From miracle creams to multi-tasking serums, it’s tempting to think that all our skincare woes can be resolved with a single product. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as simple, and certainly not if left too late. What we can do, however, for those that want to, is combine an effective skincare routine with a new wave of cutting-edge tweakments. But the key is to start now. Welcome to the era of prejuvenation.
“Prejuvenation is a preventative protocol that combines a good skincare regime with non-surgical treatments to help promote collagen production and support the skin barrier,” says cosmetic surgeon and founder of 111 Harley Street Cosmetic Clinic, Dr Yannis Alexandrides. “In past generations, most people waited until they started seeing their first wrinkle to look at ways to rejuvenate the skin. Now, with so much information and education at our fingertips due to social media, combined with the advancements in skincare and aesthetics, younger people (mid-20s even, and up to early 30s) are looking at preemptive ways to keep their skin in good condition.”
So, what exactly can these treatments do? Plenty. From skin thinning, pigmentation, and pore size to skin laxity, movement of fat pads, bone resorption, and appearance of jowls, these procedures target the degenerative effects of ageing on your skin. “The benefits are the delay of the appearance of signs of ageing, as well as the delay of the need for more invasive treatments,” says Dr Marco Nicoloso, who offers an array of procedures at London’s Ouronyx. “You will also look completely refreshed and the best version of yourself without looking like you have had any treatments, as the results are so natural.” It’s essentially a way to maintain a healthy complexion for longer, because, as award-winning aesthetician, Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, argues, “Prevention is always better than cure.”
Below, Vogue rounds up the best treatments available for prejuvenation, according to the experts.
Ellanse
While you may well be familiar with dermal fillers, you might not be as well acquainted with Ellanse. “Ellanse is a fast-acting biostimulator of collagen that’s injected dermally or sometimes subdermally into the skin, where the collagen stimulation happens,” says Dr Muntasar. “Collagen is a vital compound for healthy skin and its injection into a blood vessel supercharges growth so that the body can be revitalised in a short amount of time.” While the effects are immediate, Ellanse also works to gradually stimulate the body’s natural collagen production over time, giving you results that can last up to five years. It’s a versatile treatment and can be used to restore loss of volume in the face, specifically in areas like the cheeks, jawline, temples and chin, as well as visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The best news? There’s no downtime.
Secret RF
If you’re not quite ready for injectables, Dr Nicoloso recommends Secret RF. “At Ouronyx we have the latest technology for radio frequency and microneedling. Secret RF harnesses the power of both for a very effective treatment to stimulate the production of collagen and skin renewal, and has an anti-ageing effect to rejuvenate the skin.” A unique system, Secret RF uses micro-needles to deliver fractional radio frequency energy to varying levels of the skin, coagulating the blood and creating haemostasis. This then causes the blood to become thicker, replicating the same action as collagen within the body. By adjusting the needles, you can tailor the treatment to your individual needs, whether that’s targeting fine lines and wrinkles or acne scars, photoageing and striae. For optimum results, Dr Nicoloso recommends up to three or four treatments over an 18-month period, although you should start to see results after your second treatment.
Potenza
Combining microneedling and radio frequency, Potenza does a similar thing. “It triggers your body’s natural healing process,” says Dr Alexandrides. “This regeneration process encourages collagen and elastin production, which rejuvenates and revitalises the skin. Combining both methods – microneedling and radio frequency – gives quicker and better results rather than only using one technology for all skin types.” Furthermore, it gives you the flexibility to really customise the treatment according to the individual’s unique skin concerns and skin type. “Overall, you will notice firmer, tighter, and younger-looking skin and a smoother and more brightened complexion.” While you will certainly begin to see the effects after one to two treatments, for optimum results, a plan of four to five sessions is usually recommended, four to six weeks apart. The only thing to bear in mind is the downtime. Expect two to three days of redness. You also can’t have Botox or fillers done two weeks before or after the treatment, and you must stop using retinol and retin-A at least seven days prior to your treatment.
Thermage FLX
Thermage FLX is another treatment that uses radio frequency in order to help promote collagen production and prevent skin laxity. According to Dr Alexandrides, it’s one of the most popular procedures at the 111 Harley Street Cosmetics Clinic. Using the latest cutting-edge technology, the Thermage FLX heats the skin, boosting elasticity levels in order to smooth, lift and tighten areas around the upper and lower eyelids, lower face, and stomach, as well as other areas of the body. It can also improve jawline definition and reduce wrinkles. You will see some immediate lifting effects, but results of Thermage FLX are usually progressive over the course of six months and can last between one to three years, which is why only a single session is recommended per year.
Profilho
If radio frequency isn’t your thing, Profilho is a great alternative. “This treatment provides skin with pure hyaluronic acid, but more than simply delivering hydration, it also acts as a biostimulator which improves skin quality without changing shape or the volume of the face,” says Dr Nicoloso. Using two types of hyaluronic acid in high concentrations, drops are injected into the skin, and left to dissolve for over 12 hours, where they then fill up fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall skin texture. For optimum results, Dr Nicoloso suggests a course of two treatments, a month apart, with effects lasting for up to six months. “The great thing with this treatment is that it has minimal downtime,” he adds.
PRP
PRP Therapy (otherwise known as platelet-rich plasma, or the “vampire facial”) is used to kick start the body’s regenerative processes creating a rejuvenating effect. The injectable treatment extracts and re-injects glow-giving proteins and platelets back into the skin for a luminous and radiant complexion. “PRP treatments help to stimulate the production of collagen elastin and new cells,” says Dr Alexandrides. “It’s effective in treating fine lines and wrinkles, improving the tone and texture of the skin. We also recommend it as an add-on treatment if you are doing Potenza to maximise your results.”
Skin boosters
Skin boosters do exactly what you might expect them to do: they boost the overall appearance of your complexion. “Skin boosters are a natural injectable treatment that leaves your skin feeling hydrated, recovered and rejuvenated,” says Dr Muntasar. “It’s essentially injecting vitamins, minerals, amino acids and hyaluronic acid – the building blocks of healthy skin – into the epidermal level.” Working to rehydrate dry, damaged and even dull skin, it can be applied to areas such as the face, neck, neckline, chest and hands. Effects can take up to four weeks to appear and can last up to nine months.
Baby Botox
Unlike the over-frozen appearance of Botox from generations past, today the effects of Botox are much more subtle. “By weakening the muscles, Botox prevents them from moving and causing wrinkles,” says Dr Alexandrides. “Most people wait until they start to see wrinkles before they seek Botox treatment, but preventative treatment uses Botox to treat wrinkles before they emerge. We can strategically inject a small amount of Botox to target fine lines before they get deeper and develop into wrinkles.” This is something Dr Nicoloso is also keen to recommend. “Baby Botox is a very natural method of having Botox. With smaller doses of the toxin, it still works to prevent the appearance of deep lines, but the face looks more natural.” Typically speaking, the effects of Botox can last for up to three to four months, at which point it’s fine to top up.
This article was originally published on Vogue US.
