The rise of Notox: Non-invasive Botox for people who hate needles
The rise of cosmetic surgery is undeniable, with lip fillers and injectibles becoming as common (if not more frequent) than a trip to the dentist. It seems everyone is on the bandwagon, including Superdrug, now offering Botox in store.
But what the hell do you do if you have a fear of needles? Or don't want to go as far as injections but still desire a smooth less-wrinkled face?
Here are 5 non-invasive alternatives to know about, that are almost, if not as good as, the real thing...
1. Ultherapy
Currently available at the Hampton Clinic, Ultherapy is a non-invasive, ultrasound-based treatment used to trigger the production of new collagen and elastin, as well as tighten muscles. "It gives the skin a lifted look and minimises fine lines and wrinkles", says Dr Lorraine Hill.
"During an Ultherapy treatment, the applicator is placed against your skin. This then uses ultrasound imaging to look deep within the skin and ascertain where the ultrasound energy is needed most. The energy is then directed to the specific areas within the skin through the applicator. Some patients can experience pain, however the application of topical anaesthetic cream and painkillers pre treatment can minimise pain as much as possible."
There is no downtime with Ultherapy and patients can resume normal activity straight afterwards. Some can experience minimal bruising, but Dr Hill says it's very easily covered with makeup. The best part? It's completed in a single treatment and you can maintain results with a repeat appointment every 1-2 years.
The 10-minute alternative to surgery.
2. Chemical peels
Second to Ultherapy, Dr Hill recommends chemical peels (specifically the ZO Skin Health 3-Step Peel) as a Botox alternative.
"Chemical peels address fine lines and wrinkles as well as give the skin an overall fresher appearance," she says.
"During a skin peel, the peel is spread over the face, normally with a fine brush and left for the directed time [before removing]."
With skin peels, the amount of discomfort which the patient experiences is completely dependant on the depth of the peel.
For a first-timer, we would recommend choosing a lighter-level peel.
"The downtime for peels is slightly longer [than Ultherapy], and is dependant on the peel depth. Lighter peels have downtime of 2-3 days whereas deeper peels can be longer. A thick recovery cream should be applied to the skin afterwards."
3. Collagen wave
Collagen Wave is a radio-frequency facial, that stimulates collagen by heating deep within the skin to encourage production, while firming and lifting the upper layers of the dermis.
Available at only a handful of practices across the UK, including Lisa Harris Skin Science, the new skin tightening therapy is a modern, technology-led alternative to botox.
"The more treatments you undertake, the more youthful your skin is going to become and itis vital to maintain the results of Collagen Wave with pharmaceutical grade serums and moisturisers", says Lisa Harris.
Lisa uses the treatment as part of a three step programme, which she calls 'The Secret To Instant Youth'.
It starts with IFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) to firstly target deep, structural tissues and muscles, where collagen blooms. Followed by the Collagen Wave, and then lastly Virtual Mesotherapy, which helps to stimulate collagen and boost hydration with hyaluronic acid, vitamins and minerals.
To book an appointment or view locations, visit Lisa Harris Skin Science.
4. Realine patches
If you're already obsessed with sheet masks, you're going to love these little wrinkle-targeting patches.
With different types to target the main areas of concern; crow's feet (£28 for four pairs), frown lines (£28 for 30 patches), lip lines and eye wrinkles (£48 for four pairs), the patches smooth out skin indents caused by expression and pump the area with high-grade hyaluronic acid and marine extract.
Celebrity Facialist, Nichola Joss, says she 'really saw a difference' using the patches and that they're 'a great natural alternative to alleviating frown lines.'
Depending on which patch you use, it only needs to be left on 20-30 minutes.
5. Retinol
If you haven't even tried retinol before considering in-clinic solutions, stop your research and grab a cream ASAP.
This powerhouse anti-ageing ingredient will help to address fine lines and wrinkles without any downtime or even a need to leave your house.
To target crow's feet specifically, try one of these retinol eye creams:
No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate, £34, Boots
Before it's launch, No7's Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate amassed a waitlist of around 100,000 ( the most in Boots' history). This supercharged and powerfully regenerative cocktail combines two of the most effective age-defying ingredients, peptides and retinol. The 1.5% Retinol Complex consists of a 0.3% retinol, a highly effective and proven sweet-spot concentration that delivers the perfect balance of efficacy with minimal irritation.
