“Your skin is like a set of springs that need tightening,” says Ellis. “The laser stimulates circulation at microvascular level, strengthening capillaries and defusing redness.”
As with the peel, you experience a mild heat but nothing more and afterwards, armed with a layer of moisturiser and SPF, I could immediately go about my business (though intense sunlight before or after the treatment is not recommended, so check your holidays if you’re considering).
Building healthy habits
While sticking with the skincare was fairly easy, good skin, I’m told, comes as much from what you put in your body as what you put on it. In the past year I’ve all but given up drinking alcohol (which dehydrates the skin, amongst other things) but I confess my diet is a mixed bag (plenty of fruit but not enough vegetables, not much ultra-processed food but too much snacking). I also sleep poorly. These elements have combined to thwart my search for a youthful glow.
“Your skin is constantly renewing and repairing,” says Robert Hobson, a nutritionist, whose advice I seek out. “Make sure you’ve got enough protein and essential fatty acids like Omega 3, plus vitamins and minerals – especially C, E, A and zinc,” he says. “They help with collagen production.”
I’m also advised that my skin will look better if I’m well hydrated – two litres of water a day ideally. But the advice comes with a caveat. “Just drinking loads more water alone without being diet conscious is not going to make much difference,” says Hobson. My diet is a work in progress. It’s halfway there, but not quite yet.
The final results
At the end of my experiment, while I wouldn’t say skincare changed my life, it definitely changed my skin and, to my surprise, a facial regime – albeit with less expensive options than I was given to trial – will be part of my future. Creams, treatments, lotions and potions cannot create miracles and a few pricey grooming products aren’t going to turn me into Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but my experience is that the right ones can help you look and feel fresher.
My family, not always known for their compliments, commented on how much brighter my complexion was. My friends, being middle-aged men, wouldn’t tell me even if they were thinking it. Drinking the right amount of water is an easy win and I think – given my results – I will go back for a skin peel every couple of months.
Looking a little younger and fresher requires work, a bit of cash and a bit of time, but in combination, you can mitigate the ravages of ageing without resorting to surgery. The darkness and bags under my eyes have improved, but they’ve not disappeared, and they’re easier to be at peace with because the rest of my skin looks better.
At 53, I don’t look a day older than 52. And even if I don’t look 10 years younger – apart from on a really good day – putting a modicum of effort into my appearance has made me feel 10 years younger. And that’s what counts.
Other products to try…CleansersFor dry skin