When the beauty-loving Kardashians called the Morpheus8 microneedling and radiofrequency treatment a “game changer,” we knew a major shift in the beauty stratosphere was in store. Not only did Kim admit to trying “every laser” in her quest for a youthful look, she also suggested she was joining the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Gwyneth Paltrow in opting for facial alternatives to wrinkle-relieving injections like Botox. for youthful skin.
Although an estimated 900,000 botulinum toxin injections are carried out in the UK each year, the skin tightening treatments that treat them as they transform are gaining traction with those looking for anti-ageing as longevity. An expert who noticed a change in the air is an aesthetic expert Dr. Joney De Souza. “Botox continues to be one of the most sought-after treatments in our clinic,” he begins. “However the last two years have shown a marked increase in the number of people looking for alternatives.” While there’s no denying the impressive results wrinkle relaxers can have (if administered correctly), their effects are temporary – lasting anywhere between three to six months. “More and more people are asking how they can invest in a long-term treatment plan for a last-minute treatment,” says the clinical lead of Hair & Skin Dr. Rita Bonanno. “They want the results to ensure harmonious, gradual and healthy aging.”
Celebrity endorsements aside, why the sudden 360? It could be the increase in botched injections – UCL researchers found that 68 per cent of aesthetic professionals who give injections such as wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers are not doctors – but – in De Souza’s view – it is the wider variety of alternatives available. “Botox used to be the only option for eliminating fine lines, but there are so many more options now and people are more aware of what’s available,” she says. “Those who seek alternatives do so because they prefer a more natural way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve their skin tone and texture.” With popular trends such as the ‘clean girl’ beauty look, ‘clear skin’, ‘quiet luxury’ and ‘no makeup’, the focus on flawless skin and bone structure has created a desire for treatments that deliver real Results.
As the non-surgical skin tightening market size is estimated to grow by over $500 million between 2023 and 2027 due to the growing older population, the demand has created a plethora of science-backed treatments focused on longevity. Although De Souza admits that wrinkle-relaxing injections are unrivaled in their ability to correct lines, focusing on collagen stimulation is key to prevention. “Ultrasound, RF, CO2, and Erbium Yag lasers are just a few of the treatments available that can boost collagen production for a more youthful appearance,” she says. “An excellent treatment combination is medical microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Combined with a good cosmetic skin care routine containing active ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, peptides and hyaluronic acid, it is possible to truly reverse the signs of aging caused by the biggest factor of all – UV exposure.”
Looking healthy and just really good (whatever age you are) is now the ultimate goal rather than just looking ‘young’ – which can be read as unnatural if you are not, according to Dr. Rita. “The aging process is inevitable and people not only want to look good and at peace with themselves, but to be healthy and feel good too. This can be achieved with treatments that work deep, at the cellular level,” he explains. And it’s true what they say – good things happen to those who wait.
‘Notox’ Treatments You Must Try
PRP
Plasma application is a cutting-edge procedure that uses the healing power of blood platelets and growth factors to stimulate the stem cell response. “Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) use the body’s own growth factors by harnessing the power of plasma within the blood,” explains De Souza. “The plasma is separated in a centrifuge and then injected back into the treated areas to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which thickens and tightens thinning, aging skin and is an excellent treatment for improving the overall quality of the skin, tone and texture”.
Required treatments: 3 sessions
Price per session: £200-£450
Latest results: 1-2 years
Injectable skin enhancers
From vitamin mesotherapy to Profhilo – skin enhancers are a cocktail of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are injected into the skin to improve tone, texture and plump fine lines. By stimulating collagen and elastin, the skin appears firmer, renewed and more radiant.
Required treatments: 2 sessions
Price per session: From £250
Latest results: Up to 6 months
Laser
Picosure (for age spots and acne scars), Erbium YAG (which removes the outer layers of skin, revealing new, renewed skin cells underneath), LASEMD (which stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving texture and firmness of the skin) and CO2 (which breaks down scar tissue and promotes collagen production) are just a few of the lasers available for firmer, healthier skin.
Required treatments: 3-5 sessions
Price per session: From £400
Latest results: 3-5 years
Microneedling
Using a handheld device or “pen,” a practitioner creates hundreds of tiny needle impressions on the skin. By creating micro-traumas, it prompts the deeper layers of the skin to create a healing response, providing a natural collagen boost. This also allows deeper absorption of topical treatments after treatment.
Required treatments: 3-6 sessions
Price per session: From £200
Latest results: from a few weeks to several months depending on the depth of the needle
Ultrasound
During an ultrasonic facial, high-level sound wave technology is used to penetrate deep below the skin’s surface. Benefits include increased blood circulation, toning of facial muscles, reduction of puffiness and promotes cell renewal. Look out for treatments like Ultherapy and Sofwave.
Required treatments: 1-2 sessions
Price per session: From £1,400
Latest results: 1-2 years
Radio frequency
Using energy waves to heat the deeper layers of the skin between 122 and 167°F, radio frequencies stimulate collagen production. The famous Morpheus8 treatment boasts the added benefit of microneedling to enhance skin tightening results.
Required treatments: 2-6 sessions
Price per session: From £300
Latest results: 1-3 years
