Skinvive has taken the aesthetic world by storm since its launch, being described as the next-generation injectable for glow, hydration and smoother-looking skin. It is one of the first injectables from the makers of Juvederm designed specifically to improve skin quality rather than add volume. But what exactly makes Skinvive so popular, how does it work, and how does it compare to established treatments like Profhilo? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Skinvive?

Skinvive is an innovative injectable skin treatment developed by Allergan Aesthetics, the same company behind Botox and Juvederm fillers. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that are used to lift or add volume, Skinvive focuses purely on skin health. It is sometimes called a “microdroplet” treatment because it uses tiny injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) that sit just beneath the skin’s surface to improve hydration, smoothness and radiance.

The formulation contains a unique, cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel designed to improve the skin’s texture and hydration for up to six months. Rather than changing the shape of your face or adding structure, Skinvive enhances the skin itself, helping it to look fresher, dewier and more even.

How does Skinvive work?

The science behind Skinvive lies in its ability to improve the skin’s hydration and barrier function from within. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally found in the skin that binds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. As we age, our natural levels of HA decline, leading to dryness, dullness and fine lines. Skinvive replenishes this lost HA, but it does more than just moisturise.

Skinvive has also been shown to increase the amounts of a channel called Aquaporin 3 in the skin. These channels are present in all of our skin cells, and allow water and other hydrating substances to flow into the cells. So the hydration from Skinvive goes far beyond just the benefit of hyaluronic acid – we are actually improving how well hydrated your skin cells are on the inside.  This internal rehydration creates a lasting plumping and smoothing effect in the skin. Clinical trials have shown that Skinvive not only boosts hydration but also improves skin smoothness and luminosity while reducing fine lines in areas like the cheeks.

The treatment also helps improve skin function by creating a micro-environment that supports collagen and elastin production, although to a lesser extent than collagen-stimulating injectables like Profhilo. The result is skin that looks healthier and more youthful, with a soft glow that makeup simply cannot replicate.

How does Skinvive differ from traditional fillers?

The key difference between Skinvive and dermal fillers is that Skinvive does not change facial contours or add volume. It is injected very superficially using a series of tiny microdroplets that spread evenly across the skin to improve texture and hydration. Fillers, on the other hand, are placed deeper to lift and sculpt the face, restoring fat or bone that has been lost with age.

This makes Skinvive ideal for patients who do not want to alter their appearance but simply want their skin to look fresher, more radiant and hydrated. It is also suitable for those who are new to injectables or prefer subtle, skin-quality-based treatments.

How does Skinvive compare to Profhilo?

It is easy to see why people are comparing Skinvive to Profhilo. Both treatments use injectable hyaluronic acid to improve skin quality, and both are designed to work from within rather than changing facial structure. However, they differ significantly in formulation, depth of injection and biological activity.

Profhilo contains one of the highest concentrations of pure hyaluronic acid on the market. It is not cross-linked like most fillers or Skinvive but is instead stabilised using patented NAHYCO technology. This allows Profhilo to spread freely beneath the skin, stimulating four different types of collagen and elastin. The result is improved firmness, elasticity and lift over time.

Skinvive, in contrast, is cross-linked, meaning the hyaluronic acid chains are chemically bonded to create a more stable gel that stays within the skin’s surface layers. It does not remodel collagen to the same degree as Profhilo but excels in improving surface-level hydration, texture and glow. In simple terms, Profhilo is a collagen stimulator that works in the deeper layers of the skin, while Skinvive is a skin hydrator that works closer to the surface.

For many patients, the two treatments can complement each other beautifully. Profhilo can improve the structure and firmness of the skin at a deeper level, while Skinvive can enhance the surface radiance and smoothness, giving a more comprehensive rejuvenation effect.

What can you expect from treatment?

A Skinvive session is quick and relatively comfortable, usually taking around 20 minutes. A fine needle is used to deliver the product into the mid and lower face, typically across the cheeks where hydration loss and dullness are most noticeable. It can also be used in the neck with excellent effect.

Results are not instant but build gradually over two to four weeks as the product integrates and takes effect. Most patients notice a visible improvement in glow, hydration and texture that can last up to six months. For the best results, many clinics recommend maintenance treatments once or twice a year.

Who is Skinvive best suited for?

Skinvive is ideal for anyone who feels their skin looks dull, tired or dehydrated and wants a natural, healthy glow without changing their facial shape. It is suitable for most skin types and tones and can be used preventatively in younger patients or correctively in those experiencing early signs of ageing.

Because it focuses on hydration rather than volume, it is particularly popular among patients who want subtle enhancement or who are new to aesthetic treatments. It can also be combined with other treatments like Profhilo, polynucleotides or energy-based skin tightening to target multiple layers of skin ageing.

Skinvive represents a new category of injectable skincare that focuses purely on improving skin quality rather than altering structure. It delivers deep hydration, smoothness and luminosity that topical skincare alone cannot achieve.

While it is often compared to Profhilo, the two treatments work differently and can complement each other when used together. Profhilo strengthens and remodels the skin’s deeper layers, while Skinvive enhances surface glow and hydration.

For those seeking fresh, radiant, healthy-looking skin with minimal downtime, Skinvive is an excellent option. The best way to know whether it is right for you is to have a consultation with an experienced practitioner who can assess your skin and design a personalised plan to help you achieve your best results.