I’ve still not had Botox, but I am never saying never. In middle age, I have relied on state-of-the-art serums and the highest SPFs on earth to fend off the wrinkles. I am moving into more serious territory now, though. I am trying anti-ageing gadgets. Many of them are destined for the gizmo graveyard, but there’s one device I’ve been using that you have to know about.
The Iluminage Youth Activator (£240; lookfantastic.com) uses the sort of technology usually only available in salons and clinics. Infrared light and radio frequency nudge the cells below the surface of the skin to speed up a bit and produce more collagen and elastin (the stuff of facial bounciness and youth).
It was launched last month and has been flying off the shelves. I can see why, having tried it for a month. For a start, it’s very easy to use. I’ve sampled several home-facial gadgets that turned out to be unwieldy and faffy. With this one, you slap on some of the gel that comes with it, switch on the plastic, pebble-shaped tool and apply to your skin. Imagine an electric shaver without blades.
The head of the thing emits the infrared and radio frequency and you zap your face for about 15 minutes. It’s designed to buzz every four minutes so that you spend an equal amount of time on each quarter of your face. The youth-giving beams are warm and your skin does tingle a bit during and afterwards. Some report light sensitivity, so it’s recommended for use at night to give your skin a chance to calm down. I was too excited to wait for bedtime and used it before going out to a party in the hope of immediate effects. There was definitely some perking – this could have been because my face essentially had a massage for 15 minutes – but obviously this sort of prolonged attention never normally happens.
There was a very noticeable difference after about three weeks, however. The contours (jaw and cheekbones) were tighter and there was subtle line reduction. The texture of my skin was simply better. I cannot say that the deep furrows of my perma-frown had disappeared completely, however. I guess I’ve just had too much consternation in my life. Or maybe I just need some decent sunglasses.
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It’s recommended that you do a course for optimum results. This means five times a week for the first four weeks, then twice a week for another month. If this product has a downside, this is probably it. I don’t doubt that it delivers ironed-out, fresher skin, but the commitment may be a bit much for some.
If you want instant gratification from your gadget, visit your nearest Elizabeth Arden counter. The brand’s 15-minute Tone It UpTown Speed Service facial (£15, or redeemable against products) uses microcurrents from a device to tighten and smooth your skin. I once did it on half my face to check it really works. It does, giving a cheek lift that lasted for a good few days.