Lauded as ‘injectable moisturizers’, a new generation of hyaluronic acid fillers – including Profhilo – have formed a group of advanced aesthetic treatments commonly known as ‘skin enhancers’, which are now rapidly growing in popularity among both women and men. However, Dr., an aesthetic doctor who specializes in such treatments. Unlike typical dermal fillers, they are used for hydration over volume, Wassim Taktouk told me.
“Injectable moisture treatments and dermal fillers are both made of hyaluronic acid,” he explains, referring to the water-binding molecule that can hold up to 10,000 times its own weight in water. “This is a natural component of human skin that our bodies produce less and less of as we age,” he adds. “Hyaluronic acid consists of long chains that resemble spaghetti, each attracting and retaining water. In dermal fillers, the ‘spaghetti’ is slightly modified and cross-linked as if ‘cooked,’ so it clumps together and stays put where it is injected to create volume.” But in injectable skin-boosting treatments, “hyaluronic acid is ‘cooked’ less, so it spreads evenly across the face to attract water along the way.” This means that the ingredient hydrates the skin, prevents laxity, and gives the skin a healthy, fresh-looking texture without adding volume to the face.
Profilo explained
Another cosmetologist, Dr. As I personally experienced with Sophie Shotter, after numbing the skin with a topical cream, Profhilo involves administering approximately eight strategically placed injections administered subcutaneously into the lower face. These can leave small bee sting-like bumps with potential bruising (although I haven’t experienced the latter) that can last up to 24 hours. Reassuringly, there are no other downsides to Profhilo, so it appealed to me compared to other injectable treatments such as anti-wrinkle toxins and traditional fillers.
Two sessions are required, approximately six weeks apart, and most people see best results about three to four weeks after the second session, but I also noticed benefits after my first treatment. In my case these included plumping the skin – not something I’d imagine ordinary fillers could do to enhance my features, but still giving a fuller, firmer appearance – as well as softening crepiness and giving a youthful ‘you’ look good!’ glare.
Results last around six months, but Dr Shotter recommends having a ‘top-up’ session every three months rather than waiting six months for two sessions. I can see how it could be addictive.
Profhilo and other skin boosters compared
Besides Profhilo, which has become the beauty buzzword in injectable products this decade, many cosmetic practitioners are working with Volite from Juvéderm, the creator of Botox, which is similarly specially formulated with hyaluronic acid. Other products in the skin-boosting group, such as Teoxane Redensity 1, Belotero Revive and Sunekos Performa, contain additional skin-loving nutrients that promise to work on the skin’s condition.
Dr Taktouk explains that “Volite has lower levels of hyaluronic acid than Profhilo and Teoxane Redensity 1.” It does not contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants or amino acids and only “moisturizes skin moderately and improves fine lines.”
Profhilo adds that it “is high amounts of pure hyaluronic acid and bio-remodels collagen and elastin while moisturizing the skin.” It’s ‘anti-aging’ on various levels, but because it’s not generally used on the forehead (the area where people might find fine lines problematic), it won’t help hydrate the skin there. Meanwhile, Profhilo Body tries to target skin laxity below the neck.
There’s also Teoxane Redensity 1, which can be used all over the face as a complete moisturizing treatment. “Teoxane Redensity 1 combines pure hyaluronic acid with three antioxidants, eight amino acids, two minerals and one vitamin, so it repairs the skin while moisturizing it.” Think of it as a stronger version of mesotherapy. Dr Taktouk adds: “Teoxane Redensity 1 will not only hydrate the skin, it will also give it a beautiful, healthy glow while helping to thin the skin, preventing premature aging of the skin.”
Other skin boosters that do more include Belotero Revive, which contains glycerin, another powerful moisturizer, and Sunekos Performa, which has an amino acid complex added. Secondly, Dr. from Cosmetic Skin Clinic. It’s Johanna Ward’s favourite, and she says: “Sunekos Performa is great because it can be used on forehead lines, around the eyes to treat crow’s feet and on mouth lines, whereas Profhilo is not licensed in these areas.”
Polynucleotides are another category of injectable treatments that provide similar benefits to Profhilo and its ilk. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. “They are similar in their effects,” says Ashwin Soni, “but instead of just providing hydration like hyaluronic acid skin boosters, polynucleotides communicate with cells, allowing them to produce collagen and elastin.
Dr Soni notes that polynucleotides (like Ameela) can also be used in areas where some skin enhancers cannot, such as the eyes, lips and forehead, and are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to tear fillers.
How to decide which skin strengthening treatment is right for you?
“As a rule, for people looking to improve skin health, hydrate, provide skin protection, and achieve a ‘wow’ glow, I turn to: Teoxane Density 1” says Dr. Taktouk. Revive Belotero Dr. from The Lovely Clinic Similar benefits are claimed, as Sarah Tonks says, to “deeply hydrate the skin without creating unwanted volume” and provide the ultimate smoothing effect.
“profile It is great for patients with crepe-like skin that has lost its elasticity; “It softens fine lines and helps plump the skin,” adds Dr. Taktouk. However, people concerned about crow’s feet and smoker’s lines may want to investigate Sunekos Performa. “It is excellent in areas with complex needs and where other options are limited (such as the forehead, around the eyes and upper lip),” adds Dr Ward.
Dr Taktouk thinks Teoxane Redensity 1, Profhilo, Belotero Revive and Sunekos Performa are excellent treatments, “so it’s best to consult your doctor who will help you decide between them”.
It is imperative to visit only highly trained, ethical injectors for any cosmetic procedure. Below, see Bazaar’s trusted list of the best practitioners in London (and beyond) offering a range of skin-boosting treatments.
Doctor Wassim Taktouk The stylish and understated Taktouk Clinic in Knightsbridge has a menu of skin boosters; Here, after a consultation, he and his team will choose the right treatment for you.
Doctor Sophie ShotterProfhilo is known for his aesthetic expertise as well as being the voice of the industry. We highly recommend Profhilo at the Illuminate Skin Clinic in Kent and London’s Harley Street.
Doctor Ashwin Soni He is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon as well as an aesthetic doctor, meaning his understanding of facial anatomy is second to none. Working primarily with Teoxane Redensity 1, you’ll find it at The Soni Clinic in Knightsbridge and Ascot.
Dr Alexis GraniteWorld-renowned specialist in medical and aesthetic dermatology, Sarah Chapman, offers Profhilo, Volite and Belotero Revive at Skinesis Medical in Chelsea and will decipher the best option for you following a consultation.
Doctor Johanna WardHe also works with Profhilo and now Sunekos Performa at the Cosmetic Skin Clinic in Marylebone and Stoke Poges (Buckinghamshire), where he is also considered one of the safest hands on the London aesthetic scene, where he also offers other skin boosters including Volite.
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