Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison
- What Is SKINVIVE?
- What Is Profhilo?
- How They Work Differently
- SKINVIVE: Microdroplets for Smoothness
- Profhilo: Spreading Gel for Hydration and Support
- Which Concerns Suit Each Treatment?
- Choose SKINVIVE If
- Choose Profhilo If
- Can You Combine Them?
- Sessions and How Long Results Last
- Comfort, Downtime and Side Effects
- Cost Comparison
- SKINVIVE and Profhilo vs Other Skin Boosters
- Who Should Avoid These Treatments?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is SKINVIVE better than Profhilo?
- Do SKINVIVE and Profhilo add volume?
- Which lasts longer, SKINVIVE or Profhilo?
- Can I have SKINVIVE or Profhilo before an event?
- Is SKINVIVE the same as Juvéderm filler?
SKINVIVE and Profhilo are two of the most asked-about hyaluronic acid skin boosters in Malaysia. In fact, both aim to improve skin quality without changing the shape of your face. However, they are made differently, are injected differently and suit slightly different concerns. This guide compares the two side by side so you can understand which may suit you before your consultation. If you would like a doctor to assess your skin and recommend the right option, contact CLEO Clinic.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | SKINVIVE | Profhilo |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Allergan Aesthetics | IBSA |
| Main ingredient | Lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid with lidocaine | High and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid in a hybrid complex |
| How it is injected | Many tiny microdroplets in the cheek skin | A few small injection points per side, then the gel spreads |
| Main aim | Smoother, more hydrated cheek skin and glow | Hydration and support for early laxity and crepey skin |
| Typical areas | Cheeks | Face, neck and other areas, as planned by the doctor |
| Usual plan | Often one treatment, with a touch-up if needed | Usually two sessions about a month apart |
| Adds volume | No | No |
What Is SKINVIVE?
SKINVIVE by Juvéderm is a hyaluronic acid microdroplet injectable made by Allergan Aesthetics. In addition, it contains lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid together with lidocaine to improve comfort. In the US, Allergan Aesthetics states that it is FDA-approved to improve the smoothness of cheek skin in adults over 21, with results lasting up to six months with optimal treatment. Notably, the manufacturer’s evidence for glow and hydration is mainly based on patient-reported questionnaires. For full details, see our SKINVIVE by Juvéderm page.
What Is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic acid product that combines high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid in a single hybrid complex. According to a 2015 study in ePlasty, each 2 ml dose contains 32 mg of high molecular weight and 32 mg of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, formed into a hybrid complex by a thermal process (Laurino et al., 2015). Because the gel spreads easily, it is injected through only a few points on each side of the face. For more detail, see our Profhilo treatment in KL page.
How They Work Differently
SKINVIVE: Microdroplets for Smoothness
SKINVIVE is placed as many tiny microdroplets in the upper layers of the cheek skin. Then, the hyaluronic acid binds water, which is linked to smoother, more hydrated-looking skin. As a result, it focuses on surface quality and glow rather than structure.
Profhilo: Spreading Gel for Hydration and Support
However, Profhilo is injected at a small number of points and spreads under the skin. In the 2015 ePlasty study, it was injected at five points on each side of the face in two sessions a month apart, and skin hydration and elasticity measurements improved at three months. However, the study was small, with only 11 women, and had no control group. Therefore, the results should be read as early evidence rather than proof. To learn how Profhilo is used for loose skin, read our guide to Profhilo for skin laxity and hydration.
Which Concerns Suit Each Treatment?
Choose SKINVIVE If
SKINVIVE may suit you if your main concern is dry, rough or dull cheek skin, or very fine lines on the cheeks. Similarly, it suits people who want a fresher, glowing complexion without any change in shape. In addition, it is often chosen as a single treatment before an event, as long as it is planned well ahead. If dryness is your main problem, our guide to dry skin causes and treatment explains other steps that help.
Choose Profhilo If
Profhilo may suit you if your skin feels thin, crepey or slightly loose, as well as dehydrated. Because it spreads across a wider area, it is also used on the neck and other areas where skin quality has declined. Even so, neither treatment lifts significant sagging. For moderate to severe laxity, lifting treatments such as HIFU are usually more suitable.
Can You Combine Them?
Yes, in some cases. For example, a doctor may use Profhilo for overall skin quality and SKINVIVE to target dry, rough cheeks. However, combining treatments should be planned by a doctor, with appropriate spacing between sessions.
Sessions and How Long Results Last
| SKINVIVE | Profhilo | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial plan | Often one treatment, with a touch-up if needed | Usually two sessions about a month apart |
| When results show | Gradually over the following weeks | Gradually over the following weeks |
| How long results last | Up to about six months, according to the manufacturer | Varies; maintenance is planned by your doctor |
For Profhilo, our guide to the Profhilo injection plan explains typical schedules. Likewise, our guide on when to schedule your next Profhilo treatment covers maintenance timing.
Comfort, Downtime and Side Effects
Both treatments involve injections, so mild discomfort, redness, swelling and small bruises are common. Notably, SKINVIVE contains lidocaine, which helps with comfort. However, because SKINVIVE uses many microdroplets, small bumps across the cheeks are common and usually settle within a few days. Meanwhile, Profhilo uses fewer injection points, but small raised bumps at each point are expected for a short time. In the 2015 study, small bruises occurred at some Profhilo injection points and settled within two to three days. For a detailed guide to what is normal after SKINVIVE, read SKINVIVE side effects and aftercare.
Both treatments carry a rare risk of injection into a blood vessel. Therefore, seek urgent help if you notice severe pain, pale or dusky skin, or any change in vision after treatment.
Cost Comparison
The cost of each treatment depends on the number of syringes, the areas treated and the number of sessions. For instance, Profhilo is usually given as a course of two sessions, while SKINVIVE is often given as a single treatment with an optional touch-up. As a result, it is more useful to compare the total cost of the full plan than the price of one syringe. Your doctor will give you an itemised quote after assessing your skin.
SKINVIVE and Profhilo vs Other Skin Boosters
SKINVIVE and Profhilo are both hyaluronic acid boosters, but other boosters work differently. For example, Rejuran uses polynucleotides from salmon DNA to support skin repair. To compare Profhilo with other options, read Profhilo vs Rejuran or NCTF 135HA vs Profhilo. For an overview of all options, see our skin booster treatments page.
Who Should Avoid These Treatments?
Neither treatment is suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or where there is an active skin infection, rash or cold sore in the area. In addition, SKINVIVE should not be used in people with an allergy to lidocaine, a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis, or a previous reaction to hyaluronic acid fillers. Finally, tell your doctor if you take blood thinners, as this can increase bruising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SKINVIVE better than Profhilo?
Neither is better for everyone. SKINVIVE focuses on smooth, hydrated cheek skin, whereas Profhilo is often chosen for crepey skin and early laxity as well as hydration.
Do SKINVIVE and Profhilo add volume?
No. Both improve skin quality and do not change the shape of your face. If you want volume, a filler is more suitable, as explained in our guide to skin boosters vs dermal fillers.
Which lasts longer, SKINVIVE or Profhilo?
The manufacturer states SKINVIVE results last up to about six months with optimal treatment. However, for Profhilo, duration varies, so your doctor will plan maintenance based on your response.
Can I have SKINVIVE or Profhilo before an event?
Yes, but plan ahead, as bumps and bruising can take a few days to settle. Our guide on avoiding skin booster injections before events explains how far ahead to book.
Is SKINVIVE the same as Juvéderm filler?
No. SKINVIVE is made by the same company, but it is a skin booster rather than a volumising filler. To learn about the filler range, see our Juvéderm page.