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Face the Music

The face of a mum can be a weary one; but don’t close the curtains on the party season, says Anni Bor.

There are plenty of ways to face-lift your spirits.

True beauty may be more, but after a year of long days and short nights most of us would settle for skin-deep, wouldn’t we? Easier said. According to columnist Susan Maushart – “a woman whose idea of ‘me’ time is doing pelvic floor exercises at red lights” – a bubblebath just isn’t enough. “In truth you need the whole damn bathroom,” she says, “and the occasional pitcher of margarita.”

That would certainly help, if only we could be sure of no small voice at the door… Finding time alone in your own home is tough: before you can say Bergamot, you’re steaming with frustration. So, if you can’t stand the bleat, get out of the bathroom and put your head in someone else’s hands.

Injections

Botox injections reduce frown lines, and while we hear horror stories of drooping eyebrows or startled stares, in the hands of the qualified most are delighted with the results.

Fillers

A non-animal product that helps to bind water in the skin is injected into lines and wrinkles and lips. Redness and swelling usually disappears in a few days, or a few weeks in the case of lips. A few may be hypersensitive and have skin reactions. Treatment on and around the lips will require a local anaesthetic, and results usually last for 6-9 months.

Chemical peels

The ancient Egyptians revived their faces using a paste of animal oils, salt, alabaster and sour milk to remove layers of skin. The modern glycolic acid and salicylic acids, for example – sometimes known as ‘the lunch-time peels’ – do the same, reducing pigment and surface dryness. Repeat treatments usually result in significant improvement. Deeper peels can be applied by qualified professionals.

Dermabrasion/microabrasion

Fine crystal particles are sprayed over the outer, dead layer of skin to ‘sand’ it off, leaving the underlying smoother, newer skin on show. The procedure may need repeating up to six times for best results.

Laser resurfacing

This should result in significant flattening of wrinkles and generally improved appearance of the skin, and has the advantage over conventional procedures, as improvement is immediate and lasts up to several years. The laser removes the top layer of skin, whilst its heat causes collagen under the skin to re-form, tightening and smoothing out the skin. Usually performed under local anaesthetic by a qualified dermatologist, it comes with a formidable list of after-care requirements.

Microcurrent facial

Lines and wrinkles are gently eased away by stimulating and painlessly ‘working’ facial muscles to tighten brow, cheeks and jaw. It relaxes muscle fibres, which regain firmness and lift sagging skin. Results can be instant, although a course of treatments is often recommended for the full benefits. Non-invasive, non-abrasive – it may be the least intrusive face-lift around.

Holistic Face Lift

With aromatherapy oils and pressure at acupuncture points, this targeted massage is designed to stretch the connective tissues and ease facial muscles, softening lines and reducing wrinkles. Treatment may include lifestyle advice. Its practitioners claim continuing treatment can slow down the effects of aging.

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

It does involve needles, but only tiny ones, inserted, following an ancient Chinese concept, into specific points on the face to increase the flow of ‘qi’, the body’s motivating energy. This flow is thought to stimulate the supply of nutrients to the skin which is then better supported, reducing the appearance of lines, bags and discolouration.

And then there are Facials

Detoxifying, Oxygenating, Revitalising. Whatever the name, the good old-fashioned facial, when well-done, cleanses, polishes, firms, brightens and improves circulation to give you a seasonal glow. And with it usually comes the bonus of a little massage with fragrant products that soothe, long after you’ve drifted out of the salon.