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Vogue
2 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
Turmeric Skincare Without the Yellow Stains? Yes, It's Possible
Per the ancient texts, turmeric's skincare benefits date back thousands of years, used across cultures as a healing spice, topical remedy, and part of beauty rituals. Modern skincare has only recently brought turmeric into the spotlight, as wellness-driven and Ayurvedic-inspired brands embrace its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. Celebrity esthetician Sadaf Jaffari notes that clinical and lab studies show turmeric offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial benefits, with promising effects on acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and even photoaging. Today, the best turmeric skincare products marry these time-honored benefits with science-backed formulas and complementary botanicals to deliver clear, radiant skin—without the yellow staining raw powder can leave behind. Below, leading experts share what to know about turmeric skincare, how to use it, and the 12 best turmeric products worth trying across cleansers, creams, masks, serums, and oils. Vogue's Favorite Turmeric Skincare: In This Article Ranavat Brightening Dark Spot and Anti-Aging Facial Oil Ranavat Brightening Dark Spot and Anti-Aging Facial Oil $35 AMAZON Why We Love It: Let the record show I'm on my fourth bottle of this facial oil, and it's firmly in my holy grail lineup for glowy skin. A little goes a long way, and I love pairing it with a gua sha session to Michelangelo my cheekbones. It might err on the pricier side, but board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp says that it contains over 150 bioactive compounds to help fade dark spots and fine lines. 'The star ingredient is pure saffron, which helps brighten and even out the complexion. It's lightweight enough to layer under SPF or moisturizer, and gentle enough for twice-daily use,' he says. Let the record show I'm on my fourth bottle of this facial oil, and it's firmly in my holy grail lineup for glowy skin. A little goes a long way, and I love pairing it with a gua sha session to Michelangelo my cheekbones. It might err on the pricier side, but board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp says that it contains over 150 bioactive compounds to help fade dark spots and fine lines. 'The star ingredient is pure saffron, which helps brighten and even out the complexion. It's lightweight enough to layer under SPF or moisturizer, and gentle enough for twice-daily use,' he says. Key Ingredients: Saffron, lotus flower, turmeric Saffron, lotus flower, turmeric Best For : Dullness, uneven texture, acne-prone skin : Dullness, uneven texture, acne-prone skin Size: 5 mL, 30 mL Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil $80 AMAZON $80 NORDSTROM Why We Love It: Touted by Jaffari as a 'clever combo,' this face oil pairs vitamin C for brightening and tackling pigmentation with turmeric for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. 'The lightweight oil texture nourishes without feeling greasy, making it ideal for layering under makeup or using as the last step in a nighttime routine.' Think of it as a modern take of a traditional approach, pairing natural brighteners into a silky, stable formula that reveals its results over time. The only downside is that there isn't enough oil to slather all over our bodies. Touted by Jaffari as a 'clever combo,' this face oil pairs vitamin C for brightening and tackling pigmentation with turmeric for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. 'The lightweight oil texture nourishes without feeling greasy, making it ideal for layering under makeup or using as the last step in a nighttime routine.' Think of it as a modern take of a traditional approach, pairing natural brighteners into a silky, stable formula that reveals its results over time. The only downside is that there isn't enough oil to slather all over our bodies. Key Ingredients: THD ascorbate, turmeric, ginger root extract, bisabolol THD ascorbate, turmeric, ginger root extract, bisabolol Best For: Dark spots, dullness, uneven texture, dryness Dark spots, dullness, uneven texture, dryness Size: 15 mL, 35 mL Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Brightening Gold Jelly Gel Mask Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Brightening Gel Mask $18 AMAZON Why We Love It: Medicube has been making the rounds on TikTok lately, and not just because the products are oddly satisfying to use—the Korean formulations deliver real results. 'I love the combination of kojic acid and turmeric,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi. 'They work well together to reduce the appearance of dark spots and brighten your skin. Turmeric adds anti-inflammatory effects to the mask to help calm the skin.' And because it's a sheet format, it's easy to throw on while you're watching TV or slip into your carry-on for a long-haul flight. Medicube has been making the rounds on TikTok lately, and not just because the products are oddly satisfying to use—the Korean formulations deliver real results. 