Two of the most popular injectable skin treatments at Cosmetic Skin Clinic London are Profhilo and skin boosters. Both use hyaluronic acid to improve skin quality, hydration, and radiance — but they work in fundamentally different ways and are suited to different patients and concerns. In this article, our Medical Director explains the key differences to help you understand which treatment is right for you.
What Is Profhilo?
Profhilo is a revolutionary injectable treatment that contains one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid available in any injectable product — 64mg per 2ml syringe. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Profhilo does not add volume or change facial contours. Instead, it spreads and integrates throughout the skin tissue, stimulating the production of four different types of collagen and elastin. This process — known as bio-remodelling — produces a genuine structural improvement in skin quality, firmness, and elasticity. Profhilo is administered via just five injection points on each side of the face (the BAP — Bio Aesthetic Points — technique), making it a quick and comfortable treatment.
What Are Skin Boosters?
Skin boosters such as Restylane Vital and Juvederm Volite are injectable hyaluronic acid treatments designed to deliver deep, long-lasting hydration to the skin. Unlike Profhilo, skin boosters are injected at multiple precise points across the treatment area using a fine needle or cannula. The hyaluronic acid remains localised at the injection points, providing a depot of hydration that gradually releases moisture into the surrounding tissue. The result is a significant improvement in skin hydration, smoothness, and luminosity — the coveted 'glass skin' effect.
Key Differences: Profhilo vs Skin Boosters
The primary difference lies in the mechanism of action. Profhilo bio-remodels the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production — it is a structural treatment that improves skin firmness and elasticity over time. Skin boosters primarily improve hydration and surface luminosity without the same degree of structural remodelling. Profhilo is administered at just 5 injection points per side; skin boosters require multiple injection points across the treatment area. Profhilo is typically administered as a course of 2 treatments one month apart; skin boosters usually require 3 sessions. Both treatments last approximately 6 months, though results vary between patients.
Which Is Better for Skin Laxity?
For patients with skin laxity — loose, crepey skin on the face, neck, or décolletage — Profhilo is generally the superior choice. Its collagen and elastin-stimulating properties produce a genuine tightening and firming effect that skin boosters cannot replicate. Many patients with early to moderate skin laxity see a dramatic improvement in skin firmness after just two Profhilo sessions. For more significant laxity, Profhilo can be combined with other treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections or dermal fillers for a more comprehensive result.
Which Is Better for Dry or Dehydrated Skin?
For patients whose primary concern is dry, dehydrated, or dull skin — rather than laxity or structural concerns — skin boosters may be the more appropriate first choice. The localised hyaluronic acid depot provided by skin boosters delivers immediate, intense hydration that produces a visible glow and smoothness from the very first session. Skin boosters are also an excellent option for younger patients (late twenties to early forties) who want to maintain skin quality and prevent early signs of ageing.
Can You Have Both Profhilo and Skin Boosters?
Absolutely. Many of our patients at Cosmetic Skin Clinic London choose to have both treatments as part of a comprehensive skin health programme. Profhilo addresses the structural and firmness aspects of skin quality, while skin boosters provide the surface hydration and luminosity. The two treatments complement each other beautifully and can be administered at the same appointment or in alternating sessions. Our doctors will advise you on the most effective combination and schedule during your free consultation.
A GMC-registered medical doctor specialising in aesthetic medicine at Cosmetic Skin Clinic London. With extensive training in facial anatomy and advanced injection techniques, our doctors are committed to delivering safe, natural-looking results.