A skincare specialist has warned people why they should stay away from popular beauty treatments that are trending on social media.
Antonia Macdonald is a qualified medical aesthetics practitioner and has worked in the industry for nearly a decade.
In a reel that has over 4.5 million views, the 32-year-old discusses three hot trends: microneedling, hydrafacials and face yoga.
And she claims they are simply not worth the fuss – for your skin or your wallet.
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“If it sounds too good to be true and costs more than your monthly mortgage, it is most likely not worth it,” Antonia, who is based in Edinburgh, told What’s The Jam.
“The age of patients seeking these treatments is getting younger and younger.
“Unfortunately we live in a day where the aesthetic industry has become toxic.
“There are a lot of medical spas out for a quick buck over taking care of what patients actually need.
“I started my social media to hopefully be a voice out there to educate, debunk myths and at large save people time, money and their skin!
“Do I get hate from professionals in the field selling such treatments?
“Yes of course but I sleep much better at night knowing I don’t recommend anything unless I’d get the treatment personally and carry out the treatment on a family member.”
HYDRAFACIALS:
The first treatment Antonia, who shares her advice on Instagram (@antonialouiseskin), advises against, are hydrafacials.
She also busts the myth that your skin needs a monthly deep clean.
She said: “Hydrafacials are overstripping/over-exfoliating.
“There’s a common misconception that you need to get a ‘deep clean’ once a month when this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Your skin actually turns over and naturally exfoliates itself and with minimal and correct skincare at home, most patients can achieve healthy skin with ingredients to help target the pore-cleaning process.
“It’s another treatment preying on women’s insecurities.”
MICRONEEDLING:
Next up is microneedling, which is taking social media by storm as of late.
She said: “Microneedling seems to be very on trend at the moment for ‘prevention’ and collagen induction.
“Which, yes, scientifically speaking there’s evidence there to suggest microneedling can in fact, boost collagen and may help with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles and minimising pore appearance.
“However, to what extent this occurs is debatable and many patients are left underwhelmed and out of pocket.
“The trauma caused by microneedling can lead to broken capillaries, infection dermatitis and worsening of inflammatory skin conditions (rosacea, acne, hyperpigmentation).”
FACE YOGA:
Face yoga is also a definite no for the medical aesthetician, with the treatment actually exercising muscles instead of relaxing them.
She also says that you can perform basic facial massages at no extra cost.
She said: “Face yoga has exploded in the aesthetic industry over the last few years, again mainly due to ‘gurus’ on social media claiming to give you a facelift with their hands and diminish wrinkles.
“But scientifically it does not make sense.
“Face yoga is exercising your muscles of facial expression when in fact to minimise wrinkles you want the muscles to be relaxed.
“This is why we inject the muscles with neuromodulators [such as Botox].
“If you have a good pair of hands you are more than capable of doing facial massage (not face yoga) at home, which will save you money!”
Other treatments, also on Antonia’s no-no list, include PDO thread lifts, non-surgical rhinoplasty and cool sculpting “fat freezing”.
Social media users have been left stunned by Antonia’s advice – and some strongly disagree.
Hannah asked: “What hydrafacials are a no no?”
Ruta- Ruty said: “Must disagree on microeedling. It works wonders if you commit to it.”
Corinna said: “Amen ! Hydrafacial is lazy skincare, also over-priced and not eco friendly with plastic consumables.”
Another user said: “Yes I had the same experience with hydrafacial. My good skin got bad. I had red bumps and irritation for days, never again.”
“Nah, microneedling has literally removed lines from under my eyes!” added another person.
“Absolutely found the hydra-facial useless,” commented one disappointed user.
“ I wish more people would talk about this cuz… DITTO,” explained another user.
Another person said: “Face Yoga has absolutely helped to lift and tone my face.”
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