'I love the combination of kojic acid and turmeric,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi. 'They work well together to reduce the appearance of dark spots and brighten your skin. Turmeric adds anti-inflammatory effects to the mask to help calm the skin.' And because it's a sheet format, it's easy to throw on while you're watching TV or slip into your carry-on for a long-haul flight. Key Ingredients: Kojic Acid, turmeric, niacinamide Kojic Acid, turmeric, niacinamide Best For : Dull, dry skin : Dull, dry skin Size: 4 masks Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Brightening Refillable Moisturizer Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Brightening Moisturizer $66 AMAZON Why We Love It: You might associate Kora Organics with its signature noni fruit oil, which here is paired turmeric and other nutrient-rich oils to help minimize the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Dr. Camp says it's particularly great for those with dry skin, noting that it not only brightens but also deeply hydrates and plumps, leaving the complexion firmer and smoother. You might associate Kora Organics with its signature noni fruit oil, which here is paired turmeric and other nutrient-rich oils to help minimize the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Dr. Camp says it's particularly great for those with dry skin, noting that it not only brightens but also deeply hydrates and plumps, leaving the complexion firmer and smoother. Key Ingredients: Turmeric, licorice, noni fruit, marine microalgae, desert date oil Turmeric, licorice, noni fruit, marine microalgae, desert date oil Best For : Dry skin, mature skin : Dry skin, mature skin Size: 15 mL, 50 mL True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Hydraglow Cream True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Hydraglow Cream $110 NORDSTROM Why We Love It : Jaffari describes this gel-cream as having a rich texture that sinks in quickly, making it ideal for skin that's easily stressed or prone to redness. Instead of aggressively targeting pigmentation, she says it focuses on restoring balance, reducing flare-ups, and giving skin that just-had-a-good-night's-sleep look. 'Think calm skin and subtle radiance, not heavy-duty pigment correction.' As far as ingredients go, turmeric extract is paired with ginger, green tea, aloe, rosemary, and nourishing plant oils like jojoba, apricot, and cucumber seed for a soothing, anti-inflammatory blend. : Jaffari describes this gel-cream as having a rich texture that sinks in quickly, making it ideal for skin that's easily stressed or prone to redness. Instead of aggressively targeting pigmentation, she says it focuses on restoring balance, reducing flare-ups, and giving skin that just-had-a-good-night's-sleep look. 'Think calm skin and subtle radiance, not heavy-duty pigment correction.' As far as ingredients go, turmeric extract is paired with ginger, green tea, aloe, rosemary, and nourishing plant oils like jojoba, apricot, and cucumber seed for a soothing, anti-inflammatory blend. Key Ingredients: Ginger extract, turmeric extracts Ginger extract, turmeric extracts Best For : Dry skin, inflamed skin : Dry skin, inflamed skin Size: 1.7 oz. Eminence Organic Skin Care Turmeric Energizing Treatment Eminence Organic Skin Care Turmeric Treatment $89 DERMSTORE Why We Love It: Often found in top spas around the globe, Jaffari describes this turmeric treatment as a warming, exfoliating mask with turmeric, papain, and zeolite. 'The self-heating effect is invigorating, helping to open pores so the actives can work more effectively. Papain gently dissolves dull, dead cells while turmeric soothes any potential irritation, leaving skin soft and more even-toned.' However, since it's a rinse-off formula, she notes the benefits are more in-the-moment—perfect for a pre-event glow or post-exfoliation comfort—rather than a long-term pigmentation solution. Often found in top spas around the globe, Jaffari describes this turmeric treatment as a warming, exfoliating mask with turmeric, papain, and zeolite. 'The self-heating effect is invigorating, helping to open pores so the actives can work more effectively. Papain gently dissolves dull, dead cells while turmeric soothes any potential irritation, leaving skin soft and more even-toned.' However, since it's a rinse-off formula, she notes the benefits are more in-the-moment—perfect for a pre-event glow or post-exfoliation comfort—rather than a long-term pigmentation solution. Key Ingredients : Turmeric, citrine gemstones, paprika, zeolite, kaolin clay : Turmeric, citrine gemstones, paprika, zeolite, kaolin clay Best For: Dull skin, mature skin Dull skin, mature skin Size: 2 oz. Juara Anti-Aging Serum Why We Love It: Formulated with turmeric, clove flower, goji berry, sea algae, watermelon, amla, pea extract, golden bamboo, and a palm-derived peptide, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia says this rich botanical blend supports 'anti-inflammatory action, brightening, collagen production, and structural elasticity.' Safe for all skin types, you only need a pump or two to cover the face and décolleté. Formulated with turmeric, clove flower, goji berry, sea algae, watermelon, amla, pea extract, golden bamboo, and a palm-derived peptide, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia says this rich botanical blend supports 'anti-inflammatory action, brightening, collagen production, and structural elasticity.' Safe for all skin types, you only need a pump or two to cover the face and décolleté. