Before
Whether you're a beauty enthusiast or not, it's likely you've found your ride-or-die moisturiser by now — the one product that you can always rely on to refresh, hydrate and protect your skin. You may have tried cult classics like Augustinus Bader's The Cream, Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream or affordable favourite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. But what happens when your go-to product suddenly doesn't work like it used to? Inject it, of course.
A caveat: not literally, and certainly not by yourself. You see, injectable moisturiser has become one of the most intriguing skincare treatments of late. Known professionally in clinics as Profhilo, the specially formulated injectable moisturiser is slowly but surely usurping the likes of laser facials, dermal filler and Botox among those looking to give their skin a refresh. It's especially popular among London-based aestheticians. In 2020 The Cadogan Clinic reported a 25% increase in Profhilo procedures, while on TikTok the term has amassed 27.5 million views and counting. So is injectable moisturiser really worth it?
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What is Profhilo and what are the skin benefits?
Before we get into the nitty gritty, it's important to point out that R29 is a judgement-free zone. Opting for injectables or other beauty treatments is an individual choice. We like to bring you the facts so that you can make informed decisions should you wish to go ahead. Consultant oculoplastic and ophthalmic surgeon Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, who specialises in advanced facial aesthetics, explained that Profhilo or injectable moisturiser is another way of delivering the hydrating and skin-plumping ingredient hyaluronic acid into the skin. Hyaluronic acid is found in plenty of serums and moisturisers (and also naturally in our bodies) but as we get older, our reserves run low. Injecting it in this way is said to rehydrate and rejuvenate the surface of your skin. Experts like Dr Hawkes and cosmetic medical nurse Marie Dolan of Define champion it as a way to temporarily minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to provide skin with a luminous glow. The major selling point? It's said to take as little as 10 minutes. Here's a convincing before and after video.
Is Profhilo different from filler?
Profhilo isn't a dermal filler, like lip filler. "Unlike dermal fillers,Profhilo goes beyond adding volume," explained Marie. "It's a moisturiser — think of it more as a huge boost of hydration from within." Marie added that the high concentration of hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin through five key points on each side of the face. This is done using a tiny needle and typically includes your cheeks, jawline and chin. Dr Hawkes said a second injection is required four to six weeks after the first, and the benefits can last up to six months. According to Save Face, if you choose not to top up the injections, your face will go back to its pre-treatment state as time goes on.
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What is it like to get Profhilo and is it any good?
Refinery29's features editor Vicky Spratt is no stranger to skin rejuvenating treatments, having tried (and loved) laser facials in the past. Here's her honest verdict on Profhilo.
"I'd heard that Profhilo was the 'future of skincare', a 'next generation' moisturiser. I'm quite adventurous when it comes to skincare and, while not unconflicted about injectables, I am always up for trying new things so I wanted to give this a go. I wondered whether it would mean I spent less money on serums and moisturisers. The clinician said it would give me juicier, plumper, smoother and firmer skin.
"My experience was wonderful and I can't fault my clinician. He warned me that it would sting and it really did. It was nothing unbearable and certainly no worse than a bikini wax (the most torturous beauty treatment of all time). I had four injections on each side of my face: along the jawline, in my smile lines and along my cheekbones. I am not going to lie — there was some swelling. Each injection site looked like I had been stung. I looked somewhat alien-like for 24 hours but then everything did begin to settle and you couldn't tell I'd had anything done. My skin did look very glowy within 48 hours, as though I'd just come back from a retreat where I had drunk nothing but pure mineral water from a natural spring somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
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"Because I had heard so much about Profhilo — the mythical moisturiser to end all moisturisers — I was expecting miracles. The results have confirmed one thing for me: miracles don't happen. Did I look well rested? Yes. Did the smile lines around my mouth lessen? Yes. Would I spend hundreds of pounds on this? No. [Beauty ed. note: Profhilo typically starts at £250 in London clinics.] Did I actually want to slightly undo my smile lines, which speak to 34 years of smiling and laughing in a life well lived? Also no. On balance, I can imagine this being great if you are older and really do want to look fresher (again, we need to question why we feel that way about ourselves). But I'm not sure it was worth it for me. I'm still looking hydrated but I can't really tell if that's my moisturiser or the Profhilo.
