Skin Boosters: Subtle, Healthy Radiance with NCTF or VAMP

What are skin boosters?

Skin boosters are bio-revitalizing solutions designed to nourish the skin and support natural repair. I typically deliver them via microneedling (and sometimes alongside laser) to place the formula where it can best stimulate fibroblasts—the cells that help produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. The result is better tone, texture, and hydration with minimal downtime.

How skin boosters work

• Targeted delivery: Microneedling creates micro-channels so actives reach the deeper layers effectively.
• Cellular support: Vitamins, amino acids, minerals, co-enzymes and hyaluronic acid feed cellular metabolism and optimize repair.
• Collagen pathways: By stimulating fibroblasts, boosters encourage collagen and elastin synthesis for firmer, more elastic skin.
• Deep hydration: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) enhances moisture levels and plumpness.
• Antioxidant support: Key antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, protecting skin quality over time.

What concerns do skin boosters treat?

• Fine lines and superficial wrinkles
• Loss of firmness / mild laxity
• Dehydrated or poorly moisturized skin
• Dull, tired, or fatigued-looking skin
• Texture irregularities / uneven texture
• Early signs of aging / prevention
• Improvement in glow, radiance, and overall tone
• Synergy with microneedling and resurfacing lasers to enhance outcomes

Our two options at Merrion

NCTF Boost 135 HA

What it is & how it works

NCTF stands for New Cellular Treatment Factor. NCTF Boost 135 HA is a poly-revitalizing biorevitalizer used in aesthetic dermatology.

I usually apply it using microneedling. This method helps place the formula exactly where it can best stimulate fibroblasts. It also aids in regeneration.

Composition & key actives

This formula has 60+ active ingredients. It combines vitamins, amino acids, minerals, co-enzymes, nucleic acids, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help support cellular health, hydration, and antioxidant defense.

Mechanisms & benefits

• Stimulates fibroblasts → collagen, elastin, HA → increased density, firmness, elasticity
• Deep hydration via hyaluronic acid
• Nutritional support for optimal cellular metabolism and repair
• Antioxidant support to help mitigate free-radical stress
• Improves tone, texture, glow and reduces fine lines
• Overall support for skin health and resilience

Treatment protocol & scheduling

• Initial series: typically 3 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart
• Maintenance: usually every 3 months to sustain benefits

VAMP — Bio-Revitalizing Skin Rejuvenation

What VAMP means

Vitamins • Amino acids • Minerals • PDRN

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is derived from salmon DNA and is known for regenerative and repair-supporting properties.

What it is

VAMP is a topical, sterile bio-revitalizing solution used in aesthetic dermatology to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. I typically combine it with microneedling to enhance penetration and efficacy in the deeper layers.

What VAMP treats

• Fine lines and superficial wrinkles
• Mild laxity and loss of firmness
• Dehydration and impaired barrier
• Dullness / fatigue in skin appearance
• Texture irregularities / unevenness
• Early aging and preventive rejuvenation
• Boosts glow, radiance, and tone

Composition & key actives

• 11 Vitamins — support cellular metabolism and antioxidant protection
• 23 Amino Acids — fuel collagen and elastin synthesis
• 6 Minerals — support balance and hydration
• PDRN (Salmon DNA) — regenerative ingredient that stimulates repair and collagen production
• Hyaluronic Acid — deeply hydrates and plumps the skin barrier

Why patients love it

• The unique PDRN component offers an extra repair and healing edge
• Minimal downtime and works beautifully with treatments you may already be doing
• Natural-looking, cumulative results that build over time

Treatment protocol

• Initial series: 3 sessions, spaced 2–4 weeks apart
• Maintenance: about every 3 months to maintain improvements

Choosing between NCTF Boost 135 HA and VAMP

• VAMP features PDRN (salmon DNA) for additional repair and healing.
• NCTF Boost 135 HA emphasizes high-content HA and multi-nutrient support for extra hydration and glow.

I’ll help you choose based on your skin goals, timeline, and current routine. Many patients enjoy alternating or pairing boosters with other treatments for layered benefits.

What to expect (results, feel, and downtime)

• During treatment: With topical numbing, microneedling is generally comfortable—most describe a vibrating/scratchy sensation.
• Right after: Expect pinkness and warmth (like a light sunburn) that typically settles within 24–48 hours.
• Over time: Skin appears more hydrated, smoother, brighter, and plumper, with fine lines softening and texture improving across the initial series.

FAQs

What is PDRN and why is it in VAMP?

PDRN is a low-molecular-weight DNA fragment derived from salmon DNA. It’s highly purified and biocompatible, and is valued for supporting repair, reducing oxidative stress, and improving elasticity—a helpful addition when we want more regenerative support.

Who is a good candidate for skin boosters?

If you’re noticing dullness, dehydration, fine lines, or mild laxity—or you want to maintain healthy skin as a preventive strategy—boosters are a gentle, effective option. They’re also an excellent adjunct to microneedling or laser.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients do an initial series of 3 sessions (every 2–4 weeks) followed by maintenance every ~3 months. We can personalize this based on your skin response and goals.

Can I combine boosters with other treatments?

Yes. Skin boosters pair well with microneedling, resurfacing lasers, and evidence-based skincare. Combining treatments often enhances results.

What’s the downtime like?

Expect temporary redness and a warm, tight feeling after treatment—usually settling within 24–48 hours. Makeup can typically be resumed the next day, with gentle skincare as advised.

How soon will I see results?

Hydration and glow can improve quickly, with progressive changes in smoothness and fine lines developing over the series and maintained with quarterly sessions.

Do boosters change how I look?

No—boosters are designed to support your skin, not change your features. Think healthier, brighter skin that still looks like you.

Is there a difference in feel or outcome between NCTF and VAMP?

Both improve hydration, texture, and radiance. VAMP adds PDRN for an extra repair focus; NCTF emphasizes multi-nutrient support with robust HA hydration for deep dewiness and glow.

How do we decide what’s right for me?

We’ll review your skin history, current routine, and goals. If your priority is recovery and repair, we may lean VAMP. If your priority is hydration and all-round glow, we may lean NCTF. Many patients benefit from both at different times.

Dr Kate's take

Skin boosters are one of my favourite ways to quietly elevate skin quality. They’re practical, buildable, and natural-looking—perfect for busy lives. If you’re curious where to start, book a consultation and we’ll tailor a plan that fits your skin, your schedule, and your goals.