Profhilo® (IBSA pharmaceuticals) is an anti-aging treatment with a large amount of pure hyaluronic acid (HA) based on stable, cooperative, hybrid complexes. It contains a mixture of 32 mg of high molecular weight HA (1100 – 1400 kDa) and 32 mg of low molecular weight HA (80 – 100 kDa) per vial of 2 ml without chemical additives (e.g., BDDE or other chemical agents). The effect of Profhilo is due to the fact that the production of collagen (firmness) and elastin (stretch) is stimulated. Besides its biorevitalizing properties it is hypothesised that Profhilo has a beneficial influence on the treatment of scar tissue and the improvement of fat tissue renewal.

Belotero Revive (Merz pharmaceuticals GmbH) is a slightly cross-linked HA (20 mg/ml) with glycerol (17.5 mg/ml). Belotero Revive fills depressions due to facial atrophic scars and treat photo-damaged skin, improves the elasticity and firmness of ageing skin of the face, and fills fine and superficial facial lines. Glycerol is an effective humectant which accelerates the maturation of corneocytes which helps to maintain skin moisture homeostasis and increases skin turgor and reduces roughness.

Many established pharmaceutical companies, with an emphasis on aesthetics, have added a skin revitalizer to their portfolio. In this range, a wide variety of HA based gels are manufactured, including Profhilo and Belotero Revive. This pilot study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Profhilo and Belotero Revive with regards to skin revitalization. This observational and comparative study may help an aesthetic physician in its decision making to provide the most optimal treatment for each individual.

This article has been published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.