Forget The Filler, Here Are The Skin-Boosting Treatments And Injectables To Know Now
While there is a time and place for injectables, skin rejuvenation tweakments are an excellent way to maintain and encourage the health of your complexion without altering your natural features. Not a fan of the needle? Worry not. Thanks to advancements in technology and medicine, you can now give your skin that extra glow boost through clever facials, cutting edge skincare and supplements, too.
Read on for ELLE’s Ultimate Guide To A Skin Refresh...
The skin boosters
Notice a friend looking exceptionally well-rested but can’t pinpoint what they’ve had done? It’s likely all down to a practitioner skilled in the art of skin-boosting injectables. ‘What they are not is wrinkle-relaxers and fillers; what they are is a great way to improve skin quality and collagen and elastin production,’ says Dr Alexis Granite. ‘Suitable for all skin types, they are easily combined with other treatment modalities, making them highly versatile. The result is very natural: it does not alter muscle movement or facial contours.’
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
THE REGENERATING ONE: POLYNUCLEOTIDES
This bio-stimulator (Ameela is a leading brand) uses fish fragments to nudge your cells to replenish lost collagen and elastin while encouraging cell regeneration for alifted effect. Polynucleotides contain anti-oxidants and moisture-boosters that work wonders to plump up the sunken part sunder the eyes, and can be used on the lips, jawline and cheekbones. Results are visible after one session and last up to six months.
BOOK IN: No Filter Clinic, from £400. nofilterclinic.com
THE PLUMPING TREATMENT... PROFHILO
Made up of pure hyaluronic acid, Profhilo spreads throughout the skin to firm, plump and perk up the face without adding extra volume or changing your features. While Profhilo can’t be injected into the forehead or eye area, it does help the skin to hold on to water, while kickstarting the production of collagen and elastin. Results are apparent a week after treatment but are best seen after six to eight weeks, when your body starts producing collagen.The effects last for around six months.
BOOK IN: Dr Alexis Granite, £500, at Skinesis Medical at Sarah Chapman. sarahchapman.com
THE REPARATIVE THERAPY... EXOSOMES
Naturally occurring in the body, exosomes run between cells to aid tissue rejuvenation and speed up the healing process. Exosome therapy involves delivering these smart messengers deep into the dermis via micro-needling to encourage collagen production, improve overall texture, reduce inflammation and minimise fine lines. A numbing cream is used beforehand to prevent discomfort, and three sessions are advised.
BOOK IN: ExoTech Exosome Therapy, from £580 at Dr David Jack. drdavidjack.com
THE COLLAGEN KICK... SCULPTRA
This collagen stimulator is more diluted now, to minimise the risk of side effects. ‘It is a synthetic polymer that encourages collagen production where it is injected and also significantly improves the skin health and quality,’ says the plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Ashwin Soni. Sculptra gives the face a natural lift and can be used along the hairline to bring up a sagging brow area. Two sessions are recommended over a couple of months, and results last for up to two years (it is most noticeable three months post-treatment, so patience is key).
BOOK IN: The Soni Clinic, from £700. thesoniclinic.com
Collagen supplements
While research into these is still limited, anecdotally ELLE editors have noticed stronger nails and healthier skin with regular collagen consumption. The correct diet remains the best way to boost your collagen intake, but if you need something extra, here are our picks.
The dos and don'ts of skincare
The world of wrinkle-relaxers and fillers is unregulated, so if you’re still keen on getting them, arm yourself with information. Aside from ensuring your injector is a certified medical practitioner, here’s what you need to know.
DO ask all the questions in your consultation; enquire about the practitioner’s experience and advice, aftercare details and potential side effects.
DO consider the look of your practitioner. It sounds trivial, but they should reflect the ‘look’ you desire, as should their portfolio of work.
DO look for practitioners who offer consultations post-treatment and are easily contactable.
DO get an ultrasound if you’ve previously had filler, to ensure it has not migrated (and see whether dissolving is required).
DON’T rush. A good practitioner will send you home to digest all your options before scheduling a follow-up appointment.
DON’T go for preventative measures that involve getting treatments before signs of ageing are seen, when the face is at rest. This can lead to dependency, and experts recommend booking in only when early fine lines have already formed.
DON’T approach filler to transform a feature, but rathe rto restore lost volume.
DON’T expect instant results.It takes around a fortnight forsome treatments to settle.
