When it comes to skin goals, I’m constantly trying to recreate that “post-holiday glow”. I’m not talking about a tan, but instead the healthy, clear, radiant complexion that I only seem to be able to achieve after a relaxing week away.
So when I heard about “Glowfhilo”, a new treatment offering conceived by aesthetic doctor Paris Acharya at London’s Waterhouse Young Clinic designed to exfoliate and deeply hydrate dull, lacklustre skin, it sounded exactly like what my skin needed.
Glowfhilo is a combination of two treatments: step one is a chemical peel by salon skincare brand PCA, a combination of 2% BHA (salicylic acid), 10% AHA (lactic acid) and 15% PHA (gluconolactone). This gently resurfaces the skin and helps to unclog pores.
The second step is, as you may have guessed from the name, Profhilo, an “injectable moisturiser” loved by celebs like Vogue Williams and Gemma Collins. Like dermal fillers, Profhilo is made of hyaluronic acid, but unlike fillers the molecules aren’t “cross-linked”, so they can spread out underneath the skin, flooding it with hydration deep within. An injectable for those who don’t want to look like they’ve had something “done”, Profhilo won’t change the shape of your face or affect how it moves, but instead improve the quality of the skin. It also helps to boost the production of collagen and elastin.
Glowfhilo takes no more than 45 minutes in total, and two treatments eight weeks apart are recommended for maximum results. Results can last from 3-6 months to up to a year, depending on your age and skin type. Here’s what happened when beauty editor Laura tried it out…
What happens during the treatment?
After a consultation, the skin is cleansed and the liquid peel is brushed on, then left for a few minutes until it has dried (unlike some peels, there’s no need to neutralise this one). Next, the Profhilo injections are administered at five specific points on each side of the face. And that’s it – you’re good to go!
Does it hurt?
The peel gives a very slight tingle but nothing more (and I’m someone with sensitive skin). The Profhilo injections are more uncomfortable – slightly higher on the pain scale than Botox injections, if you are familiar with those – but it’s over quickly, and Dr Paris is excellent at managing any discomfort.
Is there any downtime?
You’ll leave with a few faint bumps where the Profhilo has been administered, which disappear within a day at most. And I had no redness, flakiness or sensitivity whatsoever from the peel (I can see why PCA has named it the “NoPeel Peel”).
And what about the results?
I noticed results from the peel almost immediately – my skin looked brighter and smoother, and after a day or two, blemishes seemed to have shrunk. And about 6-8 weeks later I could see the full effects of the Profhilo (which were even more noticeable after the second treatment) – results were subtle but my skin just looked fresher, bouncier and more youthful from deep within, especially around my cheeks.
A couple of months on and my skin is still looking the best it has in ages. I would definitely book in for Glowfhilo again, whenever my skin needs a boost (or a holiday).
* Glowfhilo costs £1,200 to two treatments at Waterhouse Young Clinic (or £600 for one). PCA NoPeel Peels and Profhilo are also available at clinics nationwide. Always go to a reputable clinic, and injectables should only be administered by qualified medical professionals.
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