May the force be with you

Whilst I’d love to tell you I’d developed a way to defy gravity, even Edinburgh’s best facialist has to admit that at a certain age skin laxity becomes a bugbear!  We all start to see a reduction in skin firmness (goodbye taught jawline and hello jowls) and glow. However, thanks to new technology, I can now help clients outsmart it – and this doesn’t necessarily mean going under the knife.

The new powerhouse in the world of skincare technology, 3D Dermaforce is one of the most advanced skin rejuvenating treatments there is… and I have to say I am loving using it on clients as it delivers an immediate glow and lift.

The cutting-edge laser device can be used almost universally (up to and including a Fitzpatrick VI skin type) to effectively tackle a broad range of skin concerns from fine lines and wrinkles, open pores and lax necks, all whilst promoting collagen and elastin production over the entire area.

As the name suggests, this new celebrity favourite is quite literally, a powerful new skincare force combining Fractional Radio Frequency (RF) and Microneedling technologies to tighten face and body – it even works on saggy knees.

For the uninitiated, RF generates an electric current that can run safely through the skin. Penetrating through the skin’s layers, it works firstly by heating up the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) to 42 degrees celsius, causing the skin’s collagen fibres to retract. As they retract they also lift. This triggers a visible tightening and toning effect. However, it’s hard work doesn’t stop there. It also stimulates the body’s natural healing process by heating the deeper dermis to 75 degrees stimulating the fibroblasts (cells that secrete collagen proteins) to produce more skin scaffolding.

It’s efficacy is boosted when used in combination with microneedling. Contrary to common belief, no injections are actually used in this process, rather micro needles that make hundreds of tiny invisible perforations in the skin – in this case up to 3.5mm deep. Not only does this trauma encourage skin cell regrowth, but with the added energy from the radiofrequency waves, collagen production can be induced in the deeper layers of the skin.

Sessions take up to 20 minutes, with a little redness after treatment that fades after a day or two.

Billed as the latest non-surgical face lift, it is now one of my most in demand treatments. As a course of treatments delivers the best results, I aim to include at least six of these treatments in a six-month skin care journey. When rounded off with some red light therapy to speed up healing, it makes a really noticeable difference after three sessions  – the kind where friends start noticing and the reflection in the mirror starts resembling someone you used to know.