Everything you need to know about the injectable moisturiser—Profhilo

If the skincare universe held a popularity contest, there would be one ingredient that would crush all others—Hyaluronic Acid (HA). There was a time when no one knew what it did, what products it was found in, or even how to pronounce it. However, times have changed. Now, with its stellar PR team and consistent proven results, HA is found in almost everyone’s beauty cabinet. And we don’t say this often but this ingredient is worth all the hype. 

A humectant and hydrophilic by nature, HA is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water. It’s a substance that is produced naturally by our bodies. However, as we age the production of HA decreases, causing our skin to lose its structure and hydration. This is primarily why HA is a key ingredient in so many skincare products. But topical moisturisers can only take you so far. Don’t get us wrong; we are, in no way, saying you should start a bonfire of your skincare products. Using high-quality serums and moisturisers is of utmost importance. But if you’re looking for something that will provide enhanced hydration, some experts are now considering Profhilo. 

Often dubbed as an ‘injectable moisturiser’ Profhilo is a treatment that delivers HA into the deeper layers of the skin. We get it though, as soon as syringes enter the skincare game, eyebrows tend to rise sky-high. But this is not the same as fillers or botox (more on that later). Profhilo targets multiple layers of your skin to restore its moisture levels, firmness, and elasticity to achieve results that are difficult to achieve through the application of skincare products alone. Yes, even if your routine includes numerous products that are all targeted at hydration.  

Dr Rashmi Shetty, cosmetic dermatologist, Ra Aesthetics, & Dermatology says, “It works exceptionally well for patients seeking subtle hydration boost beneath the skin, addressing fine lines and slight facial fat loss, in the face and neck area. The aim is to provide a plumping effect without altering their natural appearance. This treatment is also perfect for individuals desiring a more natural collagen regeneration process instead of opting for fillers.”   

What is Profhilo and what are its benefits?

Profhilo is an anti-ageing and rejuvenating skincare treatment that is designed to hydrate the skin from the inside out. When we asked Dr Neha Khuraana MD, board-certified dermatologist, and founder of the House of Aesthetics about this treatment, she said, “Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment that is loved for its deep moisturisation and hydrating qualities. By increasing the production of collagen and elastin, improves elasticity and radiance to give you a youthful, renewed look.” 

It involves injecting small doses of concentrated hyaluronic acid that disperses throughout the face to improve the skin’s texture and give it a more firm, radiant, and plump appearance. The beauty of Profhilo is that it works by triggering a ‘bio-remodelling’ response. We’ve learned that this treatment attracts water into the deeper layers of our skin, it not only helps to delay anti-ageing signs but also stimulates the skin’s ability to produce collagen and elastin which we know, deteriorates as we age. This is how the treatment transforms the skin and gives it a healthier, dewy, and youthful glow. While it is most commonly done on the face, Profhilo can also be done on the neck, arms, or knees.   

Dr Shetty says, “Profhilo is injected precisely into the skin to make it tighter, more moisturised, and stronger. It contains powerful hyaluronic acid that spreads out across specific points, boosting collagen and elastin production while hydrating the skin deeply. As it settles, the skin starts to remodel itself, getting firmer and lifted, thanks to the increased production of essential proteins.” 

Generally, to get the best results, two sessions are required that are six weeks apart. It might take 3-4 weeks after the second session for you to see the dramatic transformation of your skin. However, this is not a one-time treatment since these effects only last for up to 6 months. So, experts recommend getting a top-up every now and then.  

Profhilo v/s fillers and botox 

At the beginning of this article, we mentioned that Profhilo is not the same as fillers or botox. Sure, they all fall in the injectables category but they all perform their functions very differently. Unlike, dermal fillers that add volume to the skin or botox that relaxes the muscles in the face to smoothen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, Profhilo is much more subtle. 

It is designed to improve the skin’s texture and give it an overall boost of radiance and hydration rather than revamp or restructure the face in any way. In no way is it a substitute for fillers or botox. However, Profhilo could be considered as the injectables starter pack for less mature skin as it delivers on its promises and leaves behind a natural-looking finish.     

Dr Shetty says, “Profhilo differs from Botox in its mechanism of action. Botox is classified as a neuromodulator, meaning it alters the response of muscles to nerve signals. When injected, Botox prevents muscle contraction in the treated area, leading to reduced movement or complete immobilisation of the muscle. This is commonly used to address lines by injecting into muscles surrounding the brow to address frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet.” She adds, “In contrast, Profhilo solely focuses on hydration and offers a natural approach. It stimulates biostimulation, meaning it encourages the skin's natural processes, such as collagen and elastin production, without affecting muscle movement.”

So, if you’re considering getting this treatment done, go in with realistic expectations. Profhilo will not add volume or completely erase deep lines and wrinkles. It also can’t be used on the forehead and if you have extremely mature skin, additional treatments will be needed for you to achieve your skin goals.  

What is the downtime after the treatment? 

While the downtime after Profhilo is minimal, you have to be very mindful for a few days after you have the treatment.  

According to Dr Khuraana, “Post the Profhilo treatment, here are a few things that you must keep in mind to maximise the effects and minimise the risks—avoid makeup for 24 hours, avoid heat-inducing activities like intense exercise and hot showers for 48 hours, cut alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before and after, avoid extreme temperatures, including direct sunlight exposure, for 48 hours and do not touch the injected area.” 

Are there any side effects? 

After receiving almost 10 injections in your face, it’s fair to wonder if there will be any side effects. Dr Shetty says, “There are typically no side effects associated with Profhilo, but it's important to ensure that a qualified and experienced injector administers it. You may experience symptoms like pain, a sensation of heat, or slight swelling at the injection site. These minor reactions can be alleviated by applying ice to the treated area and generally resolve quickly.”

Injectables can generally be a little tricky but as we mentioned earlier, Profhilo is a starter option so the potential risks are much, much lesser.  

Also read: What is glutathione and why it should be part of your skincare routine