Facials facials facials
If you’ve ever opened Instagram, walked past a beauty clinic, or simply dared to Google the word “skincare,” you probably know the feeling: being completely bombarded. Everyone seems to have an opinion, a miracle treatment, or a “must-do” procedure — and somehow they all cost a small fortune. Lately, I’ve found myself almost laughing at how overwhelming it can be. Facials, facials, facials… how many do we really need?
As someone who’s trying to stay away from Botox and avoid injecting unnecessary chemicals into my skin, I’ve been sifting through this sea of information with a mixture of curiosity and caution. I love skincare, I love self-care, and I love looking fresh — but I also love trusting the treatments I choose. And honestly, so much of what’s marketed to us is noise.
What has actually worked for me (and feels aligned with a more natural approach):
1.PRF injections — only with a doctor, never an aesthetician
This one has been a game-changer. I do PRF around four times a year with my doctor in Greece — she’s a certified trauma surgeon and dermatologist, and I trust her completely. She separates the trends from the truly effective treatments and keeps me grounded when the beauty world goes into overdrive. PRF has given my skin the most natural improvement… fuller, more plump, fresher. She applies it strategically where fine lines appear, and there’s a subtle tightening effect that reduces movement in the best, most natural-looking way. No frozen foreheads here.
2. Microneedling with hyaluronic acid and peptides
One of my long-time favourite treatments for texture, glow, and overall skin rejuvenation. It’s effective, reliable, and feels like a true reset.
3. Microneedling with polynucleotides
This is a recent addition for me — recommended every 2 to 4 months — and I’m already loving the regenerative boost it offers without any heaviness or downtime.
4. At-home red light therapy
My 20-minute ritual, most evenings. Calming, therapeutic, and genuinely noticeable when I stay consistent - especially for evening out my skin tone.
5. Daily ice rolling
The simplest pleasure/torture! It wakes my face up, calms puffiness, and feels surprisingly good for something so minimal.
A note on laser facials
When I lived in Vietnam, laser facials were everywhere — Korean beauty technology was huge, and the machines were high quality and widely accessible. I tried several treatments, and honestly, they worked really well for pigmentation and skin tightening. If they were more reasonably priced here, I’d probably include them in my routine in London.
But compared with microneedling and PRF, I personally feel I get better overall results from those treatments than from lasers alone. Lasers definitely have their place (and I did enjoy them!), but for my own goals and budget, the combination of PRF + microneedling gives me more noticeable, natural-looking improvements.
Treatments I want to try
Nano currents for tightening and lifting — they’re next on my list, but I’m taking it slow. There’s no rush to add everything at once.
And honestly… I think that’s enough for now. Let’s not go crazy.
With the incredible amount of treatments pushed at us, it’s so tempting to think we need all of them. But the more I learn, the more I realise that a few well-chosen, trustworthy steps can take you very far. And having someone honest to guide you — like my doctor in Greece — is priceless.
In London, I go to Tarryn Warren for my facials, and her approach is exactly what I appreciate: no pressure, no overselling, no unnecessary add-ons. Just beautiful, thoughtful treatments that leave my skin looking glowy, hydrated, and happy.
At the end of the day, skincare should feel empowering, not overwhelming. Do what works for you, tune out the noise, and remember that you don’t need a thousand treatments to have beautiful skin. Sometimes, less really is more.