I tried a ‘facelift’ loved by Bridgerton stars, I’ve never had so many compliments
The market for tweaks is bigger than ever thanks to silver screen stars promoting the crisp, defined jawline we’re all after.
But when fillers or surgery aren’t an option, it can be difficult to determine how effective nonsurgical treatments really are and which, if any, treatments are worth spending your hard-earned money on.
At 26, I don’t want to fill my face with hyaluronic acid fillers to enhance my natural beauty.
I worked hard to improve the texture and shine of my skin by taking good care of my face with serums and creams, but I quickly ran into problems when I started looking for non-invasive and inexpensive treatments to complement my own routine.
And I was sorely tempted.
One of these is the CACI facial, which can be done during my lunch hour at hundreds of locations across the UK. And what’s even better, there’s no downtime, meaning I can go straight back to the office afterwards.
The technology stimulates the facial muscles to firm them and uses LED light to rejuvenate them.
And the CACI facial is already being hailed as a must-have treatment by celebrities. Famous fans include Bridgerton star Simone Ashley and The Crown star Elizabeth Debicki.
Even J-Lo is said to have her own CACI system at home, while TV presenter Ranvir Singh and Lorraine Kelly are also featured on the CACI website. They are just two of dozens of celebrities who regularly come in for treatment.
The treatment is based on natural results that you can achieve over time by returning regularly to make your face, neck and décolleté firmer and more radiant.
I opted for the Signature Synergy Non-Surgical Facial, with a lip-plumping add-on to enhance my pout, to get the best that this electrode machine has to offer. At £90 it’s not cheap, but it’s a steal compared to other age-fighting options like Botox.
While it’s known for reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity, I was most interested in the hijacked look of other CACI customers, like Emma D’Arcy of House of the Dragon and Anya Taylor-Joy of Dune 2.
And if there was anything that could minimize my baggage after a long week at work, that would be even better.
What is a CACI facial?
CACI facials are a non-invasive treatment that can lift, firm and brighten the skin without the need for surgery.
This technique became popular as a red carpet secret over twenty years ago, but is now becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of lines and wrinkles.
CACI stands for Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument and uses a microcurrent machine with waveforms and ultra-low frequencies to send electrical signals through the skin.
The signals stimulate muscle tone and skin tissue by stimulating the muscles, improving the shape, skin tone and texture of the face.
The treatment also uses LED light therapy, which penetrates the skin to regenerate tissue and restore collagen.
The 60-minute treatment took place at Lisa Franklin’s flagship store in Knightsbridge, where I was greeted with a glass of cucumber water to detoxify before being allowed to recline on a remote-controlled treatment bed that adjusted to my body shape.
Then my skin specialist Nicole got to work, applying layers of cleansers, toners and gels to my face and then connecting the electrodes to the CACI device.
It can best be described as a pull and squeeze technique with the gentle tingling sensation of the electrical currents. It is not painful, but can be uncomfortable.
Fortunately, I was not one of the clients who experienced a metallic feeling in their mouth, a side effect of the electricity. I only had occasional discomfort in the sensitive areas of my face.
But I soon relaxed and felt content as I looked forward to the gentle hum of the device. By the time Nicole started using the device to plump her lips, I was almost asleep.
She explained that the treatments could continue to develop over the next few days, with the most noticeable difference being seen later in the afternoon or even the next morning.
Although these natural treatments work faster than fillers, I was convinced that repeated treatments over a six-week period could ensure results last for weeks or even months.
Coincidentally, my 24 hours post-treatment coincided with a conversation with Amanda Holden – and even she complimented me on my skin.
That’s why I’m postponing the needles and have made a new appointment for a treatment next month.”
As time went on, the compliments from friends and family continued to pour in.
The treatment has undoubtedly given me the radiant look I was looking for, with the added benefit of reducing the size of my pores, slimming my jawline and lifting my eyebrows.
But more importantly, I felt all bloated and all puffy for a close-up photo.
That is why I am going to postpone the needles and have booked a new treatment next month.
CACI treatments can start from as little as £17. You can find your local clinic via the CACI Clinic Finder.