LOOK SHARP
Achieve a brighter, smoother complexion with these needling treatments
THE FACTS
Micro-needling or ‘derma rolling’ uses small needles to puncture the surface of the skin, causing what is known as ‘micro-trauma’ to trigger the skin’s repair mode and induce collagen and elastin production. Performed at a dermis level (anaesthetic cream is applied first), the procedure firms, tightens and regenerates, while also leaving skin more readily able to absorb serums. Mesotherapy similarly employs needles, but this time to inject ingredients into the dermal layers of the skin. These more clinical injections, such as Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (see right), require anaesthetic as they typically work at a deeper level; a beneficial by-product of which is stimulation of the same repair response as with micro-needling. Most superficial mesotherapy is painless and brings an immediate glow.
Best for SAGGING SKIN
Deep Mesotherapy, from £250, with Dr Frances Prenna Jones (020 7499 3848; www.drfrancesprennajones.com), London W1. THE TREATMENT: Using a unique technique to inject a cocktail of collagen-boosting vitamins, minerals, hyaluronic acid and amino acids deep into the dermis, Prenna Jones is second to none at tightening the jowl region. EXPERT’S TIP: Book multiple treatments. ‘One plus one equals three,’ says Prenna Jones. ‘The results are cumulative when you continually stimulate the fibroblasts to produce more collagen and elastin. Expect to come every three to six months in your mid to late thirties, and at least every three months by your fifties.’
Best for PIGMENTATION
Stem Cell Collagen Therapy with LED, £260, at Sarah Chapman Skinesis Clinic (020 7589 9585; www.sarahchampman.net), London SW1. THE TREATMENT: A 90-minute facial employing micro-needling to increase the absorption of Chapman’s signature Stem Cell Collagen Activator. The addition of LED-light therapy further stimulates the repair of thin, slack or lined skin, while helping to reduce pigmentation.
EXPERT’S TIP: ‘Superficial micro-needling is the super-tech way to apply potent active skincare such as stem cells, peptides and hyaluronic acid to your skin,’ says Chapman.
Best for DEEP WRINKLES
Dracula Therapy, £600 for first session (£550 thereafter), with Dr Daniel Sister at Lazeo Clinic (020 3813 9316; www.lazeo.co.uk), London W11.
THE TREATMENT: Technically known as Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, the process harnesses the reparative qualities of your own blood to trigger DNA repair. Dr Sister draws your blood, spins it in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the clear serum and platelets, and injects the latter back into the face, free-hand. While not pain-free, it is remarkably effective at softening lines in a matter of days. EXPERT’S TIP: Science-backed and 100 per cent natural, PRP Therapy was originally used by the medical profession to treat everything from sports injuries to heart failure.
Best for ENLARGED PORES
Vitamin Meso Glow Facial, £250, with Dr Anita Sturnham at Nuriss Skincare and Wellness Centre (0845 261 3716; www.nuriss.co.uk).
THE TREATMENT: An electric dermapen is used for thousands of microscopic injections to the skin, delivering a mixture of vitamins C, B and E and ferulic serum. Expect to look sunburnt for a day; a small price for noticeably tighter pores and refined skin within a fortnight. EXPERT’S TIP: Repeat every six weeks; for optimal results, book a skin peel in between treatments.
Best for EYE REJUVENATION
Triple Boost Hydrabright, from £1,700 for first session (£1,000 thereafter), with Dr Maryam Zamani at the Cadogan Clinic (020 7901 8500; www.cadoganclinic.com), London SW1.
THE TREATMENT: Zamani, an ocular plastic surgeon, takes a multifaceted approach to tackling skin ageing around the eyes, combining injections of hyaluronic acid and Platelet Rich Plasma with micro-needling and mesotherapy. ‘Depending on the individual’s concerns, I can intensify the treatment with a peel, healing LED or iPixel laser treatment,’ she says. EXPERT’S TIP: Expect some effects (the odd small bruise, a little puffiness) for the first five days, and then visibly younger-looking eyes in a month.