Profhilo

April 10, 2020April 10, 2020Leave a comment

What Is Profhilo?

Profhilo Profhilo is not a mesotherapy product, neither is it a dermal filler,” says aesthetic dental practitioner Dr Emma Ravichandran, who was one of the first practitioners in the UK to use the product, having incorporated it into her clinic in February 2016. “Profhilo is a stabilised hyaluronic acid (HA) but without any chemical cross-linking agents – the first injectable of its kind,” she explains.

Profhilo, distributed by HA Derma, is indicated for the treatment of skin laxity and is free of 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) – a viscous liquid, hygroscopic in nature, which links the HA chains to prevent them being broken down by the body.¹ Although cross-linking chemicals, such as BDDE, in small doses in dermal filler has been indicated to be safe,² the BDDE-free concept could be appealing to consumers who are wary of synthetic chemicals being used in products.³

The science behind the product

According to IBSA, the HA is stabilised by a patented thermal process whereby the natural bonds found in high molecular weight (H-HA) break, and new hydrogen bonds are formed between the H-HA and low molecular weight (L-HA). This allows for 32mg of L-HA (80 – 100 kDa) to be combined with 32mg of H-HA (1100 – 1400 kDa), to form stable hybrid complexes (64mg in 2ml). In practice, the L-HA aims to hydrate and stimulate skin, while the H-HA acts as a dermal scaffold in the skin.⁴

Complications

As with any injectable treatment there are minor risks, including bruising and swelling, as well as infection, allergic reaction, vascular compromise and nerve damage; although IBSA claims these are rare.

Both the company and practitioners who have experience using Profhilo claim there is no real downtime, due to minimal injection points. “From a safety perspective, Profhilo is highly biocompatible, owing to the fact that it is made from natural hyaluronic acid and stabilised without the addition of chemical cross-linking agents,” says Dr Ravichandran, adding, “But it’s still important as an aesthetic injector to have the protocols to deal with any complications in case they occur.”

Results

Dr Ravichandran says, “After four weeks, my patients have experienced improvement in lines and tightness of their skin. After eight weeks there is a definite lifting and tightening of the skin – it is more hydrated and appears more youthful and in better health.” Some of her patients have reported an immediate improvement after treatment. She continues, “I have now completed 20 patients’ preliminary two-step treatments and am delighted with the results I have achieved (Figure 2). Overall, patients can expect increased firmness, elasticity and an overall improved quality of skin, with the effects lasting up to six months.”

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Conclusion

Dr Ravichandran concludes, “Profhilo does not create the volumetric lift or volume replacement associated with cross-linked dermal fillers, however, it creates volume in the tissue where it is needed due to its high spreadability. Owing to this characteristic, it is an ideal treatment for challenging areas as well, such as the neck, perioral area, and hands and arms, where we do not see the significant volume loss, but skin has lost elasticity. I often see patients with artificially enhanced cheeks, which is a result of overfilling because the wrinkle ‘just doesn’t go away’. But, in my experience, Profhilo has been very effective in correcting this concern.”

References

Derek Jones, Injectable Fillers, Enhanced Edition: Principles and Practice, (2010) Wiley-Blackwell.
Koenraad De Boulle, A review of the metabolism of 1,4-butanedio diglycidyl ether – cross linked hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, (2013 <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264939/>
Lisette Hilton, CosmeticSurgeryTimes, Future fillers: Profhilo & Belotero Volume, (2016) <http://cosmeticsurgerytimes.modernmedicine.com/cosmetic-surgery-times/news/future-fillers-prohilobeletaro-volume>
IBSA Derma, A New Discovery, (2016) <http://www.ibsaderma.com.ua/en/pdf/Brochure_medico_Profhilo_en.pdf>
Antonella D’Agostino, BioMed Central, In vitro analysis of the effects on wound healing of high- and low-molecular weight chains of hyaluronan and their hybrid H-HA/L-HA complexes (2015) <http://bmccellbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12860-015-0064-6>

Why Hyaluronic Acid is so magical for your skin

April 10, 2020April 10, 2020Leave a comment

hyaluronicacid One amazing fact about Hyaluronic Acid is that it is an humectant, which means each molecule can attract and hold on to 1000 x its own weight in moisture from its surroundings. It works hard to keep every aspect of skin stable, safeguarded and constantly renewed.