"I really can't make up my mind about injectables. If done by a trained practitioner in a safe and sanitary environment, I don't think they're dangerous. I also see the merits of them but, at the same time, I am worried about the great anti-ageing push and what it means for all of our attitudes towards beauty — and more crucially, ourselves. I think laser facials provide similar results and my skin has been transformed by them. In practice, I think I'll stick to one or two of those a year. More philosophically, I can't decide whether having a laser shot at your skin to resurface it is any different from a chemical peel or from having Profhilo injected. I worry about the messages being sent to young people in particular about ageing but I can't put my hand on my heart and say I wouldn't get Profhilo again in 10 years' time."
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A few weeks after
Who is a good candidate for Profhilo?
Levels of collagen and elastin (which give skin its plumpness) begin to deplete around the age of 30, said Dr Hawkes. While this is entirely natural and normal, experts report that the treatment is popular among those around this age or people interested in trying "pro-ageing" treatments. Marie explained that over-50s may also benefit from more hydrated and juicy skin. A consultation is fundamental to determine whether you're a right fit for Profhilo. It always pays to be safe and to discuss everything with a qualified practitioner.
@allaboutskinstudio Profhilo (injectable moisturiser) #fyp #Profhilo #injectables #naturalenhancement #botox #skintok #eyeslipsface ♬ Essence (feat. Tems) - WizKid
Are there any downsides or risks to Profhilo?
Dr Hawkes explained that there is no downtime to Profhilo but each experience can be different. The London Cosmetic Clinic, which offers Profhilo, pinpoints redness and swelling as an initial side effect but as with most injectable treatments, this should ease up after some hours. The hyaluronic acid gel is temporary and should you really not like the results, it is possible to dissolve this with an injection of hyaluronidase, which breaks down hyaluronic acid.
Is there anything else I should know before getting Profhilo?
Injectables are a personal choice. As always, it's important to do as much research as you can and to settle on a properly qualified injector. Websites like Glowday and Save Face are helpful and can point you in the direction of trusted experts.
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FAQs
Does Profhilo work for everyone? ›
Profhilo works for any skin type and will improve the aesthetics of any face. But if you're looking for a totally dramatic turnaround for sagging skin or deep wrinkles, you're best combining it with another treatment.
When does Profhilo look its best? ›The product remains in the skin for about 28 days, in which time it continues to stimulate the production collagen and elastin by slowly releasing the Hyaluronic Acid. Therefore, the results will be most visible in 4 weeks and after 8 weeks you will notice that your skin looks youthful, hydrated and glowing.
Can Profhilo be done wrong? ›Can Profhilo go wrong? Injectables can understandably seem a little scary so it's good to know the risks before you go ahead. 'No injection treatments comes without risks, however the risk of Profhilo is comparably very low, if administered by a practitioner who is appropriately qualified,' says Dr Williams.
Is one treatment of Profhilo enough? ›Once results are achieved, a course of two treatments can be repeated every six months or as needed, to maintain the results. Profhilo can be used in combination with other injectables such as botulinum type A toxin and dermal fillers, or as a stand-alone treatment.
What is better than Profhilo? ›Nucleofill is fantastic for the more mature age group as it regenerates sagging and dehydrated skin and thickens the tissues. It also lasts longer than Profhilo – up to a year after two treatments.
Does Profhilo lift jowls? ›Profhilo is especially effective at treating loose skin in the neck, cheek and jowls as well as other areas usually considered difficult to treat with injectable products, such as the: Temples. Lines around the mouth and chin. Forehead.
