Can an alternative to fillers provide a youthful lift? We try out Lisa Harris’s approach

Treating the likes of Kylie Minogue, Amanda Holden and Surrey locals Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, top facialist and skincare expert Lisa Harris is known for her unique approach in achieving youthful looks without the likes of Botox and fillers.

Fast approaching 46, I’ve become acutely aware of how my face appears to be heading south and the frown lines deepening between my brows. I’m a wimp and have so far avoided injectables but the so-called ‘marionette lines’ around my mouth have made me very self-conscious (perhaps I’m the only person in the country to have welcomed wearing a mask during the pandemic!) and on my list for Santa this year has been some kind of treatment that will give me a more youthful look.

When I heard about Lisa’s approach I was keen to try and booked in at her Weybridge clinic. On meeting Lisa, she is the perfect testament to her method, with radiant skin and no frown lines. I want to look that good…

She starts with a thorough consultation before recommending a bespoke treatment. Lisa, who has been in the beauty industry for 27 years, is a wealth of advice about how anti-ageing starts from within with a good diet absolutely key. The skin wipes I confess to using are also an absolute no, she tells me. As for Botox, fillers and peels, she advocates against them in that they are ageing in the long run – her ethos is to use treatments, such as Drone Technology which hones in and targets exactly where the active ingredients are needed, that act as a natural trigger to accelerate newer cells to the surface, allowing the epidermis and dermis to communicate more efficiently. This promotes cell growth, and improves skin regeneration.

Lisa listened to my concerns about my lines, she also found that my skin was quite dry. She recommended a combination of therapies to help address my problems and her expert therapist then set to work, starting with the Collagen Wave.

Lisa is one of only a few clinics in the country to offer this high-tech treatment that is gaining a big following, and Lisa uses the Collagen Wave with the likes of Kylie and Amanda. The treatment utilises radio frequency and ultrasound waves heat up the skin, encouraging the fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin. Six to eight treatments are recommended so clearly it wasn’t going to be a quick fix for my deep lines but it would hopefully help. Given the cold weather outside, I really enjoyed this treatment, as the warm wand was passed over my skin.

Next was the HIFU Lifting Treatment, which uses ultrasound waves and Electric Muscle Stimulation to stimulate the deep supporting layers of the skin and trigger the growth of new collagen. This was less pleasant – like a mini elastic band pinging on your face as the muscles contract. Not painful by any means but does give you a little jolt.

It was then on to an oxygen infusion – a boosting treatment to fight against oxidative stress and provide a dose of mega hydrating serums, as well as helping to calm sensitive and inflamed complexions.

After the hour-long session, I emerged absolutely glowing. My skin looked utterly radiant and full of health. There was also a small lifted appearance. Even my husband noticed. And it has also lasted – a couple of weeks on and I can still see the difference, with a more noticeably brighter plumped up complexion. As collagen takes a while to rebuild, the effect can improve over time.

It really is impressive. The entire combination of treatments doesn’t come cheap but I feel it is a worthwhile investment if it helps promote the skin to rebuild naturally. Pen poised, I know what will be on my list to Santa now…

Collagen Wave, from £150.

Signature Skin Treatments, from £500.

Lisa Harris: top tips for great skin

Lisa Harris

Sleep well
Make sure to get your shut eye. Herbal teas at night can help to flush away toxins and aid relaxation.

Beauty from within

What you eat has a big impact on your skin health. Switch to an organic plant-based diet – it can improve your digestion, up your energy levels and ultimately boost your skin. Feed your microbiome (good bacteria in your gut) as this will heal any inflammation within your body, as well as keeping your skin looking younger and healthier.  Fermented foods and probiotics are great for this.

Exercise for skin health

Walking in nature will promote a sense of wellness and improve your gut health, keeping your cells young.

The eyes have it

One of the first places to show ageing is around the eyes where the skin is thinnest and more sensitive. Avoid cleansing wipes, as these can cause dryness and irritation. Try a natural carrier oil instead, such as coconut, olive or almond oil. This will melt away any heavy eye make-up, without dragging the skin. The oil leaves your eye and eyelashes moisturised, too. Always rinse the oil from the eyes until no residue is left on the eye area and then use an eye cream, not a face cream. Face creams are too heavy for the eye area.

If eyes are puffy, rinse the face in lukewarm water and then soak a cotton wool disc in cold water containing slices of cucumber. Apply the cotton disc to the eye area for two minutes and then apply thinly sliced potatoes to each eye. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which contains skin-lightening properties that help reduce under-eye circles. This then can be followed by a light oil (coconut oil) to perform a lymphatic eye massage to drain away any fluid and lift the eyebrow area.

Gently massage with your index finger with small circular movements and then around the eye in a figure of eight, followed by a draining technique towards either side of the nostrils. Pump twice and then continue massaging with index fingers down towards the earlobes and pump twice again (like a slow tapping release movement). This aids detoxification and drainage. Then, with your index finger cushioned under the brow, lift and hold whilst blinking many times. This will strengthen the eye muscle area to give an instant eye lift effect.

www.lisaharrisskinscience.co.uk

info@lisaharrisskinscience.co.uk

01932841717

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