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
The gentle lasers
Don’t let the allure and availability of high-street lasers overshadow the importance of finding the right practitioner and laser for you. ‘Therapists may err on the side of caution, employing weaker treatments deemed “safe’’ yet yielding minimal results. Conversely, inexperienced practitioners who are laser-happy may inadvertently cause burns,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto.
There are two subtypes of laser: ablative, which works on the surface of the epidermis; and non-ablative, which heats up and stimulates the tissues underneath. ‘I have always worked with the moderate-strength treatments, more regularly, to guarantee safety for my clients,’ says laser expert Debbie Thomas. The next-gen non-ablative and hybrid lasers are safe for all skin tones.
FOR EARLY LINES... CLEAR + BRILLIANT
If you’re a laser novice, have deeper skin tones and or want skin resurfacing with no risk of damage, this non-ablative laser is the way to go. It is milder than most lasers and works best to tackle the first fine lines, while giving an overall brightening effect. Six sessions are recommended, spaced monthly, and you will notice a fresher appearance after the first round. Expec tsome redness within the first six hours.
BOOK IN: Montrose London, from £313. montroseclinics.com
FOR TEXTURE... HALO
Mixing ablative and non-ablative lasers,the Halo laser tackles a variety of concerns, from wrinkles and large pores to pigmentation, and is safe for all skin tones and types. You’ll also notice a firming and lifting effect as the laser encourages collagen growth. Shedding will occur around day three post-treatment, and your skin will continue to improve for months to come.
BOOK IN: Self London, from £2,200. selflondon.com
FOR PIGMENTATION... SMART PICO
This non-ablative laser features four modalities to treat hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, melasma and stubborn discolouration, while also encouraging collagen production. Some may feel a slight temporary discomfort, but there is no downtime. Experts suggest three to five treatments over two to three months.
BOOK IN: Adonia Medical Clinic, from £283. adoniamedicalclinic.co.uk
FOR ALL-ROUND GLOW... FOTONA 4D
Using two varying wavelengths, Fotona 4D works hard to address textural irregularities, smooth out marionette lines (the vertical lines between your mouth and chin), fade scarring and boost collagen to firm skin, while also helping to manage acne and rosacea. There is no downtime with this almost pain-free treatment. Three to six sessions are recommended and results can last for more than a year.
BOOK IN: DNA Laser Complete Grade 2, from £190, at D Thomas Clinic. dthomas.com
Skin Is In
High-performance formulas to maintain optimal skin function, prolong the benefits of your treatment and protect post-procedure complexions.
The high-tech face sculptors
Thanks to future-facing machines, you don’t need a needle to rediscover lost definition. ‘Energy-based devices are a non-invasive way to delay changes, especially in your thirties,’ says Dr Costas Papageorgiou, who is a fan of EmFace.
FOR CONTOURING... EMFACE
‘This utilises both high-intensity focused electrical muscle stimulation and synchronised radiofrequency to strengthen a selective group of facial muscles to lift and tone the face,’ explains Dr Papageorgiou, who recommends it for younger patients‘ aiming to delay the impact of the ageing cascade’. Treatments take around 30 minutes, where you will feel a gentle pulsing and warming sensation, and absolutely no downtime. Four sessions are recommended and results last for up to a year.
BOOK IN: £3,600 for four sessions at Dr Costas Papageorgiou at Harrods Wellness Clinic. harrods.com
FOR BRIGHTENING... THE SDL FACELIFT
Celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence and Laura Harrier flock to facialist Fatma Shaheen’s signature SDL facelift, which offers a bespoke combination of vitamin peels, microneedling, radio frequency, and ultra-sound to tighten slack skin, redefine facial contours and reveal a plumper, red-carpet-ready complexion with no downtime.
BOOK IN: £1,500 at Skin Design London. skindesignlondon.com
FOR LIFTING... THERMAGE
This radio-frequency device uses mono-polar energy to ensure even heat distribution beneath the skin surface to encourage collagen, smooth out fine lines, tighten any sagging and enhance facial contours. The device features an integrated cooling system to ensure a more comfortable experience, although the gentle warming sensation is completely painless. One to three sessions are recommended, and results can last up to two years.
BOOK IN: From £1,500, The Ghanem Clinic. theghanemclinic.com
Get A Drip
IV infusions are touted as the new way to deliver skin-loving vitamins and minerals straight into your body. ‘They can be very useful in certain circumstances and can be an option for people who may have nutritional deficiencies, but should not replace a good diet and lifestyle,' explains cosmetic doctor and general practitioner Dr Sonia Khorana. That said, she cautions that clinical trials are still in their infancy.
