Aesthetics 101: Your no-BS guide to botox & beyond

Cosmopolitan ME

2 days ago

Welcome to your jargon-free, hype-free breakdown of the most common aesthetic treatments – because let's be real, between TikTok trends and influencer endorsements, it's hard to know what's actually worth it. We're getting into aesthetics earlier than ever, but is that a good idea? As Dr. Samia, Aesthetic Doctor at Browns & Co. tells us,'We've definitely noticed a rise in Gen-Z clients showing interest in aesthetic treatments, particularly preventative Botox and subtle enhancements like lip filler or skin boosters. While millennials were once the primary age group driving the 'tweakment' trend, Gen-Z is now stepping into the aesthetic space, often in their early twenties or even late teens.'
Dr. Abir Alafifi, GP Practitioner in functional medicine and aesthetics at ZEN Healthcare, confirms the social media effect: 'Social media plays a massive role as this generation has grown up seeing influencers and celebrities openly talk about their treatments, which has helped normalise aesthetics.' But she warns: 'Starting earlier than necessary can lead to overuse. The best results are always subtle and natural.' Word.
The mindset shift? Dr. Asima Mir, Aesthetic Specialist at Orskin, explains: 'There's been a noticeable shift – we're seeing more Gen-Z clients not just curious about treatments, but actually booking them in their early 20s. They view aesthetics through a wellness lens, as self-investment rather than 'fixing' something. The key is starting at the right time, for the right reasons – not social media pressure. Everyone ages differently. Your skin's needs in your 20s will be very different from your 30s or 40s.'
Dr. Samia's advice gets straight to the point: 'My top piece of advice is not to rush it. Just because you can access aesthetic treatments early doesn't mean you should.'
So before you book that clinic appointment, here's exactly what each treatment does, who it's for, and what to expect. You and your face can thank us later.
Botox: The wrinkle-freeze secret
Botox is a purified protein (botulinum toxin type A). There are a few different brands out there, but they all do the same thing.
Science bit: It blocks nerve signals to muscles, preventing repetitive motions that cause lines (like forehead wrinkles from raising brows). Fun fact? You can inject it pretty much anywhere – it can even treat migraines and excessive sweating!
How it's done: Tiny injections target specific muscles, and it's super quick. You might have some mild redness but there's no downtime – just best to avoid workouts or extreme heat for 24 hours.
Best for: Prevention – Late 20s+ when those frown lines start lingering. It's also amazing for correction. Dynamic wrinkles (crow's feet, forehead lines…) be gone.
Avoid: Starting before mid-20s (your face needs natural movement!)
Dermal fillers: Plump & sculpt
Fun fact – fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which our bodies produce naturally.
Science bit: The HA in filler binds to the water already in our skin to plump and add volume.
How it's done: Numbing cream can be applied before it's injected. There can be some swelling (particularly when done on lips) but this dies down after a few days.
Best for: Doing what its name suggests – 'filling' and enhancing areas that need more volume, eg. lips, cheeks, jawline, under-eyes, or nasolabial folds – smoothing out wrinkles and plumping in the process.
Avoid: Overfilling – natural-looking results take skill.
Skin boosters: The ultimate hydration hack
Next-level hydration: Hyaluronic acid (like in fillers) but injected more superficially to plump from within.
Science bit: HA holds 1,000x its weight in water – these injections act like an internal moisturiser to literally make you glow from within.
How it's done: Multiple tiny injections across the area being treated (minimal pain) after a numbing cream is applied. You might have some redness and bumps, but these go down super fast. Three or more sessions are recommended for lasting effects.
Best for: Dehydrated skin (even if you drink water!) and lacklustre complexions. Amazing for a pre-event glow.
Avoid: Expecting filler-like volume – this is about texture, not structure.
Exosomes: Your skin's text message
Tiny 'messenger' bubbles from stem cells loaded with proteins and growth factors direct your skin to heal itself.
Science bit: They're the ultimate multitaskers: calming inflammation while giving your skin's natural collagen and elastin a serious boost. The result? Smoother texture, balanced tone, and renewed bounce – with visible improvements that keep coming for weeks after.
How it's done: After microneedling or laser (those tiny channels create superhighways for deeper absorption), an exosome serum gets pressed or infused into skin. Expect a very temporary rosy flush.
Best for: Post-acne marks, pigmentation, post-procedure recovery, and anti-ageing.
Avoid: Skipping the prep step No microneedling/laser first? The exosomes can't penetrate deeply enough to work.
PRP: The 'vampire' facial
Gross but cool, this treatment uses your own blood to boost your beauty.
Science bit: Your blood's platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a goldmine of growth factors that supercharge collagen production and tissue repair.
How it's done: Your blood is taken, popped into a centrifuge to spin it (to isolate the PRP), and then it's either injected or microneedled into skin. You'll be red for a day or two after.
Best for: Acne scars, dullness, and hair thinning (yes, it works for scalps too!).
Avoid: One-and-done. Three or more sessions are ideal.
Morpheus8: The microneedling powerhouse
Morpheus8 is your skin's ultimate power couple: microneedling meets radiofrequency for next-level remodelling. It delivers RF energy deep into your skin's foundation for tighter texture, reduced pores, faded scars, and snatched contours.
Science bit: Tiny needles create micro-channels while zapping skin with RF heat – a double whammy that tricks your skin into repair mode. Cue a collagen and elastin boom.
How it's done: You'll need numbing cream (it's not painless), but the pinch is quick – just plan for 2-3 days of redness and mild puffiness (ice rollers welcome). A handheld device glides over skin to deliver RF energy and adjustable needle depths.
Best for: Skin tightening, large pores, and acne scars.
Avoid: Sun exposure after – hyperpigmentation risk! And DIY RF devices – this requires medical-grade precision.
Polynucleotides: The DNA-level skin repair
Aka the 'salmon sperm facial'. Wait, what?! Yes, you read that right. PNs are purified DNA fragments from fish sperm that boost skin repair.
Science bit: They act like messengers to your skin cells, signalling your skin to produce more collagen and elastin and repair damaged tissue at a cellular level. They also help boost hydration by attracting water molecules. Think of them as a 'reset button'.
How it's done: Injected or applied via microneedling (2-3 sessions needed). Expect to be numbed first.
Best for: Acne scars, post-laser healing, and younger, fresher looking skin.
Avoid: Expecting instant results – it's a long-game treatment.
BBL (BroadBand Light): The Instagram filter IRL
BBL is basically IPL's smarter younger sibling. But, unlike old-school IPL, today's BBL doesn't just treat damage – it can actually rewind your skin's genetic clock. (Yes, really.)
Science bit: This broadband light treatment uses filtered wavelengths to target melanin, haemoglobin, and collagen. Simply put? It zaps pigmentation, redness, and signs of ageing.
How it's done: A magic wand-like device delivers precision light pulses that shatter melanin (bye, dark spots) and haemoglobin (see ya, redness) while giving your deeper skin a collagen-boosting warm-up. It feels like a tiny rubber band snapping across your skin – quick and totally manageable, with no downtime. A course of 3+ sessions is recommended for maximum results.
Best for: Sunspots, redness and rosacea, and early signs of ageing.
Avoid: Skipping SPF – it's non-negotiable.
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