Much like your ability to deal with late nights and hangovers worsens as we get older, recovery and cell regeneration slows down as we age.

Popular salon facial treatments include microneedling, skin
peels, heat therapy, and laser therapy, which are designed to boost skin regeneration and cell renewal and thus leave skin looking healthier, more supple, luminous and smoother. “Treatments vary widely in terms of efficacy, budget and downtime involved so it’s key to have a consultation first,” explains Louise Stewart, director at Naked Health Medispa.

“Heat therapies have been popular for a while now and like microneedling, they cause micro injuries in the dermal layers, which triggers cell renewal,” says Louise. “Peels work by accelerating the exfoliation process, which in turn activates cell renewal. Some of the latest peels are now just as impactful but require less downtime, so patients may experience a little flaking for a few days but none of the redness or having to hide away for a week of yesteryear.”

In terms of injectables, some of us are still wary but a new treatment called Profhilo is designed to enhance the skin’s capacity to hydrate by introducing hyaluronic acid deep into the skin. Unlike other injectables, it doesn’t stop the skin moving. “It’s popular with patients who don’t want Botox but do want luminous, smoother results, and it lasts for around six months,” explains Louise.

Plump Up The Volume

Active ingredients can get confusing so its key to understand what they do and which ones can help in the fight against ageing.

Collagen and elastin keep your skin looking plump and healthy and so help to alleviate lines and signs of ageing.

Salicylic acid soothes inflamed skin and helps target blemishes, blackheads, and prevents clogged pores.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, which helps boost collagen, brighten skin and aids elasticity and can also be helpful in the treatment of acne.

Hyaluronic acid is the power plumper – ten times more hydrating than water and able to absorb up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, hyaluronic acid helps keep skin plump, smooth and supple.

Natural extracts can be particularly helpful for sensitive skin.