Homeschooling, Zoom, Stress, Dodgy Home Hair Dye…
Have the effects of lockdown left you feeling older than your years? According to cosmetic treatment company Uvence, the average Brit has been left feeling they have aged “by at least five years” since the pandemic kicked off.
While the UK government-approved register of accredited cosmetic practitioners – Save Face - has reported a 40 per cent uptick in traffic to its website and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) says its doctors have had a 70 per cent increase in requests for virtual consultations since last year. So are we really all worried about losing our looks after staying in so long? Or would we just like to put our best face forward when rejoining society?
There are a multitude of facials now available that can freshen, tighten, lift and tone your lockdown visage giving you the confidence to head back to the office, restaurant or bar with your head held high. But these aren’t all essential oils and soothing massage (though one of those would be lovely, wouldn’t it?) instead these are high tech, science-based treatments designed to get visible results. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
Congested skin
The treatment: Carbon Laser Facial Peel
What is it? Also known as The Hollywood Peel, this A-list approved facial is renowned for instantly clarifying the complexion, blasting away blackheads and blemishes in seconds. A carbon paste is smoothed on to the skin, which grips onto impurities, before the laser is applied; the two combined cause a reaction where the carbon ‘explodes’, immediately removing dead skin cells, oil and congestion, and simultaneously jump-starting collagen production. The treatment isn’t exactly relaxing in a spa sense, with bright flashes of light and loud snaps as the carbon explodes, but it’s completely painless, and the results are well worth it. Just one facial will leave you with clearer, smoother and plumper skin (although a course of three is recommended) – a must-try if you suffer with acne, or an oily, congested complexion.
How much does it cost? From £120 for 60 minutes
Downtime: None
Where can I get it? Dr Nestor’s Medical & Cosmetic Centre – Edinburgh
Lacklustre skin
The treatment: SkinPen Medical Needling
What is it? If your skin is looking and feeling less than its best, a course of microneedling might be just the ticket to create a smoother and more radiant complexion. SkinPen medical needling creates mini channels in the skin, which stimulates cell renewal and in turn, boosts production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, to give you stronger, tighter, smoother and plumper skin, with a hydrated natural glow. Plus, it will regenerate skin to help lessen the appearance of scarring and pigmentation, so it’s particularly good for those with lingering acne scars. Despite SkinPen being a needle-based treatment, it’s relatively pain-free, and unlike the needling facials you see across Instagram, it’s not a bloody experience either. A great way to resurface and reset skin that’s not looking its freshest.
How much does it cost? From £220 for 75 minutes
Downtime: Minimal - you might experience some slight swelling or tenderness, or a pinkness to the skin which will last a couple of days. You can conceal this with makeup the day after your procedure.
Where can I get it? The Source Clinic – Edinburgh
Sun spots and pigmentation
The treatment: Lumenis M22 skin rejuvenation
What is it? The M22 is a fractional, skin-resurfacing laser, which treats the layers of skin under the surface, without damaging the surface itself. Heat from the laser works to promote collagen production, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, whilst the IPL (intense pulsed light) photo-rejuvenation solution eradicates pigmentation, sun spots and age freckles. The final step, the ResurFX solution, then stimulates collagen and elastic fibre production to give you skin with bounce. There are some ouchy elements to this treatment (more so if you have a low pain threshold), but the results outweigh the short-term pain, giving you plumper, smoother and tighter skin, with a heavy reduction in the signs of pigmentation and blemishes.
How much does it cost? IPL is priced from £180, whilst ResurFX is priced from £350
Downtime: You may have some redness or tightness post-treatment, but nothing too dramatic
Where can I get it? Clinetix - Glasgow, Bothwell and Inverurie
Dull skin
The treatment: Phototherapy with Dermalux Triwave
What is it? A bespoke facial that uses light therapy to boost skin’s radiance and health, ideal for boosting dull or tired-looking complexions. Phototherapy sends an intense delivery of light to target cells and skin tissue, accelerating cell renewal and repair to give you hydrated and glowing skin, with a smoother and firmer texture. The process works from the inside out, boosting collagen and elastin synthesis, to give you an improved texture, whilst blood flow and lymphatic systems are also given a lift, to give you a fresher, more radiant overall look.
How much does it cost? From £45 for 20 minutes
Downtime: None
Where can I get it? Synergy Clinic – Giffnock
Ageing skin
The treatment: The Zen Triple-Action Facial
What is it? A three-pronged approach to tackle the signs of ageing, promising a supercharged experience with instantaneous results. You’ll start with microdermabrasion to deeply exfoliate and resurface the skin, stimulating faster skin cell renewal and eradicating dry, dead skin cells. Then, Light Fusion LED light therapy is used (yes, you get to wear the mask!) to stimulate the body’s own natural processes to counteract the signs of ageing, whilst improving hydrating and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. As a final step, you’ll enjoy a deep recovery sheet mask, to intensively hydrate, plump and repair the skin. The results promise a brighter sheen to the skin, a supple texture and a noticeable reduction in lines and wrinkles.
How much does it cost? From £115 for 80 minutes
Downtime: You might experience slight redness for around 15 minutes post-treatment
Where can I get it? Zen - Edinburgh
Prices are subject to change and some treatments may not be available while restrictions are in place. Please check with the clinic before you book.