Hyaluronic Acid can therefore enhance moisture levels like no other ingredient. It revitalises the outer surface layers of the skin, so it looks and feels softer, smoother and radient – instantly improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Introducing Hyaluronic Acid into your topical skin care routine

Hyaluronic acid is incredibly popular and can be found in many skincare products. To get the hydrating benefits of Hyaluronic Acid, it’s best to choose a moisturising cream, lotion or serum. Look for Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate on the product’s ingredient label.

Sodium hyaluronate is a salt derived from Hyaluronic Acid and because of the smaller molecule size, is easily absorbed into the skin. Ideally the product should contain 1% or higher HA. Any less, and it’s not likely to have many benefits for your skin. if the product doesn’t show the percentage of HA, make sure it’s high on the list of ingredients.

Apply Hyaluronic Acid serums after cleansing or washing your face and use a moisturiser over the top to seal it. For best results, use only one product containing HA at a time and seal with a moisturiser or oil.

Spotlight on Profhilo Haenkenium

Profhilo Haenkenium® cream, is a topical formulation that provides immediate skin hydration, natural antioxidant protection and long-term accumulative skin rejuvenation results. Combining a patented Hyaluronic Acid (HA) complex with Salvia Haenkei extract, this multi-tasking complex protects, restores and improves skin cell health within one skincare product.

■ HYALURONIC ACID (HA) COMPLEX This exclusive complex combines both high molecular weight HA, which has a protective effect, restoring and maintaining the skin’s hydrolipidic film, with low molecular weight HA, which contributes to optimal hydration.

■ HAENKENIUM This patented Salvia haenkei extract enriches the formula and slows down the degradation process of HA caused by ROS, prolonging the benefits to the skin. It provides skin protection from free radical damage and improves the skin cell health.

HOW DOES PROFHILO HAENKENIUM WORK?

PROTECTS

and provides exceptional antioxidant protection and protects the skin from premature ageing caused by oxidative stress factors such as pollution, diet and smoking and prevents photoaging counteracting damage from UV exposure.

RESTORES

the skin barrier function, skin hydration, skin firmness, elasticity and tone.

IMPROVES

the quality, health and appearance of skin by diminishing the visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as alleviating skin irritation and redness caused by oxidative stress, sensitisation or following any dermoaesthetic treatments.

“PROFHILO HAENKENIUM” is so much more than just a moisturiser – this formulation optimises your skin cell health’. ”

— Anna Baker BN RGN INP PGCert (App. Clin. Anat.) PGCert (Clin. Ed.)

Beauty Food | Eating For Healthy Skin

February 21, 2019March 6, 2019Leave a comment

When it comes to healthy skin the phrase “you are what you eat” could not be more true! To achieve glowing, vibrant and healthy skin, diet is the best place to start so we thought we’d talk you through the best things to eat to get your skin looking its best…

Fruit + Vegetables

fruitandveg

Eat a rainbow of fruit and vegetables and you’ll be filling your body with powerful antioxidants that help to protect skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Everyday things like smoking, pollution and sunlight can cause wrinkling and age spots but by aiming for at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, we can fight the negative effects these things have on our skin.

Tip: Betacarotene found in carrots, sweet potato and pumpkin and lutein found in kale, papaya and spinach are rich in potent antioxidants that are vital for normal skin development and healthy skin tone.

Vitamin C

oranges

A super antioxidant that’s needed to support the immune system, Vitamin C also promotes radiant skin and helps blemishes to heal properly.
The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C is 60mg and the best sources are blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, kiwi fruits, oranges, strawberries and sweet potatoes.