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, palm peptides, clove flower, turmeric Hyaluronic acid, palm peptides, clove flower, turmeric Best For: Mature skin Mature skin Size: 30 mL Aavrani Glow Activating Exfoliator Aavrani Glow Activating Exfoliator $39 AMAZON Why We Love It: The thing about turmeric is that it can easily stain both skin and nails, which is why we love this clay mask from Aavrani, which Dr. Rambhia promises is 'stain-free.' In addition to organic turmeric, it contains neem, jojoba, raw Manuka honey, and aloe. 'It gently exfoliates, brightens, calms inflammation, and clarifies skin tone while avoiding synthetic fragrances and harsh irritants.' The thing about turmeric is that it can easily stain both skin and nails, which is why we love this clay mask from Aavrani, which Dr. Rambhia promises is 'stain-free.' In addition to organic turmeric, it contains neem, jojoba, raw Manuka honey, and aloe. 'It gently exfoliates, brightens, calms inflammation, and clarifies skin tone while avoiding synthetic fragrances and harsh irritants.' Key Ingredients: Honey, turmeric, neem Honey, turmeric, neem Best For : Hyperpigmentation, dark spots : Hyperpigmentation, dark spots Size: 50 mL Herbivore Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum Herbivore Nova Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum $68 NORDSTROM Why We Love It: Many may not realize that Herbivore began as a small Etsy shop before evolving into the brand it is today. Along the way, they perfected their botanical formulas, including this brightening turmeric serum, which Dr. Camp says is suitable for all skin types and tackles concerns like dark spots and uneven texture. 'The vitamin C and turmeric combination nourishes the skin and visibly improves hyperpigmentation,' he explains. 'It also contains arbutin, which helps minimize the appearance of pores.' Many may not realize that Herbivore began as a small Etsy shop before evolving into the brand it is today. Along the way, they perfected their botanical formulas, including this brightening turmeric serum, which Dr. Camp says is suitable for all skin types and tackles concerns like dark spots and uneven texture. 'The vitamin C and turmeric combination nourishes the skin and visibly improves hyperpigmentation,' he explains. 'It also contains arbutin, which helps minimize the appearance of pores.' Key Ingredients : THD Vitamin C, turmeric, arbutin : THD Vitamin C, turmeric, arbutin Best For: Dark spots, dullness, uneven texture Dark spots, dullness, uneven texture Size: 30 mL Kiehls Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Mask $54 NORDSTROM Why We Love It: Jaffari describes this mask as a 'texture and radiance boost in one,' and we have to agree. She explains that cranberry seeds provide physical exfoliation, gently buffing away roughness, while turmeric helps to calm and subtly brighten. 'The creamy base ensures skin feels conditioned, not stripped, after rinsing. The result is skin that looks fresher, smoother, and more awake,' she says, noting that it's not a deep pigment corrector so much as a weekend pick-me-up treatment. For more significant changes in pigmentation, she suggests looking for turmeric higher on the ingredient list or in a concentrated serum. Jaffari describes this mask as a 'texture and radiance boost in one,' and we have to agree. She explains that cranberry seeds provide physical exfoliation, gently buffing away roughness, while turmeric helps to calm and subtly brighten. 'The creamy base ensures skin feels conditioned, not stripped, after rinsing. The result is skin that looks fresher, smoother, and more awake,' she says, noting that it's not a deep pigment corrector so much as a weekend pick-me-up treatment. For more significant changes in pigmentation, she suggests looking for turmeric higher on the ingredient list or in a concentrated serum. Key Ingredients: Cranberry, turmeric Cranberry, turmeric Best For: Dry, dull skin Dry, dull skin Size: 28 mL, 100 mL Tula Skincare The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser $34 AMAZON Why We Love It: If you want to incorporate turmeric into your daily cleanser, this probiotic gel formula from Tula contains turmeric root extract, green tea, yogurt ferment, and retinyl palmitate. 'It deeply cleanses while offering antioxidant protection, brightening, and skin-soothing benefits without over-drying,' says Dr. Rambhia. If you want to incorporate turmeric into your daily cleanser, this probiotic gel formula from Tula contains turmeric root extract, green tea, yogurt ferment, and retinyl palmitate. 