those looking ahead:
Winter: Cold air outside and heating inside can cause our skin to become dry and we may crave deeper hydration.
Summer is all about protection for harmful UV rays and anti oxidants. What am I talking about, SPF and Vitamin C+E. It might be time to start switching to a lighter moisturiser or night cream and for some, the time might be right to remove the cream altogether and switch to a serum.
Online Store
The Science Bit: Bio-stimulators in Aesthetic Medicine
The Skin Rejuvenation Revolution
Using a word like revolution may seem crazy, but Aesthetic medicine has witnessed a tremendous transformation over the last few decades, in particular the last ten years, with non-invasive treatments leading the charge.
When I looked at aesthetic medicine as a career in 2012 it was very much see a line/fill a line. Everyone looked great lying down but not so natural when they stood up - it wasn't for me. Four years later, I looked again, and the change had begun. In those short nine years since then, the way we practice bears little resemblance to where I began.
Patient education and technology are the driving forces behind this change. Among the most innovative solutions are biostimulators, a class of substances that promote skin rejuvenation, enhance collagen production, and restore youthful vitality to the skin. These treatments are becoming increasingly popular and complement traditional cosmetic procedures like antiwrinkle treatment or dermal fillers.
Let’s dive deeper into biostimulators and their role in modern aesthetic practices.
What Are Biostimulators?
Biostimulators are substances used in aesthetic medicine to stimulate the skin’s natural regenerative processes. They work by enhancing the production of collagen, elastin, and other essential components of the skin matrix, resulting in improved skin tone, texture, and elasticity. Unlike fillers, which add volume or smooth wrinkles directly, biostimulators encourage the skin to repair and renew itself over time. Think THE GYM FOR YOUR SKIN. This leads to more natural, gradual improvements, making biostimulators an appealing choice for patients seeking long-term skin rejuvenation without the risks of more invasive treatments.
Key Benefits of Biostimulators
1. Collagen Stimulation: Collagen is the key structural protein that provides skin with its firmness and elasticity. As we age, collagen production slows down, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of skin volume. Sadly, this begins at 25 and there is a dramatic decrease in menopause. Biostimulators work by stimulating fibroblast cells in the skin to produce new collagen, which gradually tightens and firms the skin over time.
2. Natural Results: One of the most attractive features of biostimulators is the natural appearance they offer. Since they encourage the body’s own regenerative processes, the results are often more subtle and gradual compared to other aesthetic treatments like Botox or hyaluronic acid-based fillers. This natural enhancement is highly valued by patients who seek rejuvenation without dramatic or immediate changes. It is important that a thorough consultation process is undertaken before you embark on this process. For patients who seek a more dramatic enhancement in a shorter space of time, or seek to target a specific issue, you could feel underwhelmed and out of pocket.
3. Minimal Downtime: Biostimulatory treatments are minimally invasive, with little to no downtime required. Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after treatment, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. Bruising is always a risk with any injectable treatment. At Rae we use a specially formulated tint which is safe to apply to the skin after treatment. This reduces any redness you may experience until it is safe to use your own makeup, allowing you the confidence to return to the office or meet friends for lunch.
4. Versatility: Biostimulators are not limited to a single area of the face or body. They can treat a wide range of aesthetic concerns, including skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles, and even the décolletage, arms, or hands. Their versatility makes them an ideal option for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
Types of Biostimulators in Aesthetic Medicine
Several biostimulatory products are currently used in aesthetic treatments, each with its unique properties and benefits. Some of the most commonly used biostimulators include:
1. Profhilo
One of the most exciting advancements in biostimulatory treatments is Profhilo. It uses patented NAHYCO technology to give unrivaled effects. A hyaluronic acid-based biostimulator, it stands out for its ability to provide profound hydration while stimulating collagen and elastin production. Profhilo works on improving skin quality by enhancing its texture, elasticity, and firmness. It is pure hyaluronic acid, so there are no byproducts. This unique molecule made by heating and cooling hyaluronic acid molecules of different molecular weights, means it is the only product on the market to stimulate Collagen 1,3,4 and 7. It also stimulates fat rejuvenation (this is a good thing in your face), muscle rejuvenation and bone maintenance.
As it stimulates 4 types of collagen and not just 2, it has a very powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It can help those with psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and acne.
One of the key advantages of Profhilo is its ability to provide natural, subtle results with minimal risk of overfilling or an artificial appearance. The treatment is often referred to as a "liquid facelift" because it restores skin quality and reduces signs of aging with no invasive surgery.
