Throughout 2021, the beauty treatments arena has been looking less cosmetic and more cosmeceutical.

Non-surgical skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing facials have taken precedence over previously in-demand (and intense) procedures, as we see “going under the knife” no longer our only option to lift, tighten and firm. 

According to Beauty On Rose’s Sarah Powell, “people are looking after their skin, wearing less makeup and creating good foundations with their skin care and treatments.” 

And with the radiant post-holiday glow from an actual overseas holiday off the cards for a while, the beauty world has responded with head-to-toe technology and treatment innovations. We’re talking beach waves that’ll last you an entire season, a 30-minute rest resulting in washboard abs and sleep-promoting LED sessions that’ll trick people into thinking you’ve actually been getting your full eight hours. Plus, all the anti-ageing, quick-acting and painless facial treatments in between.

Here are the beauty treatments taking off right now, and how to know if they’re right for you. 

Skin Boosters

What is it?

Think of the Skin Boosters service like a hyaluronic acid serum, but on steroids. Described as quickly becoming the newest ‘It’ treatment by the founder of Blanc Skin – Dr Clara Hurst – this treatment involves injecting a patented concentration of hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants into the skin. A small, fine needle is used to evenly distribute the solution to “increase radiance and hydration and stimulate collagen.” And if you really want to crank that rejuvenation up a notch, Hurst and Cohen-Jones recommend elevating the results by pairing it with platelet-rich plasma, PRP (more commonly known as a “vampire facial”). 

Perfect for?

Anyone prepping for a big event. The treatment provides a rapid hit of hydration that’ll also help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, “Skin Boosters are a great complement for filler and wrinkle-relaxer treatments or can be used as an alternative for those who are not quite ready to go down this route.” 

Where to go?

Blanc Skin (Cottesloe, Perth)

Oxygen facial 

What is it?

It’s the treatment Kim Kardashian loves, Emma Stone swears by and the Victoria’s Secret Angels once relied on before hitting the runway. Oxygen facials work by blasting a pressurised stream of oxygen onto the face, in order to penetrate a serum blended with vitamins, antioxidants and actives further into the skin. Basically, it’s no different to being caught in a windstorm, only the wind is jam-packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. The process helps to shoot collagen, elastin and cell regeneration into gear, which plays a hand in the reduction of acne, rosacea, overall skin health and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Perfect for?

Anyone with an upcoming wedding, event or who just needs a general pick-me-up in the glow department. An oxygen facial requires no downtime, takes 15 minutes and provides immediate hydration, rejuvenation, clarity and lift to weathered, dull and tired skin. 

Where to go?

Karpati Skin Clinic (Double Bay, Sydney) 

The Hollywood Lift 

What is it?

If the names Terry Dubrow and Paul Nassif mean anything to you, then the words ‘Hollywood’ and ‘Lift’ side-by-side might have you running for the hills. But before you flee, we can promise you, this non-invasive facelift treatment leaves no potential to become the latest Botched victim. While The Hollywood Lift targets the same layer of skin surgeons pull back when performing a real facelift, this non-surgical alternative uses ultrasound technology, Ultraformer III, to trigger collagen stimulation and provide long-term skin tightening for the treatment of superficial wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and across the entire body. 

Perfect for?

Anyone interested in an anti-ageing treatment that doesn’t require an invasive procedure. 

Where to go?

Face by SM (Paddington, Sydney), The Clinic (Bondi Junction, Sydney)

The Problem Solver 

What is it?

A three-step peel from Onda Beauty, ‘The Problem Solver’ is formulated with a carefully curated balance of potent actives and exfoliators to decongest, exfoliate and brighten. Only further elevated by their delivery technique, ONDA’s facialist Kim Lambert says, “throughout this treatment we incorporate vigorous lymphatic facial massage to manually remove stored tension and toxins from the face, neck and décolleté. Once completed your skin should have a light flush of oxygenated healthy skin with a noticeable plumpness to it.” 

Perfect for? 

Anyone who likes fast results. “The Problem Solver is quite an active treatment,” continues Lambert. “It is for anyone who is wanting to kick start their skin journey and have results from day one. At this time of year this facial would give anyone a glow and clear out their congestion.” And while it ticks the pregnancy safe box too, Lambert still recommends consulting with your therapist prior to treatment to make sure it is the ideal for you. 

Where to go?

ONDA Beauty (Paddington, Sydney)

FOR YOUR HAIR...

NuWave 

What is it?

What if we could guarantee that your beachy-styled waves would last for an entire night out? Scratch that; what if we could promise that they’d last you three whole months (with sweating, swimming and LOTS of showering and hair-washing in between)? Goldwell’s latest hair innovation, NuWave, offers the first semi-permanent wavy hair treatment. Think of it as a classic keratin treatment, but instead of straight and sleek, you’ll be blessed with gorgeous beachy waves that stay.  

Perfect for?

Anyone with flat or fine hair looking to create movement and body. This treatment is safe on lightly coloured locks but Goldwell doesn’t advise use on damaged or heavily bleached hair. 

Where to go?

Multiple locations. Locate your closest NuWave provider using the online Goldwell salon finder tool, here.

FOR YOUR BODY...

RedLightPod

What is it? 

If you’ve experienced an LED light mask before, a RedLightPor is basically the same deal, but for your entire body. Sitting in a room lined with floor to ceiling red lights, these therapy bulbs are rapidly absorbed by surface tissues and cells to enhance rejuvenation and healing of the skin. From injury recovery to inflammation support and stimulating melatonin for a better night sleep, these pain-free, 20-minute sessions offer an endless list of scientifically-backed benefits. Plus, if your priorities lie with avoiding illness this flu season, red light therapy increases the cell-healing compound, nitric oxide, to defend against disease and strengthen your immune system. 

Perfect for?

Anyone looking to balance hormones, reduce stress levels, repair sun damage, diminish wrinkles, scars and even stretch marks. 

Where to go?

Bionik Wellness (Surry Hills, Sydney), iRPod (South Yarra, Melbourne)

Emsculpt

What is it? 

What if we told you that you could lie perfectly still and reap the rewards of a flat stomach-inducing core workout at the same time? Well, you’re in luck, because that’s exactly what we are telling you. Don’t trust us? Here’s what the experts have to say about Emsculpt, the latest body-sculpting technology that’s got the beauty world buzzing. 

“Emsculpt is a body contouring treatment that uses high-intensity electromagnetic energy to trigger the equivalent of 20,000 sit-ups or squats in a comfortable 30-minute session” explains Dr Clara Hurst. The only treatment that can burn fat and build muscle at the same time (apart from a bit of soreness similar to what you’d expect after a pilates class) this treatment is pain-free, with no recovery time.

It's made its way to Hollywood too, with Ashely Tisdale even recently trying the treatment. "Pre-vacation @emsculptneo treatment! I wanted to feel as confident as I can in my body so I came to tone and tighten. I basically just did 20,000 sit ups without moving from this position... best workout ever," she shared in an Instagram caption.

Perfect for?

Emsculpt is “ideal for people who want to build muscle and burn fat quickly and improve performance and stability.” And if you’ve been trying to return to your post-baby body and want a helping hand, “it’s also great for postpartum mums looking to gain their abdominal strength back.” 

Where to go?

Blanc Skin (Cottesloe, Perth), Bionik Wellness (Surry Hills, Sydney)

Main image credit: Getty

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