Injectable moisturisers like Profhilo sit in an odd gap in skincare. They are not dermal fillers, because they don’t add volume or change the shape of your face. They are not the same as the hyaluronic acid in your moisturiser either. Instead they deliver stabilised hyaluronic acid into the skin to hydrate it and prompt it to remodel itself. Profhilo is the best known of them and it has been hyped as something close to a miracle. As always, we thought it was worth stepping back a little and looking at what the evidence actually says. In this article, we’ll review what injectable moisturisers are, whether they live up to the reviews and how they compare to Botox, fillers and good skincare.
Please note, we are an online skin clinic so we do not offer Profhilo, skin boosters or any other injectable treatment. We have written this because we believe people deserve clear, honest information about all of their options.
What is Profhilo & How Does It Work?
Profhilo is a skin booster, a stabilised form of hyaluronic acid injected into the skin to improve its quality. Ordinary hyaluronic acid breaks down quickly once injected. Profhilo gets around this by linking high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid together. The result is a highly concentrated gel, thin enough to spread evenly yet stable enough to last. Once in the skin it does two things. It draws in water to hydrate from within, and it slowly stimulates the skin to make more collagen and elastin, a process often called bioremodelling. That is why it’s used for skin that has become dry, crepey or a little lax rather than for filling lines. A systematic review of nine studies found it improved skin laxity, hydration, elasticity and density. Side effects like bruising or swelling were mild and usually settled within 72 hours.
Does Topical Hyaluronic Acid Do the Same Thing?
This is where a lot of the confusion sits. Hyaluronic acid is the same molecule whether it’s in a serum or a syringe, but how it’s delivered changes what it can do. The hyaluronic acid in a moisturiser largely sits on the surface and draws water to the top layers of the skin, which plumps and hydrates temporarily. That is genuinely useful, and a good hyaluronic acid serum is worth having in most routines. What it can’t do is reach the deeper layers and trigger the remodelling that an injected product does. So topical hyaluronic acid and injectable moisturisers aren’t really rivals. They work at different depths and do different jobs.
Does It Actually Work?
The honest answer is that it works, within limits. The evidence supports real improvements in skin quality, and in the right person the results are lovely. It is not a silver bullet though. Profhilo does very little for deep wrinkles or lost volume, which need different treatments altogether. It also isn’t a one-off. Most people need two or three sessions spaced about a month apart, then a top-up every 6 to 8 months to maintain the effect. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person. If you go in expecting better skin quality rather than a face lift in a syringe, you are far less likely to be disappointed.
Profhilo vs Botox vs Fillers
These treatments often get pitted against each other, but they solve different problems. Botox relaxes the muscles that cause expression lines like frown lines and crow’s feet. Dermal fillers restore lost volume and structure, lifting and reshaping areas that have hollowed with age. Profhilo and other skin boosters do neither of those things. Instead they improve the quality of the skin itself, its hydration, firmness and texture. For that reason they are often used alongside Botox and filler rather than instead of them. Which one suits you depends entirely on whether your main concern is movement, volume or skin quality.
Where Does Skincare Fit in?
No injectable replaces a good routine, and skincare is the only route to better skin quality you can manage entirely at home. Retinoids like tretinoin help build collagen and speed up cell turnover, which thickens and smooths the skin over a few months. Over-the-counter Retinol does the same thing more gently. Daily sunscreen protects all of that work, and antioxidants such as vitamin C help defend collagen and brighten the skin. A consistent routine for ageing skin built around retinoids and sun protection improves skin ageing on its own. It also makes the result of any in-clinic treatment better.
So are Injectable Moisturisers Worth It?
It depends on what’s bothering you. If your skin has become dry, crepey or slightly lax and you don’t mind needles and the upkeep, you may really enjoy what a skin booster does. It can soften early wrinkles and fine lines and the crepey skin that comes with early jowls, marionette lines and a softening neck. If your concern is deep lines or lost volume, your money is better spent elsewhere. Whatever you choose, the quality of your injector matters far more than the brand on the box, so see someone properly qualified and start with your skincare.
The reviews aren’t all hype, but they aren’t the whole story either. Injectable moisturisers can help improve the appearance and feel of your skin. However whilst noticeable results are subtle and vary from person to person. To maximise your chances of success, treat any underlying skin problems like acne or hyperpigmentation first. Also ensure that you improve your overall baseline and maintain results with a consistent skincare routine.
At City Skin Clinic, we don’t provide Profhilo, skin boosters or any other injectable treatment. We do however offer personalised skin ageing treatments through our online skin clinic. Our doctors design custom topical formulas using ingredients like tretinoin and azelaic acid where appropriate, tailored to suit your individual needs. Start a virtual consultation with one of our doctors. The journey towards great skin starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical provider for any medical concerns or questions you might have.