'It deeply cleanses while offering antioxidant protection, brightening, and skin-soothing benefits without over-drying,' says Dr. Rambhia. Key Ingredients: Probiotic extract, chicory root, turmeric, white tea, blueberry Probiotic extract, chicory root, turmeric, white tea, blueberry Best For: Oily skin, dull skin Oily skin, dull skin Size: 50 mL, 120 mL, 200 mL Seoul Ceuticals Ultra Glow Korean Turmeric Face Cream Seoul Ceuticals Ultra Glow Korean Turmeric Face Cream $19 NORDSTROM Why We Love It: It'd be a crime not to include at least one affordable K-beauty pick, especially for those devoted to a ten-step routine. At under $20, this turmeric-infused face cream combines hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. 'This product nourishes and soothes the skin while also offering anti-aging benefits like reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone,' says Dr. Camp. It'd be a crime not to include at least one affordable K-beauty pick, especially for those devoted to a ten-step routine. At under $20, this turmeric-infused face cream combines hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. 'This product nourishes and soothes the skin while also offering anti-aging benefits like reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone,' says Dr. Camp. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid Best For: Dull, dry skin Dull, dry skin Size: 60 mL Everything You Need to Know
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Vet said my dog was riddled with infection & should be PUT DOWN… but they failed to spot obvious blunder
VETS allegedly told a distraught dog owner her beloved Pomeranian was riddled with infection and beyond saving - after they failed to spot a lump of chicken stuck in her throat. Sadaf Jaffari, 41, took her five-year-old dog Lala to her vets because she was struggling to breathe and after taking an X-ray thought she had an airway blockage and sent her for expert treatment. 5 5 5 After a pet ambulance whisked the pooch to top animal hospital medics at Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, in Hertfordshire, Sadaf says they insisted there was actually 'no hope' and that Lala was at death's door, suffering a full lung collapse and pneumonia. Sadaf, a celebrity skincare expert, told the Sun on Sunday: 'They thought the X-ray showed that she was in fact full of infection, that she had pneumonia and that her right lung had completely collapsed. 'They said there was no hope of survival and euthanasia was the only option. A doctor told me: 'Why waste your money? You're better off putting her down. She's going to die.' 'They hadn't X-rayed again, just hooked her up to machines, it was horrendous. Time and time again they told me to save my money and just put her down.' But after refusing to condemn her precious pooch, a camera was finally fed down the tiny dog's throat which dislodged a piece of chicken - allowing Lala to breathe on her own again. The cost of the ordeal came to just under £6,000, including £3,850 for ICU care, £950 for ambulance transport, and £1,800 in vet fees. Sadaf has made a formal complaint to the hospital. She said: 'I don't plan legal action, but we deserve an apology. She isn't just a dog, she's my everything. 'Imagine if this were a child. You'd never just say, 'They're going to die so what's the point in trying?' So why is that okay for a dog? 'I don't want any other pet owner to go through this. In my view, they took the easy option. All they cared about was getting me to agree to put her down.' INCREDIBLE moment hero vet staff save dog from choking on favourite toy The drama unfolded earlier this month when Lala suddenly started choking at her home in Bushey, North London. Sadaf rushed Lala to her usual vet, who did an X ray and suggested something was lodged in her airway and advised urgent care from specialists. Lala, who was born with underdeveloped lungs, was transferred to the Queen Mother - among the world's largest and most advanced vet hospitals in the world - but things quickly spiralled. Sadaf said: 'They injected her with general anaesthetic and hooked her up to oxygen while they took her to intensive care. 'After four hours, the doctor came out and said she could hardly breathe without being intubated. 'They said her chest had filled with bacteria and advised me to put her down. 'I said the money didn't matter - we've got good insurance - and to do whatever it costs.' But she claims the vet coldly responded: 'Why do you want to waste your money? This dog is going to die.' Sadaf said the hospital failed to perform its own X-rays which would have quickly revealed the blockage and prevented Lala from taking needless high-dose antibiotics and having her coat shaved. She added: 'I said over and over again: 'There's something in her throat. Please just look.' 'If they'd listened to me from the start, she would have been home the same night.' After becoming increasingly frustrated, Sadaf demanded the hospital undertake fresh scans. SHADOW ON X-RAYS When a student medic picked up the X-rays sent the previous day by Lala's vet, they noticed a shadow in the dog's airway. Almost 24 hours after Lala was admitted, a CT scan was then performed which revealed Lala's lodged lunch. The chicken was dislodged when a camera was then inserted and Lala began to breathe again. Sadaf said: 'They were insistent for 48 hours that I needed to put her down, and all that time there was a bit of chicken in her throat. 