Shh! I’m allergic to retinol. What else will smooth my skin?

QI WISH I had fine, poreless skin, but mine is congested and not very smooth. However, I can’t use retinol, as my skin is too sensitive. I was wondering if there are any other treatments that visibly refine skin?

IF YOU’RE brave enough, consider INTRacel.

‘It’s great for refining lumpy, oily skin; generally for anyone with poor skin texture,’ says leading cosmetic physician Dr. Sarah Tonks (thelovelyclinic.co.uk).

The machine combines two proven collagen boosters: radiofrequency heat delivered through the technique of microneedling.

Both stimulate the dermis, which is the deeper skin layer where fresh cells are produced.

Their production is amped up, increasing cell turnover, minimising congestion and improving the look of lines, as well as slack, dilated pores and scars.

There’s also a skin-tightening effect, so this is good for overall ‘skin-rejuvenation’.

After anaesthetic cream is applied, you will sit through about 30 minutes of your face being punctured via a small treatment head.

You will feel the heat, as well as the pinpricks.

I would not recommend it for fine, delicate skin. The treatment is not fun, but it’s also not unbearable.

Afterwards, you’ll be red and there may be pinpoint bleeding, bruising and scabs, which can take a week or two to fade — after which two more treatments over four months are advised.

A single treatment of INTRacel costs from €500 per session..

INGEBORG VAN LOTRINGEN is beauty director at Cosmopolitan. Email questions to features@dailymail.ie