How do you get the best results from Profhilo? ›For better and longer-lasting results, we recommend you have 2 Profhilo treatments, 4 weeks apart. The improvements to the quality of your skin, and the lifting and tightening effect, develop subtly over several weeks.
How do you get the best from Profhilo? ›How Long does Profhilo take to work? Two treatments are recommended for maximum results, four weeks apart, with the best results being visible four weeks after the second treatment (my after picture was taken four weeks after the first treatment).
Is Profhilo good for under eyes? ›Can Profhilo be used under eyes? Profhilo can be used under the eyes to reduce under-eye wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. However, it is important to note that as Profhilo is not a dermal filler, issues related to volume loss, such as eye bags and dark eye circles cannot be addressed by this treatment.
Can you inject Profhilo too deep? ›Due to its accuracy, Profhilo is not the most straightforward product. If hyaluronic acid is injected too deeply, it won't reach the skin's surface to do its job of elasticizing and smoothing, and if it's injected too close to the surface, you'll end up with a face full of gel-filled pimples that fade away.
Does Profhilo change face shape? ›
Profhilo is designed to flow over a larger area and boost hydration, thus smoothing out and rejuvenating the skin. It does not change our face shape or add volume, in contrast to traditional fillers.
How long does Profhilo take to settle? ›There is no downtime; immediately after the procedure, you can see small bumps, much like an insect bite or bee sting, at the site of the injection. These are very easy to cover usually and can take up to 24 hours to settle.
Does Profhilo work on older skin? ›Profhilo is suitable for all ages, from women and men in their twenties and thirties looking to stave off first signs off aging, to patients in their 60s upwards looking for a potent but natural anti-aging treatment. As with any injectable treatments, we don't recommend Profilho if you are pregnant.
How far does Profhilo spread? ›The Profhilo filler is added in small boluses and spreads out over a 2cm radius over a couple of days, then 'melting' quickly into the surrounding tissue to plump it out. It adds weightless, invisible volume for a youthful look.
Does Profhilo make you look younger? ›Tightening the skin
It's no secret that the skin becomes more lax as we age, causing fine lines and wrinkles. Profhilo tackles this by increasing the levels of elastin, which is the natural occurring substance that gives your skin the ability to “snap back” and stay youthful.
Juvéderm® VOLITE was declared winner at the recent Aesthetic Medicine Awards in the category BEST INJECTABLES SKIN BOOSTER, sharing the award with joint winner BELOTERO® REVIVE. “Juvéderm® VOLITE is carefully designed to treat superficial skin depressions, such as fine lines, and improve skin quality attributes.
Does Profhilo spread to forehead? ›The main effects of Profhilo are improved skin hydration and skin texture and firmness. Thirdly, Profhilo may not address issues in the forehead. This is because the standard injection points for Profhilo do not include the forehead. If you have dry skin or fine wrinkles over your forehead, these issues may persist.
How deep should you inject Profhilo? ›It works by being injected just below the surface of the skin. Once injected, it naturally spreads out and is absorbed over about a 4cm area of the skin. This means, that you can usually have the treatment applied to your whole face with around about 10 injection sites.
Is Profhilo good for turkey neck? ›Profhilo is a fantastic treatment to lift and tighten sagging skin across the neck and décolletage area. As we age, our skin can lose its firmness and structure in this zone, resulting in dreaded 'turkey neck' skin folds.
Is Profhilo good for the jawline? ›Profhilo is a fantastic treatment to target sagging or wrinkled skin in the neck like jowls and in the décolletage area. When Profhilo is strategically placed across areas of skin laxity in the neck, we can create a durable lift and tighten the skin under the jawline.
Does Profhilo lift cheeks? ›
Unlike fillers, Profhilo can treat challenging areas such as around the eyes, chest or hands, but is also very effective to areas most prone to a loss of laxity such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The result is firmer, tighter skin, a refreshed, plumper appearance, and an improved skin tone and texture.
