No filter necessary – how to make your skin glow

We all have days when we wake up, look in the mirror and wish we could just swipe a skin-perfecting and refining filter over our face. In the virtual world, a few quick clicks can soften lines and wrinkles, knock out pigmentation, smooth skin, lift contours and impart that lit-from-within glow. If only that were achievable in reality. Well, thanks to increasingly effective treatments and sophisticated make-up and skincare formulations, it’s becoming increasingly easier to hit the refresh button in real life, make your skin glow and achieve a smooth, refined and age-defying complexion.  

Technology is advancing treatments all the time. But which ‘tweakments’ really deliver on their promises to hydrate, firm, smooth, firm, lift and tighten. And how do you know who to go and see? First and foremost, you need to make sure you’re in safe, experienced hands, so do your research first. You can find a list of General Medical Council registered doctors and dermatologists at gmc-uk.org.

1 

Refresh and hydrate

Profhilo is one of the most powerful hydrating and firming skin treatments available. Carried out over two sessions, one month apart, via a series of hyaluronic acid injections on each side of the face, Profhilo delivers a high concentration of hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates while treating skin laxity, leaving it looking youthful, plumped and refreshed. Results last up to six months. According to Dr Sophie Shotter, one of the country’s top aesthetic doctors, who practises at her Illuminate Skin in Kent and at 10 Harley Street, ‘the injected hyaluronic acid stimulates the fibroblast cells to produce firming collagen, springy elastin and its own hyaluronic acid. Skin appears firmer, smoother and more radiant after the second treatment.’  

2 

Radiance

Mesotherapy is great for plump, juicy glowing skin. It delivers a potent custom-blend cocktail made up typically of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and hyaluronic acid via a series of tiny injections all over the face. Each blend is tailored to target your specific skin concern and, overall, it simply gives skin life. ‘A course of six treatments is usually recommended for optimum results,’ says Dr Shotter. ‘But I would always urge caution as not all mesotherapy products on the market are CE marked, which means a product meets safety and health requirements and licensed for injection.’

3 

By definition

Ultherapy is a skin-tightening treatment, designed for the face, neck and brow. It uses focused ultrasound energy to heat the deeper tissues, and is particularly designed for lifting the face. It also brings definition to the contours of the face and neck.

Results can be seen after two to three months after a single treatment and continue to improve up to six months and can last up to two years. Dr Shotter says, ‘It’s an excellent choice for many people for tightening the soft tissues, including the SMAS, the layer of tissue a surgeon manipulates during a facelift.’

4 

More lifted

Profound RF combines radiofrequency and microneedling to stimulate elastin, collagen and hyaluronic production on the lower half of the face, resulting in a tighter, smoother and more lifted appearance. Studies say that it can deliver the equivalent of a third of a surgical facelift. The procedure does have some downtime – up to a week of redness – but this is very manageable with the right planning.

5 

Sharpen up

Nucleofill is an injectable polynucleotide (polymer) that comes in different strengths. It can be injected into the cheeks and jawline to give a sharper contour, as well as stimulate the skin and the deeper tissues. Dr Shotter believes that ‘The result is firmer, better hydrated skin and improved facial structure. The exciting development for me is that we can use it around the eyes as well to improve the delicate tissues in this area, which are often the first to age.’