Fact: Vitamin C is vital in the production of collagen which strengthens the capillaries that supply the skin, promoting elasticity and a more youthful appearance.

Selenium

brazils

A powerful antioxidant that works alongside other antioxidants such as Vitamins E + C, Selenium is essential in supporting the immune system.
Reports suggest that a selenium rich diet can help protect against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots! This super nutrient can be found in Brazil nuts, shellfish, eggs, wheatgerm, tomatoes and broccoli.

Tip: Just 4 Brazil nuts will provide the recommended daily amount of Selenium!

Water

water

The one we hear most often yet is so commonly forgotten about throughout the day – water is essential to healthy skin. Even mild hydration will cause skin to look tired, dry and grey so keep a bottle of water nearby at all times!

Aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day and remember to include moisture rich fruits and vegetables in there too such as watermelon, courgette and cucumbers.

Tip: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption if you want to keep your skin looking bright and healthy.

No Yo-Yo Diets

yoyodiet

Constantly losing and regaining weight can take its toll on our skin, leading to sagging, wrinkles and stretch marks. Crash or extreme diets are usually short in essential vitamins and minerals and over long periods of time this type of diet will reflect on your skin.

Choose a balanced, healthy diet filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and wholegrains to ensure your skin is looking the very best it can.

Healthy Fats

avocado

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like those found in avocados, oily fish, nuts and seeds help to provide essential fatty acids. These act as a natural moisturiser for our skin, keeping it supple and improving elasticity.
These fats also come with a healthy dose of Vitamin E which further help to protect against free radical damage.

Zinc

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Involved in the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands which produce oil in the skin, Zinc helps to repair skin damage and keep skin soft and supple.
With anti-inflammatory properties, Zinc helps to heal and rejuvenate the skin and may help to prevent acne.

Tip: Zinc rich foods include fish, lean red meat, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and shellfish.

7 Favourites: everyday skin care

May 10, 2018May 10, 2018Leave a comment

There are more skin care products on the market now than ever before. It’s a minefield of scrubs, peels, serums, acids, day creams, balancing toners, brightening lotions and much more that can leave you confused and quite frankly, baffled.

Finding your perfect skincare routine can take years. To help make the process easier we’ve picked 7 of our favourite products for use in a different step in your skin care regime.

Cleanser | the first step towards clear, radiant skin is clean skin. There’s no point in investing money in the best products if you’re slathering them onto skin that isn’t properly cleansed…
It’s no secret that MAKING FACES loves Jan Marini; founded in California, this innovative company is continually developing and expanding the professional skincare market.

The Bioglycolic® Face Cleanser offers deep, non irritating cleansing that leaves the skin soft and hydrated. What’s better is you do not need to follow with a toner or astringent…any product that simplifies our morning routine is fine by us!
I am yet to find a client of mine who doesn’t love this cleanser.

“Apart from retinoids, the only other ingredient that’s been shown to stimulate collagen and tighten pores is glycolic acid. As an additional immediate benefit, it removes rough dead skin cells to give skin a smoother appearance. “
TeenVogue.com – March 2012

Scrub | using a facial scrub (no microbeads please!) a few times a week is a brilliant way to administer a slightly more intense exfoliation than a Biolglycolic cleanser can offer. Use a scrub that contains salicylic acid and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pore lining (as opposed to most acids which only treat the surface layer of the skin) and breaks down the bond that keeps dead cells clinging together. It helps to promote new cell turnover which leaves skin firm and plump. Salicylic acid’s anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe red and angry skin and is a great addition in the treatment of acne.

We love the St Ives Blemish Fighting Apricot Face Scrub which is made with 100% walnut shell powder (much better for the environment) is non-comodegenic (doesn’t block pores) and contains 2% salicylic acid. Plus is smells like apricots – perfection.

Serum | the lightweight nature of serums mean that they can penetrate deeper into the skin; delivering active ingredients to both the dermis and epidermis. Regularly using a serum can not only give your skin a firmer, smoother texture; it also improves moisture levels and makes pores appear smaller.

