My eyes rolled when face taping – which claims to banish wrinkles – began to trend on social media recently. The process, loved by A-listers like supermodel Bella Hadid, sees tape applied to the face either overnight to smooth and lift the skin, or under make-up to hold skin taut. It’s an old Hollywood trick, but fiddly to get right, and only a temporary fix. “Taping is like control pants for your face,” explains Dr Tijion Esho. “Once removed, the wrinkles will return. What’s more, tape can cause irritation, impairment of the skin barrier, clog pores and cause breakouts.” So how else do we hit refresh on our skin?
The rejuvenation checklist
EAT WELL The first step in any skincare routine should be a good diet containing skin-boosting vitamins (A, C, D and E in particular).
DEEP CLEANSE One of the easiest ways to perk up dull skin is to ensure it’s cleansed well twice a day. Getting rid of dirt build-up prevents blemishes and encourages skin cell turnover.
FACIAL MASSAGE When cleansing or applying your serum, take a few minutes to massage your face with your fingertips. Use gentle strokes, sweeping from the centre of your face outwards. This boosts circulation and has a lifting effect.
CHOOSE YOUR INGREDIENTS Get to know what skin really needs – and the skincare ingredients that are up to the job. When picking out a product, look at what’s in it. Is it what you need?
SLEEP DEEPLY Nothing replenishes our skin quite like consistently good sleep. Skin regenerates during slumber, so the more time we can allow it to get to work, the better it will look.
Super skincare
The self-restoring solution New and improved, Shiseido Eudermine Activating Essence, £60, is a clever formula containing kefir, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. It softens and balances skin, amplifies the benefits of whatever serum is applied next, and encourages skin’s self-renewal process. Use after cleansing.
The bio-retinol Antipodes Eve Bio-Retinol Line Reduction Serum, £40, contains cacay oil – a natural source of vitamin A and alternative to traditional retinol – along with bakuchiol. Together they work overnight to reduce fine lines and refine skin texture. It’s pregnancy and breastfeeding safe too.
The at-home LED facial With nearinfrared deep tissue thermo technology, Foreo UFO 3 LED, £289, is a seriously clever piece of kit. Its LED light function treats signs of ageing, banishes blemishes and boosts radiance. Its vibrations aid deeper penetration of products and ensure skin is twice as hydrated too.
The deep cleanse Supercharge your cleanse with Magnitone BareFaced3 Vibra-Sonic Cleanse Massage Brush, £89.99. With three vibrational intensities to choose from – gentle cleanse, deep cleanse or facial massage – simply add your favourite cleanser and press go for squeaky clean skin.Now with silicone, rather than plastic bristles, its head won’t need replacing.
At the clinic
The fish-based facial jab “Polynucleotides are the hottest injectable right now – a new skin booster that rejuvenates tired, hollowed eyes and sagging skin,” says Dr Esho. So what is it? Molecules extracted from fish sperm (yes, really!), which closely resemble human DNA and kick-start skin regeneration. “Rather than just providing hydration like hyaluronic acid jabs, polynucleotides are like food or medicine for the cells, making them produce collagen and elastin,” says Dr Esho. You’ll need two to three treatments, three weeks apart, with noticeable results in 90 days. Expect to pay around £1,000 for three sessions.
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