'I went to pick her up - she was bruised, her legs were blue from all the wires and tubes. 'All of it could have been avoided had they properly looked at the X-ray that was sent by the vet in the first place.' Despite the trauma, Lala is now recovering and back by Sadaf's side at her aesthetic clinic in Chelsea, West London - where clients include Rebecca Vardy, her footy star husband Jamie, Love Island star turned presenter Olivia Attwood and Millie Mackintosh. She said: 'She's so small but so brave. She's been through hell and survived. She's traumatised - but she's alive. I'm just so glad that I trusted my instincts. The Royal Veterinary College, which runs Queen Mother Hospital, said in a statement: 'While we are unable to comment on individual cases, we take any concerns raised seriously and all feedback is thoroughly reviewed and investigated as required. 'We remain committed to delivering the best possible care for all our patients while supporting excellence and innovation in veterinary practice.' 5 5
The Irish Sun
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Banishing my belly with £550 fat freeze was so painful I nearly collapsed but was worth it after losing 6cm from waist
AS a roll of frozen fat the colour and shape of an extra large hot dog is forcibly massaged back into my stomach area I think, just for a second, that I may actually pass out. My legs kick in the air as aesthetician Sadaf Jaffari massages and tries to defrost the fat cells in my tummy that she has just frozen to an icy four degrees. Advertisement 8 Jane Atkinson tried CoolSculpting, a £550 non-invasive fat-freezing treatment that promises a flatter tummy without surgery Credit: Darren Fletcher 8 Jane Atkinson pictured after ten weeks after the procedure with a flatter stomach Credit: LORNA ROACH 8 Jane pictured before and after the non-surgical, non-invasive fat reduction treatment The aim is that those dead cells will slowly but surely over the following few weeks pass into my bloodstream and be excreted from my body through my lymphatic system. Hey presto, a flat stomach for the first time in over a decade. Advertisement I was having a slimming tweakment called It was the same one that stunning, leggy supermodel Linda Evangelista had – but bits of her body actually ended up FATTER. But after a lot of research, I decided this non-surgical, non-invasive fat reduction treatment really was the one for me. I have always been an 'apple'. My legs and arms are decent, but as I've got older the weight – and fat – has piled on around my middle. Advertisement Although I'm far too old for a bikini, I did fancy the idea of having a flatter and even slightly toned stomach again, so I could wear some figure-hugging outfits. I've had Botox with celebrity favourite Sadaf for many years. She's a woman I trust and is so experienced with this treatment that she has been dubbed the 'CoolSculpting Queen'. Inside the horrifying High St beauty firm butchering patients in dirty rooms with dodgy liposuction, fillers and BBLs At her clinic in London's Chelsea , she explained how the body-contouring and fat-reduction treatment has changed since supermodel Linda had it. Three years ago, one of the most photographed women in the world revealed that she had been left 'permanently deformed' and 'brutally disfigured' from the Advertisement She suffered Linda had 'full-body liposuction' procedures in 2016 and 2017 to try and remove the hardened fat. So you would think I was nuts to even attempt to have this. But Sadaf explained how there was a new newly designed machine which provides better skin contact and more effective cooling. There is still a risk of PAH, but it's minimal. My hour-long session cost £550 and kicked off with a rather embarrassing photo shoot. Advertisement I had to strip to my undies and stand sideways as her assistant snapped pics of my bulging tummy. 8 Jane pictured with aesthetician Sadaf Jaffari during the procedure Credit: Darren Fletcher 8 Half an hour later, she was back to start the 'hideously intense' massage to destroy the fat crystals Credit: Darren Fletcher Instinctively, I wanted to suck it all in, but that would have defeated the whole point. Sadaf then soothingly agreed that I was a great candidate. Which meant, in polite terms, I had plenty of pinchable fat. Advertisement I lay back on a bed in her clinic and she drew around an area of my muffin top before spreading over a heavy gauze with a thick jelly texture. Then she grabbed the CoolSculpting 'head', which was a 30cm long and 10cm wide contraption attached to a large machine by a tube. She laid the head on top of the gauze pad. And that's when the fun really started. The machine began to make sucking and gulping noises as it suctioned my fat up and away into the gadget – and started to freeze it. I sensed an intense cooling sensation for around two minutes, which might not sound very long, but it felt strange. And for the first time I started to wonder what on earth I was actually doing there. 'Just give it a couple of minutes,' Sadaf assured me. 