Can Profhilo Trigger Rosacea?
Injectable skin-quality treatments such as Profhilo are popular for hydration and skin elasticity. But what if you have rosacea, or very redness-prone skin? Can Profhilo trigger a flare – or even start rosacea?
Understanding Rosacea: More Than “Sensitive Skin”
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory and neurovascular condition. It is far more than simply having “delicate” or “sensitive” skin, and it behaves differently from normal or even dry skin.
Typical features include:
- Facial flushing that may be triggered by heat, stress, alcohol, or spicy food
- Persistent redness around the cheeks, nose, or central face
- Heat, burning, stinging, or prickling sensations
- Visible small blood vessels on the surface of the skin
- Sometimes papules or pustules on top of a red background
What makes rosacea challenging is that the skin’s **neurovascular system** is over-reactive. Stimuli that would be minor for most people – such as temperature changes or light trauma – can trigger an exaggerated response.
What Is Profhilo and How Does It Work?
Profhilo is a high-concentration, non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid injectable designed to improve overall skin quality. Rather than filling lines, it works as a **bio-remodelling** treatment, stimulating collagen and elastin and improving hydration and elasticity over time.
In practice, a Profhilo treatment involves:
- Multiple small injection points, usually shallow in the skin
- High levels of hyaluronic acid spreading through the tissue
- A short-lived, local inflammatory and repair response
For most people, this is very well tolerated. However, in rosacea-prone skin, those same mechanisms can behave differently.
Can Profhilo Trigger a Rosacea Flare?
The honest answer is **yes – Profhilo can trigger or worsen a rosacea flare in some patients**. This does not mean the treatment is unsafe, but it does mean we need to be especially careful in people with:
- Diagnosed rosacea
- Frequent flushing or facial overheating
- Very reactive, stingy, or easily irritated skin
Typical Flare Pattern After Profhilo
When Profhilo triggers rosacea, patients often report:
- Persistent redness, especially on the cheeks or nose
- Increased episodes of flushing
- Heat, burning, or stinging sensations
- Occasionally small bumps on a red background
Onset is usually within a few days to 2–3 weeks after treatment. In many cases this will gradually settle, but it can persist or worsen if rosacea is not actively managed.
Why This Happens: Three Key Mechanisms
1. Neurovascular Stimulation
Rosacea is fundamentally a **neurovascular** condition. Even gentle injection trauma and the stretching of tissue can stimulate blood vessels and nerve endings, leading to prolonged redness and flushing in susceptible skin.
2. Inflammatory Signalling from Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid itself is not a “harsh” ingredient, but it can still interact with immune and skin receptors. In rosacea-prone individuals, this mild signalling can be enough to tip the skin into a flare, with more redness, warmth, and discomfort.
3. Compromised Skin Barrier
Many rosacea patients have a weakened skin barrier, with more water loss and greater vulnerability to external triggers. This makes recovery from any injectable slower and less predictable, and flares more likely.
Does Profhilo Cause Rosacea?
This is an important distinction. Profhilo **does not cause rosacea** as a disease. What it can do is:
- Unmask rosacea that was already present but very mild or undiagnosed
- Trigger a flare in someone with known rosacea
- Prolong or intensify redness if treatment is given during an active flare
Patients sometimes feel that their rosacea “started” after Profhilo, but in most cases the underlying tendency to flush or react was already there. The injectable simply acted as a trigger.
Who Should Be Cautious With Profhilo?
You should be particularly cautious if you have:
- Confirmed rosacea (especially with strong flushing or burning)
- A history of getting red or “hot” very easily in the face
- Frequent stinging or burning with skincare products
- Previously reacted poorly to injectables or aesthetic treatments
Signs You May Need to Stabilise Skin First
- Your face feels hot or looks flushed most days
- You cannot tolerate many skincare products
- Redness worsens significantly with small triggers (room temperature changes, light exercise, hot drinks)
In these situations, we would usually recommend bringing the rosacea under control first, before considering Profhilo or any other injectable.
How We Approach Rosacea and Profhilo at Santi London
At Santi, we take a conservative and skin-first approach. Our priority is always the **long-term health and stability** of your skin, not simply following trends.
For patients with rosacea or suspected rosacea, we will typically:
- Assess whether the redness is stable, flaring, or progressive
- Look at triggers, skincare, and any background medical issues
- Discuss non-injectable options to improve skin quality where appropriate
- Time any injectable treatment very carefully, if at all
In some patients, alternatives such as gentle energy-based treatments, barrier-focused skincare plans, or other forms of biostimulation may be more suitable than hyaluronic acid injectables.
Common Questions We Hear From Patients
“I developed redness after Profhilo – is this permanent?”
Most post-Profhilo redness in rosacea-prone patients represents a **flare**, not permanent damage. With appropriate rosacea management and time, this often improves. However, if redness is intense or persistent, it is important to be reviewed rather than simply waiting and worrying.
“Can I have Profhilo if my rosacea is well controlled?”
Possibly, yes. If your rosacea is stable and well-managed, Profhilo may be considered with careful planning, realistic expectations, and a clear strategy if a flare occurs. It remains essential to individualise the decision rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule.
“Should I avoid Profhilo completely if I flush easily?”
Not necessarily, but caution is sensible. Sometimes it is better to focus first on calming and strengthening the skin, then re-evaluating whether injectables are appropriate at a later date.
Considering Profhilo but Worried About Rosacea?
If you live with rosacea, frequent flushing, or very reactive skin, choosing the right treatments can feel confusing. A thorough, honest assessment is the safest place to start.
At Santi London, we will always tell you when we think a treatment is **not** in your skin’s best interest, and help you explore alternatives that respect both your goals and your skin biology.
To discuss rosacea, redness or suitability for injectable skin treatments, please contact the clinic to arrange a consultation with one of our practitioners.