Microneedling Boosters: 5 Serums That Upgrade Your Results in Winnipeg
A lot of patients come in having done their research on microneedling - they know it stimulates collagen, they know there's some downtime, and they're ready to go. What catches them off guard is the next question: do you want to add a booster?
If that's where you are right now, this post will walk you through what microneedling boosters actually are, which ones we use, and how to figure out which one fits your skin.
What Are Microneedling Boosters?
Microneedling creates thousands of tiny microchannels in the skin. That controlled injury is the whole point - it triggers your body's wound-healing response and drives collagen remodeling. Those same channels are also an opportunity: for roughly 20-40 minutes post-treatment, your skin's absorption capacity is significantly higher than normal.
Boosters (also called infusion serums) are medical-grade formulations applied directly to the skin during or immediately after needling. Because the channels allow ingredients to bypass the skin's surface barrier, actives can reach deeper dermal layers than they would in a standard topical product.
The ones we use at The Injection Nurse Skin Clinic are from the Dp Dermaceuticals MG-Collection, plus ZO Skin Health's Brightalive. Each is formulated specifically for use in-clinic, with sterile packaging and concentrations designed for professional application.
These are not the same as serums you'd buy at a drugstore. They're made to be used in a clinical setting, and Health Canada's natural health product regulations set out the standards that govern how active ingredients in professional skincare products are assessed and approved for use in Canada.
The MG-Collection: Four Targeted Formulas
The MG-Collection from Dp Dermaceuticals is built around one idea: microneedling works better when the infusion matches the concern. Here's what each formula does.
MG-HA35+ - Hydration and Anti-Aging
This is the most versatile booster in the lineup, and the one we pair with almost every other formula. MG-HA35+ contains 35 mg of hyaluronic acid per mL delivered via HylaFuse technology, which uses three differently-sized HA molecules to maximize absorption at multiple skin depths.
Beyond hydration, it includes peptides, antioxidants, zinc, vitamins A, B, C, and E, and anti-inflammatories that support wound healing and reduce post-treatment redness. It also features GGP (Geranylgeranylisopropanol), a telomere-supporting compound that helps extend cell lifespan to reduce visible aging effects.
Good fit for: most skin types, especially those dealing with dehydration, fine lines, or general texture concerns.
MG-R.A.S. - Reverse Aging and Scars
The R.A.S. stands for Reverse Aging and Scars. This formula contains a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, peptides, and botanical extracts, with Retinaldehyde as its standout active. Retinaldehyde is the most potent form of vitamin A available without a prescription - it improves cellular activity and is particularly effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, rough texture, skin laxity, and discoloration.
It also contains Darutoside, a compound with anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and wound-healing properties that supports the firming and anti-aging effects of the treatment.
Good fit for: patients focused on visible aging, acne scarring, or overall skin quality improvement.
MG-BL - Brightening and Pigmentation
MG-BL targets hyperpigmentation, melasma, and uneven skin tone. It works by slowing melanin production through tyrosinase inhibitors - specifically kojic acid and licorice root - while vitamin C and natural brighteners work to address existing discoloration.
One thing worth knowing: pigmentation is stubborn. MG-BL is effective, but persistent hyperpigmentation typically requires a series of treatments and a strong at-home brightening protocol between sessions. We'll be honest about timelines during your consultation.
Good fit for: sun damage, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark marks left after acne), and uneven skin tone.
MG-CLR - Clarifying and Acne-Prone Skin
MG-CLR is formulated for oily, breakout-prone, and congested skin. It contains antimicrobial peptides and bio-compatible botanical extracts to target acne-causing bacteria, along with potent anti-inflammatories - including Oligopeptide-10 and Boswellia Serrata Extract - to calm active inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
It's one of the few microneedling infusions that can be used on active or post-acne skin, making it a strong option for patients who've been told to avoid certain treatments because of breakouts.
Good fit for: acne, comedones, enlarged pores, oily skin, and post-acne texture.
ZO Brightalive - Brightening Without the Harshness
ZO Skin Health's Brightalive is a clinically proven brightener that takes a retinol-free, hydroquinone-free approach to pigmentation. It uses tranexamic acid to reduce UV-induced melanin production, niacinamide to even skin tone and support barrier function, and an encapsulated intelligent peptide drone that targets pigmentation at the cellular level.
Papain provides gentle enzymatic exfoliation, while beta-glucan and licorice derivatives calm and soothe. In a 16-week clinical study, participants saw a 50% improvement in overall skin appearance.
ZO Brightalive pairs well with our microneedling treatments as part of a broader brightening approach, and many patients continue using it at home between sessions to maintain results.
Good fit for: sensitive skin prone to pigmentation, patients who want brightening without aggressive actives, and anyone maintaining results at home post-treatment.
Can You Combine Boosters?
Yes - in fact, the MG-Collection is designed with combination use in mind. MG-HA35+ can be blended 1:1 with MG-R.A.S., MG-BL, or MG-CLR, which is what we typically do for patients with multiple overlapping concerns.
The right combination depends on your skin's specific presentation. That's the kind of call that requires a trained eye. Jess, our Nurse Practitioner, assesses each patient before recommending a booster protocol - her prescriptive authority and independent clinical scope mean she can take a more thorough approach to skin concerns than many aesthetics providers.
What to Expect From a Booster Treatment
Adding a booster doesn't significantly change the treatment experience. The serum is applied during the microneedling pass or immediately after, and the rest of the session proceeds normally.
Post-treatment, your skin will be more sensitive than usual. Sun avoidance and a gentle home-care routine for the first few days matter more than people expect - and they directly affect how well the booster actives perform. We walk every patient through aftercare before they leave.
Results build across a series of sessions. Most patients see meaningful change after three to four treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on the concern being treated.
Ready to figure out which booster makes sense for your skin? The first step is a conversation.