'And then you won't feel a thing.' Advertisement She was right of course, all of a sudden everything went completely numb. If I am honest, it was all quite pleasant. I just lay there, scrolling on my phone. I FaceTimed a friend, did a bit of work and happily daydreamed of my new toned and honed physique. But the relaxed vibes were short-lived. Half an hour later, she was back to start the hideously intense massage. Sadaf is petite – tiny in fact – but she is stronger than she looks and defrosting the crystals is agony. The relaxed vibes were short-lived. Half an hour later, she was back to start the hideously intense massage 'This is the most important bit,' she said. 'This is how you get the best results.' Advertisement But I was warned to be patient. I had to wait several weeks before I started to notice those eagerly anticipated results. And in the meantime I had to be brave and learn to deal with the strangest of sensations. First off, the area felt entirely numb. 8 Leggy supermodel Linda Evangelista had the same procedure – but actually ended up FATTER due to a rare side effect Credit: Getty 8 Jane had to wait several weeks before she started to notice the results Credit: Darren Fletcher Advertisement Because the device freezes fat, the nerves under the skin also get a chilling blast and it takes a while for them to come back to life. It looked bloated and swollen, but if I touched it, flicked it or squeezed it as hard as I could, I felt nothing. Absolutely no sensation at all. Zilch. And I was fine with that. But then, after about ten days, the itching started to creep in. And boy did it itch. Imagine an army of angry ants crawling slowly but surely all over your torso. After speaking to Sadaf, she suggested taking antihistamines. The itching is often a result of the body's inflammatory response to the fat cell damage. Advertisement As I am prone to an allergy or two, I had plenty of tablets at my disposal. After taking them for a couple of days, the itching subsided. On the upside, at least I knew that the weirdness meant it was working. Unlike the CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment and it can take months for results to show. SMOOTHER STOMACH But now, ten weeks later, I can definitely see some. Advertisement The whole area around my stomach is smoother and less flabby. You can visibly see that there is less fat there. 8 Jane says the whole area around her stomach is smoother and less flabby - and was able to wear a tight dress during a recent holiday Credit: LORNA ROACH I recently went on holiday and could wear a tight dress without having a bulging gut. I even asked The Geordie – my husband, who is a man of few compliments – if it looked any flatter and he agreed it did. Result! And the tape measure even shows results too. Advertisement At a recent health check up I discovered that I've lost 6cm off my waist in the past year. And I know there's zero chance of that being down to sit ups or knocking Sauvignon Blanc on the head! I am planning to have another round of CoolSculpting – when I have saved up for it, because it does cost £550 a go – as there is no limit to the number of treatments you can have. You just need to wait for a couple of months in between them. Obviously the quicker route to achieve fat melting is the surgical one, but the risks and costs are so much higher and CoolSculpting really is something you can have during your lunchtime. So – unless you want to tell the world about it, as I have just done – it can be your own little secret. For more information on CoolSculpting visit
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Banishing my belly with £550 fat freeze was so painful I nearly collapsed but was worth it after losing 6cm from waist
AS a roll of frozen fat the colour and shape of an extra large hot dog is forcibly massaged back into my stomach area I think, just for a second, that I may actually pass out. My legs kick in the air as aesthetician Sadaf Jaffari massages and tries to defrost the fat cells in my tummy that she has just frozen to an icy four degrees. 8 8 The aim is that those dead cells will slowly but surely over the following few weeks pass into my bloodstream and be excreted from my body through my lymphatic system. Hey presto, a flat stomach for the first time in over a decade. I was having a slimming tweakment called CoolSculpting. It was the same one that stunning, leggy supermodel Linda Evangelista had – but bits of her body actually ended up FATTER. But after a lot of research, I decided this non-surgical, non-invasive fat reduction treatment really was the one for me. I have always been an 'apple'. My legs and arms are decent, but as I've got older the weight – and fat – has piled on around my middle. Although I'm far too old for a bikini, I did fancy the idea of having a flatter and even slightly toned stomach again, so I could wear some figure-hugging outfits. I've had Botox with celebrity favourite Sadaf for many years. She's a woman I trust and is so experienced with this treatment that she has been dubbed the 'CoolSculpting Queen'. Inside the horrifying High St beauty firm butchering patients