While Botox remains one of, if not the top, options for banishing unwanted lines and wrinkles, there's a new non-surgical treatment called Profhilo that dermatologists are raving about. Aesthetician Dr Lauren Hamilton tells Cosmopolitan that Profhilo is a hybrid of low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid that's injected to the face to hydrate and stimulate that production of collagen and elastin. This results in a plumper, tighter and lifted look. Unlike fillers that are meant to stay put in one area (like lips and cheeks), Profhilo is meant to boost one's overall complexion.

As Harper's Bazaar reiterates, hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our bodies, but just like collagen and elastin, its production decreases as we age. Aesthetic doctor Dr. Maryam Zamani tells Elle that hyaluronic acid is critical for skin hydration and it's been a very buzzy ingredient in skincare products in the past couple of years. One way to naturally retain it is to eat a lot of antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetable and there are also a lot of hyaluronic acid serums in the market for moisture retention. However, for faster and instantly visible results, Profhilo is a good option.

Also read: How To Detox Skin: Detox Your Way To Glowing Skin This 2021

Secret Weapon

According to Esquire, Profhilo was born in Italy and won the "Product Innovation of the Year" at the 2016 Aesthetic Awards in London. It may be under the radar compared to Botox or Restylane, but it has a fandom of its own as a safe alternative to those two.  Aesthetic doctor Dr. Joshua Van Der Aa says you can imagine Profhilo as "a thin layer of moisturizer" underneath the skin to plump up and smoothen signs of aging. Apart from actors and models, Dr. Van Der Aa shares that CEOs, bankers, lawyers, and entrepreneurs consider it as a secret weapon, especially for those who are simply pressed for time. He adds that what makes Profhilo popular is that the results don't scream like you've had something done and can last for up to a month. Initially, two sessions are needed, and they are spaced four weeks apart. Each session takes less than 20 minutes and while swelling is expected, Cosmopolitan says that you'll be back to normal after three to four hours. Typically, you'll only need a top-up every six months after that.

Profhilo VS Botox

It's important to note that unlike Botox, Profhilo is mainly injected the lower parts of the face. It is also effective on the neck chest and decolletage areas. If your lines are mainly on your forehead, Botox is still the way to go. However, if you're not ready for injectables, here are Allure-approved hyaluronic acid products to incorporate into your skincare routine:

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

L'Oréal Paris Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Vichy Minéral 89 Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

Related article: Polyglutamic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid Are The Perfect Hydrating Duo