Why does Profhilo take so long to work? ›Profhilo takes 4 to 6 weeks to work as the product needs time to spread and stimulate your own collagen and elastin.
How long does Profhilo take to spread? ›This will be the product starting to diffuse across your skin, filling it with moisture and goodness. These little lumps generally only last between 3-24 hours. You will see results within a week with your skin becoming more supple and smoother. You will need 2 Profhilo treatments 4-weeks apart.
How many sessions of Profhilo do you need? ›It is recommended to have 2 sessions (one month apart) to achieve the maximum results. However, if the skin problems are severe, the third session could be done 2 months after the second session. In order to maintain the results, one treatment session is advised every 6 months.
How far does Profhilo spread? ›The Profhilo filler is added in small boluses and spreads out over a 2cm radius over a couple of days, then 'melting' quickly into the surrounding tissue to plump it out. It adds weightless, invisible volume for a youthful look.
How do you get the best results from Profhilo? ›For better and longer-lasting results, we recommend you have 2 Profhilo treatments, 4 weeks apart. The improvements to the quality of your skin, and the lifting and tightening effect, develop subtly over several weeks.
How long after 2nd Profhilo do you see results? ›The full effects of the Profhilo treatment are typically seen after a two-month period following the second treatment. But you should start to see a difference in less than a week.
Do and don'ts after Profhilo? ›What precautions should I take after having Profhilo treatment? Make-up should not be worn for 12 hours. You are advised to avoid alcohol and vigorous exercise for 48 hours. Avoid sunbathing, and extremes of heat or cold for 14 days post treatment.
Does Profhilo make you look younger? ›For people who get wrinkles, crepiness, or loose skin, this treatment has proven to be exemplary. It removes wrinkles from your skin and makes it appear clear, spotless, and flawless. By tightening your skin, it lifts it and makes you look younger and fresher.
Can you inject Profhilo too deep? ›Due to its accuracy, Profhilo is not the most straightforward product. If hyaluronic acid is injected too deeply, it won't reach the skin's surface to do its job of elasticizing and smoothing, and if it's injected too close to the surface, you'll end up with a face full of gel-filled pimples that fade away.
When do Profhilo lumps go? ›
A: Following on from Profhilo there is the chance that localised lumps can form where each of the injection sites have been. These lumps will subside usually within 4-6 hours after the treatment but they can last up to 24 hours.
Is Profhilo good for under eyes? ›Can Profhilo be used under eyes? Profhilo can be used under the eyes to reduce under-eye wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. However, it is important to note that as Profhilo is not a dermal filler, issues related to volume loss, such as eye bags and dark eye circles cannot be addressed by this treatment.
Does Profhilo lift cheeks? ›Unlike fillers, Profhilo can treat challenging areas such as around the eyes, chest or hands, but is also very effective to areas most prone to a loss of laxity such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The result is firmer, tighter skin, a refreshed, plumper appearance, and an improved skin tone and texture.
Does Profhilo change face shape? ›Profhilo is designed to flow over a larger area and boost hydration, thus smoothing out and rejuvenating the skin. It does not change our face shape or add volume, in contrast to traditional fillers.
How deep should you inject Profhilo? ›It works by being injected just below the surface of the skin. Once injected, it naturally spreads out and is absorbed over about a 4cm area of the skin. This means, that you can usually have the treatment applied to your whole face with around about 10 injection sites.
Who is not suitable for Profhilo? ›Profhilo is suitable for anyone who is over 18 years of age who are experiencing issues with skin laxity. It is not suitable for anyone who pregnant, breast feeding or those who have a known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid.
Can you use retinol after Profhilo? ›It is recommended that you avoid exercise for 24 hours and do not use a steam room or sauna for a few days after treatment. You should also avoid the use of retinol, vitamin C serums, or any other products which could irritate your skin for 24 hours.