Three treatments, one goal: better skin quality. But which one is right for you? In my Munich practice, I see patients face exactly this question every day. The honest answer: all three are excellent — but they work differently, cost differently, and suit different starting points. This comparison helps you orient yourself.
Profhilo — The Hydration Booster With a Lifting Effect
Profhilo changed aesthetic medicine. 64 mg of highly concentrated hyaluronic acid in just 2 ml — the highest HA concentration on the market. The special part: Profhilo combines high- and low-molecular hyaluronic acid in patented NAHYCO technology.
The mechanism is called bio-remodeling. In my practice, I inject Profhilo at 5 defined points per facial half (BAP technique). From there, the product spreads evenly under the skin, binds water, and stimulates the body's own collagen and elastin production. The skin is hydrated and tightened from within — without adding volume.
What I observe in practice: many patients describe the effect as "two weeks of vacation." The skin appears plumper, the complexion more even, fine lines may soften. Especially on the neck and décolleté — areas where many other treatments reach their limits — Profhilo can deliver remarkable results.
Polynucleotides — Cellular Repair From Within
Polynucleotides (PDRN) work on a fundamentally different level. They consist of DNA fragments derived from salmon — sounds unusual, but it's one of the best-researched principles in regenerative medicine. PDRN activates the adenosine A2A receptor on your fibroblast precursor cells, triggering a cascade of cellular repair processes.
In practice, this means: the skin regenerates not by filling, but through real cellular renewal. Inflammatory processes can be reduced, microcirculation can improve, oxidative stress is broken down. The result shows more slowly than with Profhilo but can be more sustainable — because the skin is genuinely "repaired from within."
A benefit I particularly value: I can confidently use polynucleotides in the sensitive tear trough area. Classic fillers often react unpredictably there — PDRN, on the other hand, can be safely applied and improve dark circles from within.
Skinboosters — Targeted Deep Hydration
Skinboosters are the "classics" among skin quality treatments and have been a permanent part of my treatment range for years. Unlike Profhilo and polynucleotides, skinboosters are delivered with fine micro-injections distributed over the dermis — exactly where the skin needs hydration most.
The principle is comparatively simple: non-cross-linked or lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid is evenly injected under the skin's surface. There it binds water and can plump the skin structure from within. The skin feels suppler, the complexion can appear more even, and fine surface lines can be smoothed.
In my practice, I particularly like to use skinboosters for patients trying a skin quality treatment for the first time. Results are usually subtle, natural, and immediately noticeable — a good entry point that builds trust.
The Direct Comparison
| Profhilo | Polynucleotides | Skinbooster | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Bio-remodeling via hyaluronic acid | Cellular repair via DNA fragments | Deep hydration via micro-HA |
| Main effect | Hydration, lifting, collagen stimulation | Cell regeneration, anti-inflammation, collagen | Surface hydration, glow, refined pores |
| Injection technique | 5 points per side (BAP technique) | Point or linear, depending on area | Distributed micro-injections |
| Sessions | 2 spaced 4 weeks apart | 2–4 spaced 2–4 weeks apart | 3 spaced 2–4 weeks apart |
| Result visible | After 2–4 weeks | After 4–6 weeks | Immediately to 1–2 weeks |
| Longevity | 6–9 months | 6–12 months | 4–6 months |
| Price from | from 399 €/session | from 399 €/session | from 299 €/session |
| Best applications | Face, neck, décolleté, hands | Eye area, dull skin, scars | Face, neck, lips, hands |
| Downtime | Bumps for 12–24h | Minimal, slight redness | Mild swelling 1–2 days |
Which Treatment for Whom?
Profhilo suits you if...
- your skin has lost firmness and radiance overall
- you want a visible improvement on the neck or décolleté
- you prefer fewer sessions (only 2 instead of 3–4)
- you're looking for a "glow from within" that looks natural
Polynucleotides suit you if...
- your skin appears dull and lacks vitality
- you want to improve dark circles or a tired eye area
- you value long-term cellular regeneration
- your skin is sensitive or inflammation-prone
Skinboosters suit you if...
- you're trying a skin quality treatment for the first time
- your skin mainly needs hydration and glow
- you want an immediately noticeable result
- you have a slightly lower budget and want to start gradually
Combinations — When One Alone Isn't Enough
In my practice, I often recommend combinations of these three treatments. This isn't upselling — there's a medical reason: each treatment works on a different level, and together they can deliver results that none could achieve alone.
Profhilo + polynucleotides: my most common combination. Polynucleotides repair the cells, Profhilo hydrates and tightens the skin. Typical plan: first 2 PDRN sessions for the cellular foundation, then 2 Profhilo sessions for tightening and glow. The result can be more comprehensive than any single treatment.
Skinbooster + polynucleotides: ideal for patients with dull, dehydrated skin and visible signs of aging. Skinboosters provide immediate hydration while polynucleotides work long-term on cell regeneration.
All three: for advanced skin aging or as a year-round skincare concept, I can use all three in rotation. A comprehensive overview of useful treatment combinations is in my guide to combination treatments.
What I Tell My Patients
When someone comes to my practice for the first time and asks "what should I do?", I look at the skin first. Not every skin needs the same thing. A 32-year-old who simply wants more glow needs something different than a 55-year-old who has smoked for years and whose skin has visibly lost elasticity.
My rule of thumb: for the entry point and immediate results, I recommend skinboosters. For comprehensive skin rejuvenation with few sessions, I lean toward Profhilo. And when skin truly needs to be regenerated — not just refreshed but repaired — polynucleotides are often the best choice. In a personal consultation, we discuss which option or combination makes most sense for your individual situation.
Common Questions
Can I have all three treatments at once?
Not in one session, but absolutely as part of a treatment plan. I schedule appointments so the effects complement each other and the skin has enough time to regenerate between treatments — usually 2–4 weeks apart.
From what age do these treatments make sense?
Skinboosters can be useful from your mid-20s, for example with dry or stressed skin. I typically recommend Profhilo from early 30s, when first signs of declining elasticity appear. Polynucleotides are suitable from mid-30s — when skin can benefit from real regeneration.
Which treatment has the fewest side effects?
All three are considered well-tolerated. With skinboosters, small bumps and mild swelling can occur for 1–2 days. Profhilo initially forms visible bumps that subside within 12–24 hours. Polynucleotides usually cause only minimal redness at injection points.
Are the results permanent?
None of the three deliver permanent results — the body's own breakdown processes continue. For long-term skin quality, I recommend touch-ups: with skinboosters every ~4–6 months, with Profhilo every 6–9 months, with polynucleotides every 6–12 months.
Can I switch treatments if I'm not satisfied?
Of course. In my practice, I regularly adapt the treatment plan. If you started with skinboosters and want more, switching to Profhilo or polynucleotides is possible at any time — the treatments don't exclude each other.
