How can you have younger and healthy looking skin?
We know there are many good face creams out there and having regular cleansing facials have a beneficial effect on the skin, we also know that eating a sensible diet with fresh fruit, veg and fish, avoiding too much sun and getting plenty of sleep will help to ensure your skin looks younger for longer. But what other options are there if you want to try something more permanent to change the way you look now and to retain that youthful appearance?
Chemical Peels – chemicals such as gycolic acid, salicylic acid or carbolic acid (phenol), are applied to small areas on the skin. This is said to reduce fine lines, treat wrinkles caused by sun damage, certain types of acne and reduce age spots.
After the treatment you may experience swelling and blisters. The skin will peel and regenerate itself in 7 – 14 days. It is advisable to have a program of superficial peels using alpha hydroxyacids, this would be 4 to 6 peels at monthly intervals. The effect can last up to a year, as long as adequate sun protection is used.
Cost from approx. £60 – £300
Botox Injections – use botulinum toxin to paralyze the facial muscles. This gives the appearance of reducing wrinkles and smoothing out frown lines etc. Good for deep lines and wrinkles. However the effects are temporary and will need topping up regularly.
After the treatment you may have some bruising, swelling or discomfort. The general advise given to clients is not to lay down for 4 hours after treatment (no bending forward either), no vigorous activity/exercise for 12 hours, and no rubbing, massaging or pressure on the treated areas for the first day. Lasts approx. 3 – 4 months.
Cost from approx. £150 per area
One Stitch Face Lift – your consultant will begin by discussing with you the problem areas of excess skin which you feel need addressing. Once marked out on the face some local anaesthetic is then injected to make the procedure a pain free experience. The stitches themselves contain small cones along their length and are inserted using long needles. After the stitches are in place they are then pulled back to re-suspend the skin and soft tissues, whilst the small cones along their length anchor the tissues in their new position. Good for those that may feel they need a full face lift but are restricted by cost or put off by surgery. Beneficial for lifting the jowl area and for general sagging.
Costs from approx.. £800 – £1500 per stich
When considering any type of plastic surgery or intervention, it is important you take every care to ensure your health & safety. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons offer some good advice.
OK, if none of these appeal to you then what’s the more natural alternative?
Did you know acupuncture is recorded to have been used to enhance beauty as early as the days of the royal court of the Emperor in ancient China. With no chemicals or artificial substances being introduced into the body, Acupuncture is growing as an alternative to potentially harmful fillers and injections.
At EAST Norwich Acupuncture I offer a unique Facial Rejuvenation program, comprising of three elements;
- Cosmetic Acupuncture
- Facial Gua Sha
- Facial Cupping
These three elements together give the best overall results.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Many studies have confirmed acupuncture as a proven method of collagen induction and regeneration of the superficial levels to the skin, without the risk of some of the other modern treatments
Needles are placed around problem areas, such as along scar or wrinkle lines and underneath the jaw line, depending on the individual’s needs. In addition at EAST Norwich Acupuncture I use traditional established acupuncture points on the face and body to further benefit the final result by increasing well-being from the inside.
Facial Gua Sha
First, organic oils are applied using facial massage strokes and techniques, I use Botanicals Organic Facial Serum. Then using the specialised Gua sha tool, sweeping motions are used over the entire face in either a linear or circular motion. The tool is swept along specific channels, collateral’s and acupuncture points on face.
The benefits of Facial Gua sha are many but include increased blood circulation, reducing the look of wrinkles or baggy eyes, removing blood stagnation and promoting normal circulation which in turn helps the body to eliminate toxins.
Facial Cupping
Facial cupping is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience, they is no dragging or pressure, it is a gentle massage. This helps to tone your facial muscles, ‘fill’ and tighten your skin, and reduce the amount of puffiness you may have under your eyes.
Small, specialised suction cups are used in the procedure to lift your facial tissue. It is completely painless and leaves no marks.
This Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture program is unique in the world of beauty, as it not only works on the external appearance of the skin, by improving wrinkles, scars and acne for example, but by using needles on specific points around the body it can improve general health too! Clients often report reduced stress and improved sleep.
Cost £55 per session – it is recommended that a course of least 6 sessions are completed to ensure the best results, but improvements can be seen after only 1 or 2 sessions
So how good is it really? I wanted to test it out for myself so that I felt confident in recommending to my clients, I have treated myself once a week for the last 6 weeks and here’s some before and after selfies I took! (excuse the quality and the fact that selfies always make you look a bit weird?!) The areas I was particularly interested in improving were the jowl area, but also though nasal area and under my eyes could be improved!
Both these pics were taken in my bathroom when I was wearing make up,.
What Difference has it made?
Well, I think at the very least my skin looks better, it looks smoother and feels firmer/plumper. What do you think? I’m pleased with the jowl area which is the bit I really hate the most!!
But therein lies the real answer to all these ‘beauty’ treatments, its about how you feel, not necessarily what someone else is going to notice! I feel more confident and that makes me happy, and therefore I feel more attractive ☺
This is an important point and I think the first thing to think about before embarking on any beauty treatment which will require a financial commitment, is that you need to set expectations and goals. Do you want to reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture or just gain an overall younger look? You need to then judge where you are starting from, if you have very deep wrinkles or have badly sun damaged skin, it maybe that you wont be able to fully realise your goals! But if you understand this and set your expectation accordingly you won’t be disappointed.
I’m 50 this year by the way and I’m feeling ok about this !
Pic (not a selfie) taken on a recent night out (06/03/15)
Author Bio: Colette Ogle owns East Norwich Acupuncture which operates from Oasis Sports & Leisure Club. Colette opened her acupuncture clinic in January 2015 after qualifying from The College of Chinese Medicine, London. She is passionate about bringing the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese medicinal therapies to Norwich and the surrounding area.
Live locally to Norwich and want to book in? Have a look at my price list and contact me by email.
