But not anymore, as the newest devices and formulas are not only more advanced but have been designed to cut downtime to a minimum, if any at all. We reached out to the experts to discover their favourite no-downtime treatments…
BBL Hero
"Currently the most powerful laser on the market, this high energy rapid output (HERO) broadband light phototherapy (BBL) device delivers energy to both the top and middle layer of the skin, targeting pigmentation, redness, lines, wrinkles, texture and laxity anywhere on the body. It's ideal for those with Fitzpatrick skin types I-V who want to wave goodbye to acne, hyperpigmentation, redness, rosacea, freckles, age spots, scarring and more. This incredible laser also targets gene expression, restoring a more youthful expression to visibly turn back time on your skin. It takes is three-six sessions to make an impactful change, and because the skins' surface is not damaged, there is no downtime."Jenny Doyle, COO The Clinic, London, and part-time NHS Consultant
AviClear
"Treating acne can be hard work, and in-clinic treatment options have been limited, until now. Cue, AviClear, a first of its kind FDA-approved laser designed to treat inflammatory acne vulgaris for a long-lasting reduction of acne. AviClear treats acne at the source by selectively targeting and suppressing the sebaceous glands, delivering energy in the form of light to said glands, in order to damage sebocytes (sebum producing cells) and suppress sebum production. Designed to be used on all skin tones, anyone with mild, moderate, or severe acne can expect to see at least half of their acne resolve at the 12-month mark, post three treatments, spaced one month apart. 92 per cent of clinical trial patients reported that their acne had improved even further after 12 months. Sessions last around 30 minutes, and skin is kept wet and cool to mitigate any discomfort. Despite the device being so powerful and effective, patients can expect no downtime whatsoever."Dr Nestor Demosthenous, Founder, Dr Nestor's Medical & Cosmetic Centre
BioRePeel
"When you hear the words acid peel, it would be perfectly normal to assume downtime is a given, but this bi-phase Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peel is different. BioRePeel combines the peeling action of 30 per cent TCA with citric acid, tartaric acid, salicylic acid, lactobionic acid, amino acids and vitamins–it's designed for use on the face, neck, décolleté, and even the body. Its dual-phase nature is what enables users to swerve the downtime needed after a traditional peel. The lipophilic blue phase prevents oxidation of active ingredients, enhancing performance and safety, while the hydrophilic yellow phase contains the innovative mix of acids, amino acids, and vitamins, promoting exfoliation, regeneration, and hydration. Together it removes the outer layer of skin cells, facilitating a quicker and more effective rejuvenation process, but also minimises the usual peeling and recovery time associated with acid peels. Another advantage of the BioRePeel is its suitability for all skin types (even sensitive skin) and tones, and those looking to target fine lines, wrinkles, acne, acne scarring, blackheads, enlarged pores, dullness, and uneven skin tone. Up to six treatments are required every seven-12 days, to enhance your skin without interrupting your daily life."Emmaline Ashley, Cosmetic Physician
MicroTox
"If you’re looking to revitalise and rejuvenate your complexion, botulinum toxin can work wonders. It can diminish pore size, reduce redness and oil production, as well as eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. This minimally invasive procedure uses a unique injection pattern to deposit toxin into the face; unlike traditional methods where the substance is injected directly into the muscle, this treatment is administered just below the skin's surface, enabling practitioners to inhibit the superficial fibres of the muscles attached to the skin. This allows for natural movement below, and smoother looking skin above. When it comes to oil production and redness, botulinum toxin has also been shown to reduce the production of sebum and block the nerve signals that trigger blood vessel dilation, causing redness. MicroTox is suitable for adults of any age, skin type and tone who want a fast-acting refresh with no downtime. Thanks to the ultra-thin needles used, the treatment circumvents any bruising or swelling that can occur when injecting into the skin, making it suitable for anyone who wants a fast-acting refresh with no downtime."Dr. Raquel Amado, Director and Medical Practitioner, Dr Raquel Skin and Medical Cosmetics
HIFU
"High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-surgical treatment for tightening, firming and lifting the skin using focused ultrasound. It’s the only non-surgical treatment that targets all layers of the skin, including the deep SMAS layer, which previously could only be reached by surgery. The SMAS layer is a layer of tissue made up of collagen and elastin fibres, and fat cells that extend from the neck to the lower face, and plays a key role in our ability to form facial expressions. It’s a hero device in my clinic and has enabled me to effectively lift brows and tighten the eye area, reduce double chins, tighten and contour the jawline and reduce fine lines and wrinkles on a range of skin tones and types. The device works by generating temperatures of over 65C. As soon as the cells reach the desired temperature, they experience cellular damage which triggers the repair process, beginning with an increase in collagen production in the dermis layers. The heat generated also causes a contraction in the deep SMAS layer of the skin, resulting in structural tightening. The effect achieved is a natural facelift without surgery after 12 weeks, with patients only needing one-three treatments, with results lasting anywhere from 12 to 24 months."Corina Mihalache, Aesthetician and Ace Skin Health Clinic Founder