The most popular drip involves glutathione, an amino acid that helps tissue repair, which, anecdotally, has been said to banish pallor and leave skin looking brighter. Sessions range from five to 60 minutes and should always be with a qualified healthcare professional.‘Make sure you’re in a carefully controlled clinical environment, and a thorough medical history should be taken,’ advises Dr Khorana.
The ELLE Address Book For Facial Wizardry
The alternative spots our editors turn to for a total glow-up from the inside out.
MACHINE-BASED MASTERY
Modern-day facials are combining future-facing machines with hands-on expertise. ‘I think we are at a point where you could safely never put a needle near your face if you wanted to seek facial treatments that focus on overall skin health,’ says Katharine Mackenzie Paterson, whose bespoke offerings incorporate microcurrent and LED.
THE MEMBER’S CLUB: OXYGENEO FACIAL
At Surenne, a serene and exclusive hub of longevity, you’ll find this all-encompassing treatment, which uses ultrasound, radio-frequency, electrical muscle stimulation and oxygen-boosting Oxygeneo to lift, firm and leave skin glowing.
BOOK IN: Oxygeneo Facial at Surenne, from £250 (for members and guests of The Berkeley and The Emory). the-emory.co.uk/surrenne
THE EDITOR’S FAVOURITE: KMP SKIN
Katharine Mackenzie Paterson’s facials are vague by design, as the facialist tailors her sessions to exactly what your skin needs. Using a combination of intuitive touch and hi-tech devices, a session with her will set your complexion back on the right track.
BOOK IN: The Medi-Lift Advance at KMP Skin, £350. kmpskin.com
The Holistic Ones
THE CELEBRITY HOT SPOT: SHANE COOPER
This bespoke facial includes a pain-free blend of radio-frequency, electrical skin activation, ultrasound, LED phototherapy and even micro-needling or derma-planing to lift, tone and polish for the red carpet, as per Cooper’s celebrity clientele, including Maya Jama and Sienna Miller.
BOOK IN: Shane’s Exclusive Face Treatment, £600. shanecooperclinic.com
THE GADGET-LED: KEREN BARTOV
Bartov’s appointments are bespoke to each client, so no two sessions are the same. She works with a plethora of gadgets and machines, alongside her powerful skincare formulas, to tackle scarring, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
BOOK IN: Bespoke treatment, from £400. kerenbartov.co.uk
The holistic skincare guide
It’s no surprise that stress – hormonal imbalances, emotional distress and indigestion – can show in the skin. ‘By analysing psychological functions, lifestyle variables and digestive issues, the cause of any skin problems can be addressed,’ explains facialist Ada Ooi, whose practice centres on acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
THE HOLLYWOOD RESET: ADA OOI
Rooney Mara and Emma Mackey turn to Ooi for her 360-approach, which assesses lifestyle and gut health, to find any internal imbalances. Ooi’s practical advice, used with her acupuncture, triggers collagen production and a healing response.
BOOK IN: Bespoke Pinpoint WellnessTreatment, from £360, 001 Skin Clinic. 001skincare.com
THE BEST OF BOTH: MINA LEE
Merging the cosseting with the hard-hitting, Lee’s calming energy makes every session feel utterly therapeutic for the skin, mind and soul. Her tailored facials combine LED light, radio-frequency, peels, lifting massages, acupuncture and reflexology.
BOOK IN: Bespoke Healing 90, from £550. minalee.london
THE SOUL SOOTHER: SARAH BRADDEN
For more than two decades, the ‘Bradden Method’ has been restoring burnt-out city-dwellers. The signature treatment allies reiki, cosmetic acupuncture and TCM philosophy with modern LED light and a sculpting facial with crystal tools.
BOOK IN: The Bradden Method Treatment, £395. sarahbradden.com
THE SKIN WHISPERER: SOPHIE CARBONARI
When chic French women Caroline de Maigret and Lou Doillon are in need of a reset, they rely on Carbonari, who uses Japanese Kobido massage with ayurvedic principles and lymphatic drainage. She is a master at releasing facial tension.
BOOK IN: SC Synergy Protocol, £500,The Twenty Two hotel. sophiecarbonari.com
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
You Might Also Like
