Tested for you: “PhilArt” from Croma

PhilArt is a new approach in beauty dermatology. Regenerating the skin instead of plumping it up is the new mantra of aesthetic treatments for a fresher, firmer appearance.

What is PhilArt?

PhilArt is an injectable polynucleotide that is not designed to plump up wrinkles or build volume. The goal of the minimally invasive treatment is to improve skin quality in terms of glow, firmness, color and texture. At Croma, the protein building blocks are extracted from the DNA of organic rainbow trout intended for human consumption. The fish cells are prepared in an elaborate process and purified using High Purification Technology; residues of fish protein are therefore virtually eliminated. The use of polynucleotides is based on decades of intensive research by Croma and is considered safe.

How does a treatment with PhilArt work?

The bio stimulants are injected under the skin like hyaluronic acid but behave completely differently: they integrate into the collagen network of the skin and develop six relevant mechanisms of action.

• fibroblast stimulation to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• hydration of the tissue by binding water molecules.
• anti-oxidative protection against free radicals and damaging influences such as UV radiation.
• anti-inflammatory messenger substances improve inflammation in the skin, e.g. in acne and rosacea.
• melanogenesis blocks a key system in melanin synthesis, thus reducing hyperpigmentation and age spots.
• tissue regeneration and improvement of scars.

How does the treatment work?

My weak point is the eye area with wrinkles, dark circles and occasional puffiness. Dr. Katja Hackemann, who works at the California Skin joint practice in Munich and Poing, draws up two syringes with extremely fine needles, each containing 2 ml of PhilArt. “It doesn’t hurt,” she reassures me. Now she injects the polynucleotides in a semi-circle in the lower eye area using precise, tiny pricks. Pain factor: very low indeed. A look in the mirror after the treatment shows a little redness. “The injected area may also swell slightly,” says the doctor. “This should pass in two to three days. And please avoid sport and sunbathing for the next few days.”

I applied cooling pads to the affected areas and after two days the redness and swelling had disappeared. I had the impression that the area was smoother, and the coloration of the dark circles had diminished. Three weeks later, I had the second treatment. “In the weeks following the injection, there is now a natural tissue build-up including a tightening and a glow effect,” says Dr. Hackemann.

What else can PhilArt do and for whom is the treatment suitable?

PhilArt polynucleotides have an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect. All this creates an optimal environment to promote the growth of connective tissue cells (fibroblasts), which in turn produce new collagen and elastin. The PhilArt portfolio of four products is suitable for all skin types and all ages – a special product has also recently been launched to stimulate hair growth.

How long do the results last?

Depending on the treatment goal, the injections can be repeated 2 to 3 times at intervals of two to three weeks. The skin immediately appears fresher after each treatment. The full effect occurs after two to four months, as collagen and elastin production takes a certain amount of time. The substance is completely broken down by the body within six to nine months. However, the newly formed collagen structures remain intact for more than a year – depending on the skin type, amount of active ingredient injected, depth of wrinkles and lifestyle.

Cost per session: from 450 Euros