Holding back the years (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Holding back the years

A day rarely passes without some speculation about the latest celebrity transformation and gossip is rife about how they've achieved those perfect youthful looks.

If you're yearning for the gain without the pain then if may be time to join the increasing number of people seeking non-surgical rejuvenation treatments.

These treatments are an increasingly popular alternative to cosmetic surgery - more than four million people in the UK had collagen injections to help reduce lines and wrinkles or for lip enhancement in the last 20 years. But what are some of the alternatives and do they work?

Collagen treatment is the most widely used dermal filler therapy. A popular way of disguising fine lines and wrinkles, an injection involving a tiny amount of local anaesthetic is made under the skin to fill out the lines.

Skillfully applied this is a successful treatment but overuse can produce unpleasant cosmetic results, as evidenced by those celebrities whose lips have taken on a little more than the soft pout desired!

An alternative shorter-term option is available in the form of more recently developed fillers including Restylane and Perlane. They contain a non-animal clear gel that helps smooth wrinkles. The effect of these lasts for a few months.

Over the last ten years Botox has become known as the lunch hour fix for the removal of frown lines, wrinkles and crows feet with a treatment session lasting only around 10 minutes.

The active ingredient called botulinum toxin is potentially a lethal poison, which when injected into facial muscles relaxes them. The effect lasts for up to three months. Because the injections are superficial, reported side effects have been minimal. The main downside is that they limit facial expression, as the treated muscles lack movement.

If the idea of needles is a step too far then a range of other new treatments are also claiming to have similar effects. Guinot's Hydradermie Lift facial works by stimulating facial muscles to tighten and tone. The salon treatment uses three types of electrotherapy to cleanse and oxygenate, drain toxins and stimulate muscles.

Tests claim to produce a 50 percent depth reduction in facial lines as well as 40 percent increase in overall firmness.

A second treatment designed specifically for the eye area is Hydradermie Lift Yeux particularly for those who are beginning to show signs of ageing and loss of elasticity in the eye area.

Crystal Clear Oxygen Treatment is the latest facial preferred by stars such as Madonna, Kate Moss and Sadie Frost and many more. It works by exfoliating and vacuum suctioning on fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring and deep frown lines.

The treatment probably finds favour among its celebrity fans as it can be undertaken without the need for downtime for recovery. The skin is exfoliated using Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion then a puncture jet system of oxygen is used to deliver anti-ageing and skin restructuring serums deeper into the skin.

The intensity of the oxygen and the active ingredients of the serums combine to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin. A range of home products complementing the salon treatment is also available.

Where to get it Non-surgical treatments including Guinot Hydradermie Lift Aesthetic and Cosmetic Clinic Unit 4, The Exchange, Brewery Court, Cirencester. Tel: 01285 653326

Crystal Clear C2 Hair and Beauty Salon 3 Bridge Street, Nailsworth 01453 833188