in dirty rooms with dodgy liposuction, fillers and BBLs At her clinic in London's Chelsea, she explained how the body-contouring and fat-reduction treatment has changed since supermodel Linda had it. Three years ago, one of the most photographed women in the world revealed that she had been left 'permanently deformed' and 'brutally disfigured' from the fat freezing procedure. She suffered paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), a rare side effect where fat cells expand instead of shrinking. Linda had 'full-body liposuction' procedures in 2016 and 2017 to try and remove the hardened fat. So you would think I was nuts to even attempt to have this. But Sadaf explained how there was a new newly designed machine which provides better skin contact and more effective cooling. There is still a risk of PAH, but it's minimal. My hour-long session cost £550 and kicked off with a rather embarrassing photo shoot. I had to strip to my undies and stand sideways as her assistant snapped pics of my bulging tummy. 8 8 Instinctively, I wanted to suck it all in, but that would have defeated the whole point. Sadaf then soothingly agreed that I was a great candidate. Which meant, in polite terms, I had plenty of pinchable fat. I lay back on a bed in her clinic and she drew around an area of my muffin top before spreading over a heavy gauze with a thick jelly texture. Then she grabbed the CoolSculpting 'head', which was a 30cm long and 10cm wide contraption attached to a large machine by a tube. She laid the head on top of the gauze pad. And that's when the fun really started. The machine began to make sucking and gulping noises as it suctioned my fat up and away into the gadget – and started to freeze it. I sensed an intense cooling sensation for around two minutes, which might not sound very long, but it felt strange. And for the first time I started to wonder what on earth I was actually doing there. 'Just give it a couple of minutes,' Sadaf assured me. 'And then you won't feel a thing.' She was right of course, all of a sudden everything went completely numb. If I am honest, it was all quite pleasant. I just lay there, scrolling on my phone. I FaceTimed a friend, did a bit of work and happily daydreamed of my new toned and honed physique. But the relaxed vibes were short-lived. Half an hour later, she was back to start the hideously intense massage. Sadaf is petite – tiny in fact – but she is stronger than she looks and defrosting the crystals is agony. The relaxed vibes were short-lived. Half an hour later, she was back to start the hideously intense massage 'This is the most important bit,' she said. 'This is how you get the best results.' But I was warned to be patient. I had to wait several weeks before I started to notice those eagerly anticipated results. And in the meantime I had to be brave and learn to deal with the strangest of sensations. First off, the area felt entirely numb. 8 8 Because the device freezes fat, the nerves under the skin also get a chilling blast and it takes a while for them to come back to life. It looked bloated and swollen, but if I touched it, flicked it or squeezed it as hard as I could, I felt nothing. Absolutely no sensation at all. Zilch. And I was fine with that. But then, after about ten days, the itching started to creep in. And boy did it itch. Imagine an army of angry ants crawling slowly but surely all over your torso. After speaking to Sadaf, she suggested taking antihistamines. The itching is often a result of the body's inflammatory response to the fat cell damage. As I am prone to an allergy or two, I had plenty of tablets at my disposal. After taking them for a couple of days, the itching subsided. On the upside, at least I knew that the weirdness meant it was working. Unlike the surgical procedure liposuction, that removes fat through a suction technique, the results aren't immediate or dramatic. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment and it can take months for results to show. SMOOTHER STOMACH But now, ten weeks later, I can definitely see some. The whole area around my stomach is smoother and less flabby. You can visibly see that there is less fat there. I recently went on holiday and could wear a tight dress without having a bulging gut. I even asked The Geordie – my husband, who is a man of few compliments – if it looked any flatter and he agreed it did. Result! And the tape measure even shows results too. At a recent health check up I discovered that I've lost 6cm off my waist in the past year. And I know there's zero chance of that being down to sit ups or knocking Sauvignon Blanc on the head! I am planning to have another round of CoolSculpting – when I have saved up for it, because it does cost £550 a go – as there is no limit to the number of treatments you can have. You just need to wait for a couple of months in between them. Obviously the quicker route to achieve fat melting is the surgical one, but the risks and costs are so much higher and CoolSculpting really is something you can have during your lunchtime. So – unless you want to tell the world about it, as I have just done – it can be your own little secret.
