Today, skin renewal takes a multi-layered approach. Editor Trudi Brewer shares the treatments you will hear more about in 2025 and the experts helping us achieve our skin-glowing goals.
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Technology has enabled skin experts to tailor a treatment plan for anyone to achieve their skin goals. From radiofrequency to ultrasound, functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) and AI technology. There is also a movement to get back to a hands-on approach. Here, skin experts at the top of their game share what to expect from the world of cosmetic medicine. Read on to learn more.
AI Technology
In the future, skin treatments will become increasingly high-tech, and AI will give skin experts the edge. Leanne Doré from Illuminate Me in Auckland believes we will see more devices in 2025 incorporating AI. One device currently using this tech is Exion, a non-invasive skin treatment that uses radiofrequency and ultrasound energy to address skin concerns. Doré says, "The AI components measure the depth of each needle penetration to make a more comfortable treatment. It also measures skin temperature to adjust for client comfort." She says embracing this technology is an excellent diagnostic tool, too. "It gives a skin therapist a made-to-measure plan for clients and gives progress reports on treatment results."
Skin Rejuvenation Over 'Beautification'
Rejuvenating and regenerative treatments rather than a quick fix or so-called 'beautification' are the future of cosmetic medicine. These involve clever devices that improve the skin's health and work in tandem with skin fillers and skincare ingredients. According to Lexi Ross from Cryomed, who supplies some of Australasia's best aesthetic devices and cosmeceuticals, "Devices are answering the call for skin tightening and lifting, which are the most significant trends. People are taking a multi-pronged approach instead of one treatment to fix all. With a focus on skin quality, tone, texture, and the goal of having healthy-looking skin," Doré adds, the most excting devices target muscles and fat using high-intensity electromagnetic currents, like radiofrequency and ultrasound, to lift and tone lax skin, working via muscle stimulation. “Another is cryotherapy, which reduces inflammation and stimulates circulation. Nano-needling is much more painless than micro-needling, especially under the eyes and neck, which helps infuse nutrients deep into the skin. Finally, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic fields) devices stimulate cell recovery and production."
The future of Cosmetic medicine
Skin health has always been the focus of Doctor Joanna Romanowska at Auckland's Clinic 42. Her goal with each patient is a bespoke approach to skin rejuvenation using multi-layered treatment options. “Recently, there has been an increased focus in the wider medical cosmetic industry on skin appearance rather than shape and expression. This is very pleasing as it fits well into our philosophy of maintaining healthy skin, especially in New Zealand with our high rates of sun exposure and skin cancers." With an arsenal of tools, Romanowska considers more than wrinkles in the quest for skin rejuvenation. “Facial expression, shape and contour can be addressed by tox treatments (Botox, Dysport, XEOMIN and the likes) and skin fillers, but having attractive features under a dull, dry, blotchy skin canvas detracts from the overall appearance." Romanawska believes healthy skin is less likely to develop solar keratoses (age spots) and non-melanoma skin cancers. "For doctors, skincare advice has always been a priority. That includes topical anti-oxidants (vitamins A, B3, C, and E) and skin treatments like dermal needling, mild peels, injectable hyaluronic acid, and collagen simulators. There has also been a rapid increase in options for injectable hydration. “Restylane Vital, Teosyal Redensity, Belotero, Revive, Profilo, spread under the skin, drawing water to themselves, hydrating the surrounding tissues, making the skin softer, plumper, brighter and healthier. Profhilo and Structura also achieve the above while supporting stem cell activation. With these, we may see improvement in pigmentation following several treatments, which has been difficult to achieve with other modalities." Collagen-stimulating options are also on the rise. “Sculptra and Radiesse tighten the skin and improve appearance via a different pathway to the instant hydration from hyaluronic acid. At the same time, Rejuran (with polynucleotides) and Sunekos (with amino acids) are collagen and elastin stimulators.” Romanowska is also excited by new skincare ingredients, including amino acids, that boost the repair of ageing and sun-damaged skin. “All this new technology is confusing, which is why a doctor with clinical expertise and experience is key in assessing the needs of individuals and then setting an appropriate plan for treatment order, as well as time frames, depending on the skin's condition and age.”
Demand For Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency (RF) is making waves in the quest for skin renewal. Doré says it’s the front-runner treatment for a glowing complexion. “As opposed to the aggressive peels of the past, with real downtime of up to 10 days in hiding, RF treatments are the new lunchtime lift. They have quick, faster recovery and glowing results. They tighten skin, knock out fine lines and wrinkles, resurface skin to reduce pore size, and remove pigmentation, resulting in a global glowy complexion."
Layering Different Treatments
Treatment combinations are a buzz in beauty. Prepping the skin with polynucleotides (injectable regenerative treatments that activate fibroblasts) followed by an energy-based device like ultrasound, laser or radio frequency) are the most exciting. Doré says, "Layering is one of the most beneficial approaches to skin rejuvenation. After all, the skin has a lymphatic system, fascia, ligaments, muscles and bone. Traditionally, skin therapists work on the top layers of skin with microneedling, microdermabrasion and LED light therapy, skin peels and vitamin infusions and use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with microneedling. And now we can work deeper to stimulate the muscles with ultrasound and high voltage pulsatile currents (HVPC)."
Body Positivity
Anyone who has tried fat-freezing treatments knows that the results vary. Perhaps this is why this body service is declining across the globe. The future of body treatments are those that support 'Strong being the new slim,' and for good reason. The body positivity movement has helped boost confidence to embrace your natural body shape and focus on health rather than vanity. One device that is booming is the TESLAChair. It offers functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) technology for a range of issues that can be life-changing, from treating weakened pelvic floor muscles to urinary and faecal incontinence. Lexi Ross from Cryomed says, "FMS technology can also benefit people with sexual dysfunction and chronic pain in the pelvic region and lumbar spine. It is a quick, easy and effective treatment with incredible results."
The Future Is Holistic
With longer life expectancy, skin and muscle regeneration will continue to grow in demand. There is a movement from that simple 'look good' aesthetic to a more holistic approach that considers everything from strength training to diet meditation with clever devices. Doré believes there is a return to a hands-on treatment combining high-tech machines. "Incorporating the new Neo-lift technique, including breath work, lymphatic drainage, sculpting massage, and oral and head massage as a treatment, take my breath away. The results are a pleasant surprise. This hands-on approach rivals many coveted devices and machinery."
A doctor shares how it works.