If you’re on the path of researching Botox alternatives that actually work – and don’t involve an injectable, you definitely aren’t alone. With more and more people seeking holistic skincare practitioners, we decided to do our own research (thoroughly enjoyed!) and bring you the most up-to-date information about anti-aging skincare treatments that actually work. Here are four pathways, to give you more vital skin, while supporting your self care.
Facial Gua Sha & Face Massage
Gua Sha is an ancient form of massage with its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. As a healing technique, it promotes healthy lymph flow and unblocks stagnant energy. Facial Gua Sha is particularly celebrated for its effects on the skin, which include redistributing and draining fluid retention, to bring a restored appearance of lift and vitality.
Gretchen Oppenheim’s intuitive facials at Wildflower Beauty Bar in Port Moody weave facial Gua Sha, face massage, red light therapy, and incredible product infusions. She’s one of the only spas in the lower mainland to carry Biolage Rocherche and Osmosis MD. Each facial includes a facial reading and energetic clearing.
In North Vancouver, Dr. Chichak uses her expertise as a naturopath to perform energetic Facial Gua Sha massage to promote healthy lymphatic drainage. A truly relaxing and transformative experience, a facial at the hands of Dr. Chichak brightens and plumps the skin, creating a full, rested, and youthful appearance.
Facial acupuncture
You can officially add anti-aging to the list of acupuncture’s many benefits. Facial acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, increases blood flow resulting in the production of skin-firming elastin and collagen. Vancouver’s Yoon Clinic, which offers holistic treatments based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has a dedicated team of facial acupuncturists at the helm. In Squamish, acupuncturist and TCM-practitioner Jess Cho performs exceptional treatments at The Essence Wellness Centre. Her practice emphasizes the preventative nature of TCM which is also reflected in her approach to skincare. Most practitioners recommend at least six treatments, and ongoing maintenance for noticeable, lasting results.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates controlled micro-tears on the skin’s surface which in turn stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in skin that looks firmer and smoother. If you’re put off by the name, rest assured that microneedling is relatively painless – all tears in the skin are surface-level. Along with more youthful skin, microneedling helps repair sagging skin, reduce scarring, support uneven skin tone, and smooth rough skin texture. Qi Integrative Health is well-known in Vancouver for offering a full range of wellness services and aesthetic treatments.There you can find Dr. Cahill, who has an unmatched reputation for performing microneedling with care and precision.
You’ll find the same dedication to care with Dr. Ekum at Inspine Therapy in Coquitlam (and at their new location in Vancouver!). She was incredibly informative with the process and recovery- in our session, there were no surprises and recovery was a breeze. She says people often see noticeable results (reduced lines) after two to four treatments.
Peptide Facials
Packed with nourishing antioxidants, peptides are enjoying time in the spotlight thanks to their myriad anti-aging properties. Not only do peptides stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, there are even certain peptides that can relax facial muscles, therefore reducing the appearance of fine lines, just like Botox! When it comes to peptide facials and below-the-surface treatments, we recommend Vancouver’s Robyn Rainey, a healer and frequency alchemist with expertise in peptides and spiritual self-discovery in equal measure. A peptide facial session includes an in-depth skin analysis, microneedling, and the application of copper peptide to repair, rebuild, and restore the skin. Looking for even more specialized care? Rainey offers peptides à la carte.
If you’re in the mood for a needle-less (but still invigorating) peptide facial, Fluid Spa in Langley offers an Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating Treatment. The luxuriously thorough treatment includes a cleanse, toner, exfoliation, peel, and facial mask. What better way to instill a youthful glow than through total relaxation?
And for something a little more internal, have you ever heard of phototherapy peptide patches? Phototherapy works with the body’s innate healing intelligence. Non-invasive, light-activated patches use your body’s own infrared energy to boost vitality, enhance energy flow, and support cellular repair. Each patch reflects back a specific wavelength of light that signals the body to activate and produce a particular amino acid and endogenous peptide that awakens natural regenerative pathways of repair and renewal in the body – aka boosting collagen for plumper skin. Vancouver practitioner Martine Kleissen is a local distributor for these patches and she’s available for consultations or to provide information on this emerging tech.
And finally, we’ll leave you with this article, which shares a daily skincare routine for all ages. It’s one of our most popular articles to date!
Do you have a favourite anti-aging facial treatment? Or an incredible experience with a healer or practitioner? Send us a DM and tell us all about it.