What ‘The Ordinary’ lacks in snazzy packaging they make up for in brilliant products with high performing ingredients. “Buffet” is a multi-peptide serum packed full of anti ageing ingredients that includes hyaluronic acid and Matrixyl 3000 – which stimulates collagen synthesis. A pleasingly affordable price tag makes this our pick of the serums currently available.

Primer | Hourglass continually rank highly on our list of favourite cosmetics brands. Not only do they combine luxury, science and beauty, they create cruelty free, vegan products in the process. The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is lightweight, oil free and works to hide redness, wrinkles and imperfections while creating the perfect base to ensure your make up stays intact all day.

Moisturiser | clinically proven to repair and strengthen the skin’s external barrier, Epionce have used over 20 years of research to perfect their range. Referred to as a ‘cult’ product, you won’t find it in shops as it’s only retailed by aesthetic clinics, spas, dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The Renewal Facial Cream is by far our favourite moisturiser, not only for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties but its luxurious feel and gorgeous flowery scent – this is a cult you should definitely join!

SPF | providing broad spectrum protection with the bonus of a glowing tint, the Epionce Daily Shield Tinted Lotion (SPF 50) is perfect for all skin types and will leave you glowing without any of the long lasting damage. Fortified with anti-oxidants and water resistant, if you’re planning a Summer holiday this year, don’t leave without it!

Lips | the best £8 you’ll ever spend will be on The Body Shop’s Lipscuff. A lipstick sized stick that nourishes and smoothes, Lipscuff contains a natural exfoliant that will leave your lips kissably soft! Follow with Bobbi Brown’s lip balm with SPF 15 (because lips get sunburnt too) which is specially formulated with wheatgerm, avocado and olive oil for moisturised and happy lip

If you try (or already use!) any of the products we’ve mentioned – let us know what you think in the comments below. Alternatively, if you have a go-to product you couldn’t live without – please share!

5 tips for healthy Summer skin

May 3, 2018May 3, 20181 Comment

It looks like Summer is on its way! Fingers crossed the lovely weather stays and we can start justifying all of the Magnum’s we’re eating…
With the warmer days comes even more reason to protect your skin so we’ve got a round up of 5 easy tips for keeping your skin healthy this Summer.

Sun screen – possibly the most obvious but by far the most important. You should use a sunscreen on your skin every day but even more so during the Summer. Whether you work indoors or out, a layer of sun screen will protect your skin from UV rays and there are some great products on the market that don’t feel heavy or leave your skin looking greasy. We recommend Epionce Active Shield lotion SPF30+ which is light, fast absorbing and fortified with antioxidants.

Lip protection – as if we need an excuse to buy another lipstick? During the Summer months don’t forget our lips are delicate and burn so easily. No one wants to look like a Batfish so be sure to look for a lipstick or lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.

Not a good look.

Water – hydration is key all year round but during the Summer months, enjoying the sun can mean we end up feeling a little shrivelled. Be sure to drink plenty of water and snack on leafy greens, watermelon and berries to help you stay hydrated.

Exfoliating – as much as we’d all love a daily facial, for most it is not feasible. However, you can have a mini pamper every day if you use the right products. A gentle, daily exfoliating routine is the next best thing (bar a personal beautician) for clearing away dead skin cells and cleaning your pores; ensuring bright, radiant and healthy Summer skin. We love the ZO Skin Health Offects Exfoliating Polish which contains ultra-fine magnesium crystals and added vitamins A, C & E.

Go natural – if Summer days make you dread the thought of your normal make up routine, why not go natural? Going completely without make up can be a little daunting but a great breathable camouflage cream can cover up any blemishes, dark spots and troublesome areas effortlessly – leaving you looking natural and glowing. We use the Lycogel Breathable Camouflage SPF30 – available in 10 shades to suit your skin tone it will improve your skin whilst making you look flawless….and it’s water resistant! Pool party anyone?

making faces

look your natural best

Tag: skin health