Want to know what time of day to book an injectables appointment? Ever wondered what the experts use to keep their skin enviably healthy and lips hydrated?  We ask some of Etre Vous' aesthetic practitioners to share their most useful skincare secrets–you're welcome.

Best time for filler/botulinum toxin 

"It’s preferable to have botulinum toxin treatments earlier in the day,” says Dr Amish Patel, award-winning Aesthetics Practitioner and Skincare Expert at Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic, Kent. “You should remain upright for at least three hours after treatment and not do any strenuous activity or exercise afterwards. This will prevent the botulinum toxin from moving around. Also, avoid touching your face with your hands. If you have this treatment later in the day, follow the same guidelines.  

“Dermal fillers can be undertaken any time of day, but taking a hot shower, sauna or steam following treatment is not advisable, as heat can break down the filler,” Dr Patel continues. “If you have fillers in the morning, do not apply any makeup afterwards. Cleanse your face gently and thoroughly when you get home to remove impurities, dirt and bacteria. Also, avoid alcohol post-treatment (for both procedures) as this can make your skin more susceptible to swelling and bruising.”

Best emergency tactics for skin breakouts

“My favourite go-to is the iS-Clinical Active Serum,” says Dr Patel. “This contains willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid), bilberry and mushroom extracts. Just one drop applied directly onto the spot will help treat any blemish within a few hours.”  

Dr Anna Hemming at Thames Skin Clinic, Twickenham, recommends ZO Skin Health Complexion Clearing Mask which contains sulfur, glycerine, kaolin and bentonite. “This can be used to treat localised spots and also to prevent breakouts.”

“If I ever get a breakout, I use AlumierMD Clarifying Serum which contains 2% encapsulated salicylic acid,” shares Gemma Clare, Holistic Skin and Wellbeing Expert, London. “This lightweight serum clears pores and breaks the bacteria cycle. I also apply Oxygenetix Oxygentating Acne Control Foundation formulated with salicylic acid and aloe vera over the serum to treat and conceal spots.”

Rejuvenating tactics for lacklustre skin

“A quick way to pep up tired, dull looking skin is to do an intensive exfoliation,” says Clare, who also advises wearing a daily sunscreen. “I always use AlumierMD Lotus Scrub, followed by Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads, which combine a retinoid with alpha-hydroxy, salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids. Removing dead skin cells immediately gives skin an instant dewy, youthful appearance.

"As we age, cell turnover gets slower and exfoliating skin regularly stimulates turnover. To reduce fine lines and even skin tone, try Skinbetter Science Intensive Overnight Cream. To boost hydration, add plumpness and diminish fine lines, use Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask. This is a hydrating mineral sheet mask that contains hyaluronic acid, zinc and rockweed (brown) algae extracts.”

“Use moisturiser and creams containing retinol,” suggests Dr Ross Perry, Aesthetic and Dermatology Doctor, at Cosmedics, London. Dr Perry. “Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is one of the best ingredients to make skin look fresher and younger.” He suggests ZO Health Retinol Skin Brightener 1%.

Best treatments to youth-boost skin – fast

“Botulinum toxin is, without a doubt, the best treatment if you want to roll back the years quickly,” says Dr Ross Perry. For an immediate refresh, Dr Amish Patel recommends iS Clinical Fire & Ice Facial. “This gentle resurfacing peel is a red carpet favourite with Hollywood's A-list, has zero downtime and will leave your skin fresh, smooth and rejuvenated.”

“If you need to look radiant and more youthful quickly, I recommend the Vie Aquafacial,” says Dr Ioannis Liakas at Vie Aesthetics, London. “This customised facial combines cleansing, a vacuum aqua fusion jet to clear pores and remove dead skin cells, gentle lymphatic massage, oxygen therapy, peel, no-needle mesotherapy, LED light therapy, microcurrent stimulation and radio frequency to firm and lift the skin."

Expert's must-haves

• “I’m never without my Modelha Lip Protect. This contains hyaluronic acid, CBD oil and line smoothing peptides to treat, plump and hydrate my lips,” says Gemma Clare.
• “I always have a retinol or tretinoin cream with me, when or wherever I travel!” says Dr Patel. “It really is my go-to emergency skincare product.”
• “I use Doublebase Gel as a moisturiser,” says Dr Perry. “It’s great for dry, chapped skin and lasts all day without feeling greasy.”
• “I apply ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer daily,” say Dr Anna Hemming. “This is my all time favourite product. It protects my skin and smooths out small imperfections.”
• “My favourite all rounder is AlumierMD Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF40,” says Dr Ionnis Liakas.