If you’re looking for a skin-care boost without going under the knife, you’re in luck. These four treatments can improve the radiance, smoothness and firmness of skin during your lunch break, no downtime needed.

Endermologie

Endermologie was created in the 1980s by French engineer Louis-Paul Guitay as a treatment for softening scars through massage and suction. The technology is still used today to help with muscle stiffness and soreness, swelling, pain relief, and scar tissue formation from surgery and accidents. Over time, Endermologie began to be used for more cosmetic purposes, such as reducing cellulite and firming skin.

Results

In addition to its many uses in the health-care world, this noninvasive treatment is also used as a cosmetic procedure that helps stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and natural hyaluronic acid for skin that’s firmer and plumper. On the body, Endermologie can target heavy or swollen legs and feet that result from poor lymphatic or blood circulation. The treatment can also treat the loss of firmness caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuations and age. The device can be used to break up subcutaneous fat, reducing cellulite and leading to a contouring effect. For the face, Endermologie can be used to help even out the complexion, boost radiance, firm skin and reduce wrinkles, as well as target fat cells under the chin.

Pain Level

None. This process mimics the effects of a massage, such as reducing stress, boosting relaxation and improving the quality of sleep, and much like after a deep tissue massage you may experience some mild soreness or redness on the treatment area afterward.

Recommended number of sessions

Depending on the area being treated and desired outcome, any- where from six to 20 sessions can be recommended. Often, the sessions are scheduled once or twice a week before moving to monthly maintenance treatments.

Cost

About $160 per session.

Sofwave

This treatment uses Synchronous Ultra­ sound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology to penetrate 1.5 millimetres below the surface of the skin to produce heat and boost collagen and elastin levels. Sofwave also has integrated cooling technology called Sofcool that prevents damage to the upper layer of skin while the mid­dermis is being treated. Safe for all skin types and tones, sessions can be booked at any time of the year without worry about extra skin sensitivity.

Results

When used on the face and neck, Sofwave tackles fine lines and wrinkles and helps tighten the look of the skin, resulting in lifted brows, a more sculpted jawline and smoothed lines around the mouth. Acne scar­ ring can also be treated, creating a more even-toned, uniform complexion. While Sofwave is most well-known for its benefits from the neck up, it can also be used to tone and firm the arms, thighs, buttocks and abdomen. The best results are typically seen about six months after treatment.

Pain Level

The experience varies based on the areas being focused on. Six to seven second pulses are delivered to the skin, caus­ ing a warm sensation that reaches a peak in the last second or two. Treating areas closer to the bone, like the jawline or brow bone, can cause slight discomfort. A numbing cream can help make the treatment more comfortable, and for full face and neck treat­ments, a laughing gas may be offered.

Recommended number of sessions

One or two sessions are recommended, with the second taking place three months after the first. To maintain your results, annual treatments are suggested.

Cost

Between $1,000 and $4,500, depend­ing on the areas treated.

Facial Acupuncture

Also known as cosmetic acupuncture, this treatment is used to rejuvenate the skin with very fine needles that are inserted into the dermis to signal a healing response. Blood and lymphatic circulation is boosted, along with collagen and elastin production. A facial acupuncture appointment typically begins with a consultation to map out treatment areas and can include additional procedures like microcurrent, facial cupping, and gua sha. Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Results

Facial acupuncture can improve elasticity and tone, lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reduce puffiness. Commonly targeted areas are lines on the forehead, between the brows, crow’s feet and nasolabial folds. Boosted circulation can help revive tired, dull skin, giving it a brighter and more luminous appearance, while improved cell turnover can help address uneven skin tone, sun damage and acne scarring.

Pain level

While it may look intimidating, facial acupuncture is often described as relaxing and painless due to the super fine needles, which are about the width of a human hair. While some may feel a slight pinch at more sensitive areas, the treatment is generally painless. In rare cases, bruising may occur, but generally the most you’ll experience is some redness immediately after your session.

Recommended number of sessions

A complete course of treatment consists of 10 to 12 weekly sessions, plus maintenance treatments every two or three months may be recommended afterward. Some choose to have this treatment as needed for a gentle boost before a big event or as a periodic pick-me-up.

Cost

$80 to $175 per session, depending on the clinic and length of treatments.

LuminFusion

Created by professional-grade skin-care brand Dermalogica, this noninvasive resurfacing treatment can be tailored to your needs. It often begins with a deep cleanse and exfoliation, followed by skin resurfacing and active ingredient infusion with a Pro Pen (a hand-held microneedling and NanoInfusion device), a retinol peel and LED red light treatment to help support the repair process of your skin.

Results

LuminFusion treatments help to restore radiance and luminosity, with results visible after only one session. It’s also recommended for uneven skin tone and texture and general signs of aging, making it perfect for those experiencing hyperpigmentation, acne scarring or fine lines and wrinkles. Expect softer, smoother skin that truly glows.

Pain Level

None, but you may have some slight redness after the treatment. Avoiding active skin- care ingredients like alpha or beta hydroxy acids and being extra dili- gent about SPF application and excess sun exposure for at least three to five days after your treatment will ensure healthy, happy skin.

Recommended number of sessions

It’s recommended that you book three treatments, spaced two weeks apart, to achieve the best results.

Cost

$250 per session.

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