Scalpacial
"The scalp should receive the same care as the skin on the face, and in order to grow healthy hair, scalp care is a must. The Scalpacial is a personalised offering that includes one or more of a range of scalp boosting treatments, including HydraFacial Keravive, microneedling with or without platelet rich plasma therapy, Calecim stem cell hair growth serum, AQ advanced growth factors, exosome therapy, LED light therapy bolstered by Viviscal hair supplements, and at-home hair care advice and products. It's suitable for all, whether you want to maintain healthy hair, boost hair growth, improve the quality of your hair, or simply look after your scalp post hair loss. When it comes to density and growth, it can take up to six months to see results, however, scalp conditions are treated far quicker and overall scalp health can be improved in a matter of weeks–all without contending with a minute of downtime."Bhavjit Kaur, Co-Founder and Director, Health & Aesthetic Clinic
Dermal fillers
"Treatments that target the jowls have become increasingly popular at Thames Skin Clinic, and one of our most effective modalities is the use of dermal filler, thanks to its ability to offer immediate results. By subtly restoring the fat pads in the upper face, we’re able to lift the jowls upwards and restore facial volume. Correct placement of dermal filler in the lower face can restore the jaw line and chin, tightening the jowl from all angles. To ensure minimal to no downtime, we use fillers of the highest quality which reduces reactivity and therefore minimises swelling. Our treatment technique is gentle, with minimal trauma on injection. Local anaesthetic injections reduce pain and bleeding from cannula insertion points, and the use of cold compresses before injecting helps to numb the skin and reduce bruising. The entire procedure typically lasts less than 40 minutes, with results lasting anywhere from 12 to 18 months."Anna Hemming, Aesthetic Doctor and Founder, Thames Skin Clinic
Exosomes
"In the context of skincare and regenerative medicine, exosomes derived from stem cells or other sources can influence cellular behaviour, promote tissue regeneration, and enhance the skin's overall health and appearance. They work by delivering their cargo of bioactive molecules to target cells, where they can modulate gene expression, promote cell proliferation, and regulate various signalling pathways. This, in turn, can stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Either applied topically or injected, exosome therapy can be performed on all skin tones and types and is best suited for individuals looking to improve skin health, address signs of ageing, promote wound healing, or manage certain dermatological conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation and hair loss. Improvements in skin texture, tone, and elasticity can be seen within a few weeks to months after starting treatment. Full results may take up to several months to become apparent, and maintenance sessions may be necessary to sustain the benefits over time. Unlike more aggressive treatments, exosome therapy is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for individuals with busy lifestyles who cannot afford extended downtime."Dr David Jack, Aesthetic Doctor and Founder, Dr David Jack Clinic
Polynucleotides
"Derived from fragmented salmon sperm DNA, polynucleotides closely resemble human DNA. This allows them to function as bio stimulators, triggering the body’s natural regeneration and repair processes, reducing inflammation, stimulating collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to offer major youth-boosting benefits; in particular, fine line reduction, an increase in volume, reviving tired eye areas, lessening pigmentation, and dark circles in all skin types and tones. Either injected into the upper layers of the skin or deeper (similar to dermal filler) using a cannula, polynucleotide gels come in various consistencies to suit the areas being treated. Some are quite thick so more suitable for areas such as the jawline, while others are very thin and therefore suitable for under the eyes. It’s in this popular treatment area that results can be seen instantly–thanks to the instant hit of extra hydration–and further improve over the course of three months after two-three Ameela polynucleotide sessions. Many people find there’s no downtime at all; when injected superficially you may be left with tiny bumps that disappear after a few hours, but when placed deeper within the skin that does not occur. Bruising isn’t common, but for those who bruise or swell easily it’s a matter of injecting or placing the cannula with care and following up the treatment with arnica cream."Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, Aesthetic Doctor