Dani Nicholls, 28, influencer
It was my dentist [who] first suggested I get Botox. I clench my teeth a lot and I was developing quite strong muscles in my jawline. They referred me to a specialist in the same clinic. As an influencer, I’m on my computer and phone all day. It’s bright screens 24/7. I frequently get headaches so they suggested I also get Botox above my browline for relief.
The thing I like most about Botox is that it does eventuallywear off. After about four months my muscles had gone back to normal. I know some people say it slims the jaw but I didn’t notice that. I haven’t had it done in my jaw again but did get it done above my brows as that really helped with headaches.
I filmed the process for my social media channels. I think it’s important to be open as there’s so many taboos around it.
My long-term skincare battle is acne. It didn’t start until I was in my 20s. I had a lot of pigmentation from breakouts and scarring. I was told a chemical peel could help then I spent six months researching it. Traditionally, it’s a treatment that wasn’t formulated for darker skin and it’s still relatively new. There’s a lot of illegitimate practitioners out there and DIY kits online. I take my platform seriously and I want to ensure the information I’m sharing with my followers is safe.
A solution is rubbed on the face and then about three days later your skin starts to peel off. You have to follow strict instructions for seven days. You are not allowed to pick at it. I have had a course of three. I was happy with the result but I had realistic expectations of what it could do.
At the moment looking younger isn’t a concern for me. I started as an influencer when I was slightly more mature than a lot of others that do it. I don’t really compare myself to others or think I should look a certain way. I’m just happy to go with the ageing process and see where it takes me but never say never.
David Waller, 58, accountant
I’m a man and I want to still look like a man, just more refreshed. My main goal is to look healthy with a glow.
I first got Botox around 10 years ago. It wasn’t very popular for men to have it back then. I wanted to try it because I had these deep furrowed lines between my eyebrows. Friends would say, “Are you upset?” or “Are you angry?” because it looked like I was frowning all the time.
My husband is Dr Joney De Souza, a cosmetics doctor. I know people will read this and say, “Oh he’s biased” but it’s important to be honest. It’s actually very difficult to get him to do any treatments on me as he’s always so busy. I will say to him, “What do you think of this” or “Should I do this?” He will make a suggestion but most of the time we don’t really chat much about it.
The best thing I have done is a C02 laser treatment which was the first treatment Joney ever did for me. It resurfaces the skin. In my 20s, I would lie on the beach without using any SPF. I had a lot of sun damage. As I don’t have any hair you could really see it on my head. The laser got rid of all the deep pigmentation.
I get Botox every six months and I’ve had a little bit of filler in my cheeks and lips as I had lost some volume. I wanted a little bit more in my lips but Joney said no, as it would look too exaggerated.
There is still a lot of stigma around filler, because there are so many horror stories. I want to look as good as possible, for as long as possible, but in a natural way.
When people say to me: “I can’t believe you’re nearly 60,” it makes me feel good. My husband will say, “You’re the same age as Nigel Farage.” And that’s when I’m like, “Oh my god, I am!” I know a lot of it comes down to genetics but it’s also about taking care of yourself and using good skincare products. I spend about £300 a month on medical grade [skincare] products which are really effective. I used to be a complete skincare junkie and would spend the same amount on one designer cream that wouldn’t do anything.
I keep thinking one morning am I going to wake up and look 70. But I’m also realistic. Too many people think they can look like a filtered version of themselves in real life. That’s not achievable. For me, if I can keep my pigmentation at bay and maintain the plumpness in my skin, I’ll be happy.
Rachel Kavanagh, 39, brand consultant
The first time I had Botox, aged 28, I got a little lump above one of my eyebrows. The second time it happened again. It would drive me crazy. The aesthetician I go to now, Dr David Jack is the only one who has been able to do it without that happening.
I was so nervous to get it around my eyes but that has made the biggest difference. You really have to trust your doctor. The thing I love about mine is he is not afraid to say no to me. After I had my third baby I told him I needed more Botox. He refused because he said it wasn’t about the lines, it was about volume loss. So instead he gave me a micro dose of filler. I wouldn’t top up anything. I think that’s key to getting it right. You have to let it all go back to normal. Filler has a really bad reputation because it’s become associated with crazy Instagram type faces. In real life, that looks insane. But I’ve learned a tiny amount can be used to enhance what you already had or once had.
My job involves trialling a lot of new beauty products so I spend a lot of time analysing my face and looking at my skin. I don’t want to look like a different person. I just want to maintain what I do have for as long as I can.
I had a Morpheus8 treatment which combines microneedling with radiofrequency. It stimulates the production of collagen. It’s really helped clear my old acne scarring and even my jawline looks tighter.
I’ve also had a CoolTech process on my stomach. It freezes the fat cells. I work out and watch what I eat but I had a fat pocket I just couldn’t shift after three kids. It’s like liposuction but without the surgery. It just felt like having a hot stone massage. I’m now so much happier wearing a bikini.
I think it’s incredible we have these options now. After I’ve recovered from having something done, I look more rested, my makeup sits better and my features are more defined. It makes me feel confident. I have no shame in saying that.
I spend about £3,500 a year on treatments but my gym membership is more expensive than that.
I refuse to be judged about what I do. Women are under a huge amount of pressure but I think a lot of that pressure comes from other women. There’s no point denying that I’ve had work done. I’m nearly 40. I’d like to think I don’t look it.