Tweakments in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s

This is an easy-to-follow guide to the most popular treatments in accordance with the various beauty decades – the 20s, the 30s, the 40s, the 50s.

Tweakment or Treatment?
In the cosmetic industry, the word ‘tweakment’ is a term coined from merging ‘tweak’ and ‘treatment’. A tweakment is a subtle and minimally invasive treatment done to enhance one’s appearance. The range of tweakments on offer has been increasing over the years. When we talk about tweakments, we are usually referring to treatments such as Botox, fillers, lasers and microneedling treatments amongst others. No matter what age you are, there are tweakments available to enhance your appearance and to give you the desired results. These may be just one treatment, or a combination of treatments giving a gradual improvement over time.

What is the most common ‘tweakment’ among your patients, regardless of age? Why is this so popular?
The most common “tweakment” in my clinic would be botulinum toxin injections, commonly known as Botox.  It is popular because it is relatively quick to perform and is very effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Botox works by temporarily weakening the muscles that form these wrinkles, resulting in smoother skin and a more refreshed appearance. The Botox procedure is associated with minimal downtime, with most patients able to continue their normal activities immediately after, hence it is also sometimes known as “a lunchtime procedure”.  Patients can see visible results after just 5-7 days, and the results can last 3-6 months, making it an effective, convenient and relatively low risk procedure. Additionally, it can be combined with other procedures such as Profhilo injections or laser treatments in the same session to deliver superior results. 

What are the most common facial woes of the various beauty decades – the 20s, the 30s, the 40s, the 50s?
20s – Acne is common due to hormonal fluctuations and increased oil gland activity. Sun seeking behaviour can result in uneven skin tone, rough texture and early signs of pigmentation and fine lines. Unwanted hairs and moles on the face may be of concern. 

30s – Fine lines and wrinkles start to become more apparent, appearing as frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. Pigmentation such as freckles and sun spots may become more noticeable. Pregnancy related pigmentation such as melasma may also start to appear. Skin can start showing early signs of decreased collagen and elastin, resulting in less firmness and elasticity. 

40s – Wrinkles become deeper around the forehead, eyes, mouth and nasolabial folds. Loss of collagen, elastin, fat and bone can lead to loss of volume around the midface, sagging, jowling, and a less defined jawline. Hyperpigmentation and harmless skin growths such as age spots, warts, tags and milia become more common.

50s – Skin becomes thinner and drier due to change in hormones. Uneven skin tone and texture, hyperpigmentation, age spots and tags gradually worsen. Significant loss of collagen and elasticity result in prominent sagging and drooping of the skin around the lower face and neck area. Wrinkles become deep and more pronounced in all areas. It is important to be careful about new and changing moles or skin lesions which may represent sinister changes of skin cancers. 

What are the 3 most popular treatments for the various beauty decades – the 20s, the 30s, the 40s, the 50s? 

20s 

1. Chemical peels and hydrafacials to brighten and freshen – repeated monthly for 4-6 sessions
2. VBEAM, Picoway or Fractional CO2 laser to target the discolouration of acne marks and scars – repeated monthly for 4-6 sessions
3. Laser hair removal or mole removal to remove unwanted hairs or moles for cosmetic reasons. Laser hair removal repeated monthly for 6-8 sessions; mole removal usually just a one off. 

30s 

1. Botox to prevent fine lines from becoming deep wrinkles – repeated every 3-6 months
2. Laser skin rejuvenation to brighten and even skin tone, treat early pigmentation, improve texture, pore size and fine lines. Picoway, Excel V, VBEAM or fractional CO2 lasers can be performed monthly for 4-6 sessions. 
3. Injectables such as Rejuran and Skinboosters to repair, regenerate and hydrate the skin, amplifying radiance and luminosity. Repeated monthly for 3 months. 

40s

1. Injectables: Botox to the upper face will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a refreshed appearance. Profhilo, Fillers or biostimulators such as Juvelook or Sculptra to the lower face will volumise and restore facial contours, boost hydration and promote collagen remodelling. Usually performed every 3-6 months depending on procedure.  
2. Skin tightening devices such as Ultherapy and Sylfirm X Microneedling Radiofrequency to tighten and lift, and to improve jawline and double chin area. Ultherapy is repeated yearly and Sylfirm X monthly for 4-6 sessions.
3. Electrosurgery or CO2 laser ablation to harmless skin growths such as age spots, warts, tags and milia - Usually a one off session.

50s

1. Skin tightening devices such as Ultherapy and Sylfirm X Microneedling Radiofrequency to tighten and lift, and to improve jawline and double chin area. Ultherapy is repeated yearly and Sylfirm X monthly for 4-6 sessions
2. Laser skin rejuvenation to brighten and even skin tone, treat pigmentation, improve texture, pore size and fine lines. Picoway, Excel V, VBEAM or fractional CO2 lasers can be performed monthly for 4-6 sessions. 
3. Botox, Profhilo, fillers or biostimulators such as Juvelook and Sculptra to refresh, regenerate and restore. Usually performed every 3-6 months depending on procedure.