Entry-level treatments to try if you’re new to aesthetics

The way we approach aesthetic injectables has noticeably changed over the past decade, and even more so within the last two to three years. While previously the priority was plumping, filling and freezing for maximum impact, we now consider more natural-looking results as the gold standard. It’s about achieving that ‘your skin but better’ glow, which is more permanent than from the odd facial.

Subtle enhancements and skin rejuvenation are the favoured approaches, which is therefore ideal if you’re new to the world of aesthetics. For beginners, this new era of ‘less is more’ injectables and other treatments means easing in is simpler than ever. Here are four subtle, accessible options to try first.

‘Whisper’ fillers 

Teoxane, who coined the term, notes that ‘whisper’ fillers are designed to work in the ‘softest, most invisible way possible,’ and that they take a ‘skin-first approach' to injectables. The brand says that the way to administer them is by using tiny, precisely placed doses of its signature ingredient resilient hyaluronic acid to hydrate, smooth, and refine skin without changing facial structure. It’s also placed ‘superficially’ rather than more deeply, in order to target texture over structure.
 
“The aim is to refresh and enhance features so results look barely detectable—more like a whisper than a shout,” explains Cosmetic Doctor and EV Expert, Dr Raquel Amado. “The key goal is soft rejuvenation, restoring balance and vitality without obvious volume or dramatic change.” This, adds, Aesthetic Doctor and EV Expert Dr Emmaline Ashley, “mirrors the wider shift towards outcome measures like luminosity, texture and resilience, rather than obvious augmentation.” In short, these are an easy way to try ‘fillers,’ if you never have before.

You can have these in areas such as under the eyes (to address crepiness and dehydration), around the mouth (to soften fine lines) and across the cheeks. Results tend to last between six and nine months, meaning maintenance and perhaps a course of treatments may be required.

Polynucleotides

Perhaps known more colloquially as ‘the salmon sperm facial,’ polynucleotides started to dominate the injectables industry several years back, and have not let up since. They’re favoured for their subtle-yet-impactful results, which can address a number of skin concerns.

“Polynucleotides are regenerative injectables made from DNA fragments that encourage the skin to repair itself and stimulate collagen and elastin production,” explains Dr Amado. These are perfect for ‘beginners,’ she says, because they offer “subtle improvements that develop gradually,” and “focus on skin quality rather than reshaping features.” If you’re not yet ready to dive into the world of dermal filler and botulinum toxin, these are the perfect alternative.

You can have this injectable treatment in a number of areas, even more delicate ones such as under the eyes (for example, to reduce dark circles). Benefits include improved hydration, elasticity and overall skin health, as well as a reduction in fine lines and signs of tiredness. Dr Amado says that results usually last for six-to-nine months, which again, speaks to how suitable they are for someone new to this world.

Microtox 

Similarly to how whisper fillers focus on tiny, superficial injections of filler, microtox sees a practitioner inject very small amounts of botulinum toxin into the skin at surface level. While ‘traditional’ appointments (or even ‘Baby Botox,’ which is essentially just botulinum toxin used in smaller quantities) target deeper levels of the muscle to reduce their activity, this method, says Dr Ashley, “is designed to improve skin texture and quality by addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity with minimal impact on muscle movement.”

This, again, is more about general skin improvement including the coveted 'glass skin' look, rather than targeted enhancements, meaning it’s suitable for those not ready (or simply not wanting) to try more ‘obvious’ injectables—another bonus is there's no downtime.

Microneedling 

Microneedling is a perfect in-road to treatments with needles; it isn’t classed as living under the ‘injectables’ umbrella per se, but it does offer a myriad of skin benefits and can allow you to gradually get used to aesthetic appointments. During a microneedling treatment, tiny needles are used to create small punctures in the skin, which works to trigger the body’s natural wound-healing process and thus, stimulate elastin and collagen production.

It can help with everything from skin texture to acne and post-acne marks, and is also used for firming and reducing signs of ageing like wrinkles, when used regularly. Microneedling is a brilliant cosmetic treatment for beginners, thanks to the fact it’s minimally invasive and can improve the skin’s condition overall.

For those not interested in microneedling or anything with needles quite yet, other options include chemical peels, dermaplaning and laser treatments. Whichever treatment you want to try, ensure you are doing so alongside a qualified, recommended cosmetic practitioner.