In today’s cosmetic industry, preventative rather than retrospective treatments are thought to be leading the way, especially in preparation for the cold winter months in which our skin often becomes dull, dry, and tired-looking. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reported a 70% increase in requests for consultations, which comes alongside research from cosmetics innovator Uvence – a naturally based treatment that utilises one’s own cells for skin rejuvenation – showing over 3 million of us are considering a treatment this year to combat signs of ageing and stress.

While the idea of pre-emptive treatments is often associated with baby Botox, in which patients start with small doses to stop the wrinkles from appearing in the first place, there are now a plethora of new-age treatments designed to maintain a youthful look from the outset. Many of these are more naturally based, ranging from PRP to Uvence, as 6 million Brits are mindful of introducing unnatural substances into their body.

Dr Olivier Amar, leading cosmetic surgeon and CMO of Uvence, is keen to discuss the following:

Why patients are taking pre-emptive measures with cosmetics, rather than after the fact
What cosmetic treatments are set to boom in 2022
How the cosmetic arena has diversified in the wake of the pandemic
What treatments have been most popular over the past year
Dr Olivier Amar, leading cosmetic surgeon and CMO of Uvence, discusses how our skin concerns shift according to changing external environments:

“We should be taking care of our skin all year round, but giving some extra care and attention during the winter arrives is a popular and pragmatic approach. However, while pre-emptive rather than retrospective cosmetic treatments can be an effective way to maintain a refreshed appearance, too much too fast can age you. Although every patient is different – which is why I always recommend a bespoke plan – it is important to take a slow and steady approach with any cosmetic procedure.

Having said this, skin issues are likely to improve over time, and while it is understandable that many people will want to address their concerns using cosmetic treatments, I would advise to wait until you know this is the best option for you. There are many alternative options out there aside from cosmetic treatments, and doing your research will help you to identify what avenue is most suited.

Now, patients often look for naturally based answers to their skin concerns. Uvence is one example of a regenerative treatment, which cryogenically preserves purified extracts of a patient’s own fat tissue for reinjection in the form of a ‘biofiller’. In other words, although our bodies are naturally equipped with the resources needed to slow the ageing process, it doesn’t always have enough of them to be effective. Taking fat cells from other areas of the body, such as the stomach, and redistributing them to areas that are in need of rejuvenation therefore maximises the body’s natural ability to slow ageing.”