Note: Please consult your doctor or medical practitioner prior to any treatment. This information is not intended as medical advice.
WATCH: A guide to the most popular skin treatments. Article continues after video.
THE ISSUE: In Need of a Lift
TREATMENT: Matrix PDO Threads
WHAT IT DOES: Using very fine PDO threads (absorbable sutures), inserted with a micro-needle or cannula, this 30- to 60-minute procedure has two benefits: the mesh-like pattern acts as a support structure to tighten the skin, while the threads also help kickstart the production of collagen. As well as the forehead, cheeks and neck, this treatment can help tighten your arms, buttocks and abdomen.
NUMBER OF TREATMENTS: Just one, and results last 6-12 months.
PRICE: $1500–$3500, depending on the area and how many threads are required.
GET IT HERE: Shape Clinic, shapeclinic.com.au.
THE ISSUE: Spider Veins
TREATMENT: Stellar M22 by Lumenis
WHAT IT DOES: Spider veins can pop up with weight gain, pregnancy, long periods of being on our feet or age, but the good news is they can be tackled without surgery or downtime. Using IPL, this non-invasive treatment can zap leg veins, facial veins and broken capillaries in one session.
PAIN LEVEL: You will feel snaps on the skin as the light pulses but, thanks to contact cooling, the sensation is quite tolerable.
PRICE $450 per treatment.
GET IT AT: Luxe Skin Boutique, luxeskinboutique.com.au.
THE ISSUE: Tightening
THE TREATMENT: UltraFormer III
WHAT IT DOES: With new updates, this third iteration of the UltraFormer uses ultrasound to lift, tighten and strengthen the body instantly, as well as ongoing tightening in the weeks following the treatment. Using HIFU transducers, it can tighten up the stomach and thighs.
PAIN LEVEL: Comfortable.
PRICE: From $400 per treatment.
GET IT HERE: North Shore Aesthetics, northshoreaesthetics.com.au.
THE ISSUE: Unwanted Fat
TREATMENT: Cooltech Fat Freezing
WHAT IT DOES: By targeting fat pockets in the body, this 70-minute treatment is ideal for reducing stubborn areas of fat from the bottom, thighs and backs of arms.
PAIN LEVEL: Some find it mildy uncomfortable but not painful, and you can go straight back to life afterwards.
PRICE: From approximately $1000 for two recommended sessions
GET IT HERE: North Shore Aesthetics, northshoreaesthetics.com.au.
THE ISSUE: Cellulite
TREATMENT: NuEra Tight
WHAT IT DOES: Using radio frequency, this non-invasive body-sculpting treatment targets deep tissue by heating the superficial layers of the skin. With a fast treatment time (about 20 minutes per body area) it smooths and tightens regions such as the stomach, thighs, upper arms, bottom and back. A mechanical massage built into the treatment helps manipulate connective tissue, making this tech a great downtime-free option for improving the look of dimpling on the body.
PAIN LEVEL: Minimal.
PRICE: $400–$500 per treatment. 4-6 treatments are usually required with an annual follow-up treatment.
GET IT HERE: Beauty Medix Melbourne; beautymedix.com.au.
THE ISSUE: Fluid Retention
TREATMENT: Infrared sauna
WHAT IT DOES: Designed to heat the body from the inside, infrared saunas are said to heal a number of body complaints, from post-workout soreness to fluid retention, and help with stress and sleep issues.
“Research shows that using an infrared sauna on a regular basis may improve your blood vessels’ ability to expand and adapt to changes in blood pressure,” says Simon Anderson at SOMA Collection in Sydney, who recommends it to his clients to help with cardiovascular health. The differences between infrared and traditional saunas come down to the heat.
“A traditional sauna usually gets a lot hotter, and therefore we can’t stay inside for as long,” says Anderson. “In contrast, infrared saunas provide a dry, comfortable, relaxing heat that you can enjoy for 40 minutes or more.”
PRICE: $46 for a single casual visit.
GET IT HERE: SOMA Collection; somacollection.com.au.
THE ISSUE: Overall Wellness
TREATMENT: MyDNA
WHAT IT IS: An easy cheek swab at home is sent off to the lab for analysis. What you get back is a full rundown of your fitness and health, as well as your body’s potential. From strength and endurance to your immunity, risk of injury and how your body processes fats, this kit gives you valuable insight into what’s going on inside. You can also opt for personalised meal plans and home or gym workouts to get the most out of your body.
PRICE: $69 for the collection kit.
GET IT HERE: MyDNA, mydna.life
THE ISSUE: Pigmentation and Acne
TREATMENT: Laser Genesis, by CUTERA
WHAT IT DOES: This virtually no downtime, non-invasive laser gets skin glowing by tackling issues such as acne, scarring and pigmentation. You’ll be in and out in 30-45 minutes, meaning you can book it in during your lunch break. Safe for all skin types, this laser can be used on any part of the body.
PAIN LEVEL: None.
NUMBER OF TREATMENTS: 2-6, two to four weeks apart.
PRICE: From $300 per treatment.
GET IT HERE: All Saints Clinic, allsaintskin.com.au
THE ISSUE: Dry Skin
THE TREATMENT: Body slugging
WHAT IS DOES: Starting as a TikTok phenomenon, where a thick layer of petroleum jelly is applied to the face to ward off dryness and flakiness, body slugging is the adaption for the rest of our skin, says Shoshana Eisner, pharmacist and founder of QED Skincare.
Her natural swap is a jojoba, shea butter and cocoa-butter dosed body balm. Post exfoliation, as a layer of balm onto dry areas such as feet, knees, elbows and hands and let it sink in while you sleep. For very dry hands, Eisner suggests wearing cotton gloves to speed up absorption.
THE ISSUE: Unwanted Hair
TREATMENT: Soprano hair removal
WHAT IT DOES: While some lasers can’t be used on dark skin or don’t work as effectively on blonde or red hair, this celebrity-loved laser device (Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham are both fans) is new to our shores and offers almost pain-free hair removal on all skin and hair types. Another bonus, it can be used on spray-tanned or suntanned skin – usually a no-no.
NUMBER OF TREATMENTS: 4-6 needed.
PRICE: Underarms, $69. Full legs, $251.
GET IT HERE: You by Sia, youbysia.com.au.
PRODUCT: Make My Shave razors
WHAT IT DOES: This Australian company is striving to make sustainable shaving the norm. Its ergonomic, reusable razor has five blades surrounded by a lubricated cushion and flexible head, to make getting hard-to-reach spots noticeably smooth. The company promises less irritation and fewer nicks, and there’s a subscription so you are never without a box-fresh razor.
PAIN LEVEL: Nil.
PRICE: $21.99 for the starter kit.
GET IT HERE: Make My Shave, makemyshave.com.au.
Tighten and Tone
If you want to skip the tech, there are ingredients that will help smooth out cellulite and tighten up slackness. Caffeine is a great additive to enlist, as are ginseng and niacinamide.
Biossance Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body Cream, $45 at Sephora
Clarins Tonic Moisturising Balm, $60 at Adore Beauty
Buff and Polish
Smooth out roughness and tone skin with a polishing body scrub. Start at the feet and work upwards, using circular motions to boost blood flow as you remove dry patches.
Frank Body Glycolic Body Scrub, $25 at Mecca
Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Scrub, $65 at L’Occitane
Hydration Station
A good dose of hydration will keep away dryness, flakiness and tightness.
Mama & Bird Skincare Belly Oil, $35 at Mama & Bird
0Lano 101 Dry Skin Super Cream, $18.95 at Adore Beauty
Minenssey Body Lotion, $42 at Minenssey