Profhilo is typically administered in two or three sessions, spaced about four weeks apart. Results can be seen within a few weeks, with full effects appearing around 6–8 weeks after the second or third treatment.
Maintenance treatments are recommended to sustain the rejuvenating benefits.
2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Calcium hydroxylapatite is another popular biostimulator used in aesthetic medicine. It is found in products like Radiesse, which is commonly used for facial volumization and wrinkle treatment. CaHA not only adds volume to the skin but also stimulates collagen production, providing both immediate and long-term results. It is often used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and to restore lost volume in the cheeks. I love this product for hands and chest as it can work in a shorter space of time than Profhilo but care is needed. You must be the right candidate as there are more risks involved with this treatment.
3. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) with Biostimulatory Properties
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a well-known substance in the world of aesthetic medicine, primarily used for its hydrating and volumizing properties. Think dermal filler or skin booster. The technology used for dermal fillers has changed dramatically in recent years. The portfolio available now allows for very subtle rebuilding of your facial structure. It can also be used in the neck and hands. Dermal filler done well should be undetectable. I always like to shock people when I tell them I have filler in my temples, cheeks and lips. Some dermal fillers combine the traditional volumizing effects of HA with biostimulatory properties to stimulate collagen production. This dual action makes them effective for both immediate volume restoration and long-term skin improvement.
4. Autologous Fat Transfer
While not a traditional "biostimulator" in the chemical sense, autologous fat transfer, or fat grafting, can also be considered a form of biostimulation. In this procedure, fat is harvested from one area of the body (liposuction) and injected into the face or other areas that need volume restoration. This method provides both immediate volume and long-term benefits, as the injected fat can continue to stimulate collagen production in the treated area. It is used less and less these days as it is a very invasive procedure and can also be quite costly. A lot of the fat harvested breaks down when reinjected making it less predictable than other methods. Typically, 3 times the amount of volume is needed initially, which can leave you feeling bloated and swollen. In the right patient, though, this is still the right choice.
5. Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA)
Poly-L-lactic acid, one of the original biostimulators in aesthetic treatments. It is the key ingredient in products like Sculptra, which is used for facial volumization. PLLA works by stimulating the skin’s fibroblasts to produce collagen over time, gradually restoring volume and improving skin texture.
Unlike traditional dermal fillers, which provide immediate results, Sculptra works more slowly, but the effects can be long-lasting and natural-looking. It has had a resurgence in recent years as Galderma bought the rights to the product and has launched a widespread advertising campaign.
I began using this many years ago and it can be wonderful in the right patient. Irish skin types do not generally lend themselves to this product. I love it for darker, thicker skin types. The reason behind this is it can sometimes leave small lumps under the skin. Thin, pale skin can make these very visable and unsightly. Initially it is more costly, however, you need it less often. Over the course of two years, price wise, it is very comparable to Profhilo.
6. Polynucleotides and Exosomes ( The New Kids on the Block)
Polynucleotides (PNs) are a derived from DNA or RNA fragments and promote skin regeneration by stimulating cellular repair and collagen production.
Exosomes are tiny vesicles released by cells that play a crucial role in cell communication and regeneration. In aesthetic medicine, exosome-based treatments are used to promote skin healing, improve texture, and stimulate collagen production. Derived from stem cells, exosomes contain proteins, lipids, and genetic material that support tissue regeneration and rejuvenation.
While I see these being the future for aesthetic medicine, I am firmly on the fence as to whether the technology is there yet. For me, they just are not living up to what they have promised to deliver. With exosomes, I also have some concerns about where the products are coming from and their source material (animal, vegetable or human). There have been some cases of anaphylaxis reported - so for me, at the moment, this area is a "wait and see"
To sum it all up:
While all these products stimulate collagen, they all do it in a slightly different way. Some use an inflammatory pathway and some are anti-inflammatory.This relates to the specific types of collagen they stimulate. Some only stimulate collagen and elastin, others stimulate fat rejuvination, muscle vitality and bone maintenace.As with every treatment there are pros and cons and seeking out an experienced medical practicioner who can talk to you about many products and not just one is the key. I carry all of these in the clinic but who I use them for and why I would choose one over the other is very important. Often if time, budget and expectations allow, I will use a combination of products over several months or years to allow you to look fresh and not fake.
If there is anything you would like explained in "the science bit" you can send me your suggestion by email or DM on Instagram and I will add them to my spreadsheet.
We look forward to seeing you soon,
Rae Clinic
