by Hailed as ‘injectable moisturisers’, a new wave of hyaluronic acid fillers – including Profhilo – have created a group of advanced aesthetic treatments known as ‘skin boosters’, currently popular with both women and men. But, unlike typical dermal fillers, they are employed for hydration over volume, as Dr. Wassim Taktouk, an aesthetic doctor specializing in such treatments, tells me.
“Both injectable moisturizers and dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid,” he explains, referring to the water-binding molecule that can hold 10,000 times its weight in water. “It’s a natural component of human skin that our bodies produce less and less as we age,” he says. “Hyaluronic acid is made up of long chains, like spaghetti, each of which attracts and retains water. In dermal fillers, the ‘spaghetti’ is slightly modified and cross-linked, as if it were ‘cooked’, so that it sticks together and stays. where it is injected to create volume.” With injectable skin-boosting treatments, however, “the hyaluronic acid is less ‘cooked’, so it spreads evenly across the face to draw water along the way”. This means that the substance hydrates the skin without giving volume to the face, which prevents laxity and gives the complexion a fresh, healthy texture.
Profhilo explained
As I experienced myself, with another cosmetic expert – Dr Sophie Shotter, after numbing the skin with a topical cream, Profhilo consists of around eight strategically placed injections administered subcutaneously in the lower part of the face. These can leave small swellings like a bee sting that last up to 24 hours, with possible bruising (although I haven’t experienced the latter). To my delight, there are no other negatives to Profhilo, which is why it drew me in over other injectable treatments like wrinkle-releasing toxins and traditional fillers.
Two sessions are required, about six weeks apart, and most people see the best results about three to four weeks after their second session, although I also noticed benefits after my first treatment. In my case, these included skin tightening – nothing like what I imagine regular fillers would do to improve my contours, but it gave a noticeably fuller yet tighter look nonetheless – as well as smoothing out crêpiness and a youthful look. good!’ glow.
Results last about six months, although Dr Shotter recommends one session every three months to top up, rather than waiting six months for two. I can see how it could become addictive.
Profhilo has been compared to other skin boosters
Along with Profhilo, which has become the biggest word of beauty in injectables this decade, many cosmetic practitioners work with Volite from Juvéderm – the makers of Botox – which is also exclusively formulated with hyaluronic acid. Other products in the skin booster cohort, such as Teoxane Redensity 1, Belotero Revive and Sunekos Performa, contain additional skin-loving nutrients that promise to work on skin condition.
Dr Taktouk explains that “Volite has lower levels of hyaluronic acid than Profhilo and Teoxane Redensity 1”. It contains no vitamins, minerals, antioxidants or amino acids and will only “moderately hydrate the skin and improve fine lines”.
Profhilo said, “it is pure hyaluronic acid in high quantities and will bioremodel collagen and elastin while hydrating the skin.” It is ‘anti-aging’ on multiple levels, but since it is not generally used on the forehead (where people can find problems with fine lines) it will not help to hydrate the skin there. Profhilo Body, meanwhile, works to target skin laxity under the neck.
Then there’s Teoxane Redensity 1, which can be used all over the face as a full hydration treatment. “Teoxane Redensity 1 combines pure hyaluronic acid with three antioxidants, eight amino acids, two minerals and a vitamin; therefore it repairs the skin and hydrates it.” Think of it as a more powerful version of mesotherapy. Dr. Taktouk says, “Teoxane Redensity 1 will not only hydrate the skin but also prevent premature skin aging, helping with skin thinning and giving a beautiful healthy glow.”
Other skin boosters that do more include Belotero Revive, which contains glycerin – another powerful humectant, and Sunekos Performa which has an added amino acid complex. Dr Johanna Ward from The Cosmetic Skin Clinic prefers the latter, who says “Sunekos Performa is great as it can be used on the forehead lines, around the eyes to treat crow’s feet, and fine lines orally, but Profhilo is not licensed. in these areas”.
Polynucleotides are another category of injectable treatments that have similar benefits to Profhilo and its counterparts. “They are similar in effects,” Dr. Ashwin Soni, plastic and reconstructive surgeon tells us, “but instead of just providing hydration like hyaluronic acid skin boosters, polynucleotides communicate with the cells to produce collagen and elastin.
Polynucleotides (like Ameela) can also be used in areas that some skin boosters cannot, such as the eyes, lips, and forehead, and are becoming more popular as an alternative to filling tear troughs, says Dr. Soni noticed.
How to decide which skin booster treatment is right for you
“Typically, for people who want to improve skin health, hydrate, protect skin and get a ‘wow’ glow, I’d point to Teoxane Renewal 1,” says Dr. Taktouk. Belotero Revival claiming similar benefits, as Dr. Sarah Tonks of The Lovely Clinic says, it is to “hydrate the skin deeply, without creating unwanted volume,” giving the ultimate softening effect.
“Profilo great for those patients with crepey skin that has lost its elasticity – it softens fine lines and helps clear the skin,” says Dr Taktouk. Sunekos game. “In areas with complex needs and limited options – like the forehead, around the eyes and upper lip – it’s perfect,” says Dr Ward.
Dr Taktouk feels that Teoxane Redensity 1, Profhilo, Belotero Revive and Sunekos Performa are excellent treatments, “so you better consult your doctor who will help you decide between them”.
With any cosmetic procedures, it is essential to visit only highly trained ethical injectors. Below, check out Bazaar’s trusted list of the best practitioners in London (and beyond) offering a variety of skin-boosting treatments.
Dr Wassim Taktouk The chic and discreet Taktouk Clinic, Knightsbridge, has a skin-boosting menu where he and his team will choose the right treatment for you after a consultation.
Dr Sophie Shotterrenowned as much for her aesthetic expertise as she is for being the voice of the industry, Profhilo offers at her Illuminate Skin Clinic in Kent and Harley Street in London, which we highly recommend.
Dr. Ashwin Soni he is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon as well as an aesthetic physician, which means his understanding of facial anatomy is second to none. Working mainly with Teoxane Redensity 1, you will find him at The Soni Clinic in Knightsbridge and Ascot.
Dr. Alexis Granitewho is a world-renowned expert in medical and aesthetic dermatology, offers Profhilo, Volite and Belotero Revive at Skinesis Medical at Sarah Chapman, Chelsea, and after a consultation will determine the best option for you.
Dr Johanna Wardalso considered one of the safest pair of hands in the London aesthetic scene, he works with Profhilo and now Sunekos Performa at the Cosmetic Skin Clinic in Marylebone and Stoke Poges (Buckinghamshire), where other skin boosters are applied, including Volite , also available.
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