Non-invasive anti-ageing treatments are more popular than ever. Here are five that you may want to try.

Who wants to look old? Not many of us it would seem judging by the thousands of us who not only spend a fortune on anti-ageing products, but who are also turning to non-invasive procedures as well to cheat the ageing process.

With more and more beauty treatments coming on to the market designed to reduce wrinkles, we've picked five to take a closer look at.

1 Botox
Sometimes the old ones are the best and Botox is proving its worth by still being one of the most popular non-invasive treatments for anti-ageing.

Botulinum toxin is a purified bacterial substance that works by blocking muscle nerve signals and results in muscle paralysis. When it is injected into the right muscles it diminishes unwanted wrinkles and frown lines that appear across the forehead and at the corners of the eyes (crow's feet).

The paralysis is only temporary though, which means to achieve the same result you need to have further injections.

How does it work? Botox is injected directly into the muscles that cause the wrinkles, using a very small needle. In most cases, several injections are usually needed at specific sites. People have likened the sensation as akin to a 'bee sting' or having their eyebrows plucked. Bruises can > occur, but the pain is so minimal that normally you don't even need local anaesthesia.

And the results? Botox usually takes effect 24-72 hours after injection, but you will notice visible changes about eight days later and it can be up to three weeks before the full effect can be seen. It generally lasts for approximately three to four months. What you want to achieve is more relaxed facial muscles with a smoother appearance - and the consequence of that? You look younger.

If you'd like a free consultation with a medical aesthetic practitioner to see if it's the right treatment for you, call The Henley Clinic, in Henley-on-Thames, on 01491 573344 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2 Rubicon
Moulding Mask This non-surgial alternative to facelifts has been around for 10 years. It invloves a surgeon applying a formula to the patient's skin, which is then covered with small strips of silk and moulded to the contours of the face. This mask is left on for 32-38 hours and you are advised not to speak so that your facial muscles remain still. This process is repeated over a few days. You can go home or stay in the clinic but you can only eat liquidised food, and you still can't speak! On the seventh day you then apply liquid paraffin six times during the day until the mask comes off totally naturally, usually on the tenth day.

How does it work? It uses phenol, the strongest of the chemical peel solution, to take off layers of skin right down to the basal layer (this blisters and then peels off) which then regenerates new collagen.

And the results? Because there is no incision or cutting of any skin, you won't need a general anaesthetic and there is no bruising and very little swelling after the treatment, so you can go back to normal activities quickly. As well as making you look rejuvenated, with a much younger looking skin, it can also help in removing skin abrasions and discolouration and significantly improves the appearance of skin damaged by acne. The effects can also last for many years.

3 CACI
Ultra (computer aided cosmetology instrument), aka the electronic facelift, is a machine that uses very low-frequency micro electrical currents to give facial muscles a boost, and stimulates the regeneration of skin cells. The Ultra is a newer version of this that corrects sagging muscle tissue and restores firmness.

How does it work? It uses four different technologies:
the micro current lifts and tones the facial muscles; ultrasonic microdermabrasion, vibrating at 25,000 vibrations per second, exfoliates, deep cleanses, removes surface pigmentation marks and softens fine lines and wrinkles; while the high frequency and diode photo stimulation work together to plump out and soften lines and wrinkles.

And the results? It helps to stimulate your blood circulation, which in turn helps firm muscle tone and to combat dryness. It is also said to improve skin condition and is effective for the treatment of acne, wrinkles and lines, scars, dry skin, oily skin and sun damaged skin. The new version lifts and tightens and also works on skin texture, so it looks clearer and plumped up.

4 Thermage
This is used to help smooth and tighten skin around the eye area using radiofrequency technology which heats up your skin and more importantly the collagen underneath and that helps to tighten and smooth the treated area. It's particularly effective at improving hooding in the eye area and eyes are said to look more lifted and therefore less tired. Plus, the smoother skin of your eyelids will make it easier to apply eye shadow and eyeliner.

How does it work? It tightens and renews your skin's collagen in all three layers of the skin - the outer layer called the epidermis, the middle dermis layer, and the inner subcutaneous layer.

Thermage's unique capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) technology heats the web of collagen in the skin's inner layer, which shows an immediate effect. But you will also notice improvements for four to six months following treatment because the collagen is stimulated enough to continue to grow.

And the results?
The procedure only takes about one hour. And because there is no bruising, swelling or sutures, you can apply make-up and return to your normal routine straight afterwards. And it works on all skin types and colours. You only need one Thermage treatment to obtain the full benefits, not three to five as you would with some laser therapies. The results vary from subtle to dramatic and are long lasting depending on your skin condition and the ageing process.

5 Cosmetic acupuncture
Used to treat the underlying causes of ageing, it attracted much media attention after being featured on Sex And The City.

The Irish Times acclaimed it as 'a viable alternative to cosmetic surgery, and the effects can run much deeper than simply improving appearances.' This isn't a new fangled treatment either - it's been around 800 years, but is now enjoying a revival with New York and LA waiting lists for cosmetic acupuncture often over a year long.

How does it work? Hair-thin needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points and manipulated to encourage blood and energy flow, to invigorate the facial area, and hydrate and plump the skin, improving the appearance of facial lines and preventing new ones from forming.

And the results? It will help to eliminate fine lines and reduce deeper wrinkles. Bags under the eyes are reduced, droopy eyelids lifted, sagging and puffiness smoothed away. It is also said to improve elasticity in the skin, stimulate collagen production, give you better muscle tone and jaw-line definition, and tighten pores. In fact, it will also give you more energy and increase your sense of wellbeing. For the most benefit you need 12 sessions.

Cosmetic acupuncture has become the big non-surgical anti-ageing treatment. Rumour has it that Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cher have all given it a go.

words: Georgina Maric | photographs: shutterstock