10 Years Younger - from channel4.com

FACELIFT ALTERNATIVES

Cosmetic surgery is a multi-million dollar business: by the end of 2004, the market for cosmetic procedures had reached £256 million. Having a qualified surgeon alter your face can cost you an arm and a leg, but youth and beauty do not have to be solely the province of the rich and famous.

So for those of us who can't just book a bank-breaking appointment with Dr. Collagen the next time we feel the need for a boost, there are plenty of ways of lifting the face without going under the knife. Harprit Thacker, Lecturer and Coordinator in Beauty Therapy at Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, recommends a few:

Article continues below

1) If you want a real buzz, there are various micro-electric current treatments available. These work by passing a low frequency electrical current through the skin, which stimulates the facial tissue. It's a very effective treatment with excellent results: it tones sagging muscles and improves the appearance of the upper layers of the skin, smoothing away fine lines and wrinkles.

2) Facial faradic treatment works along similar lines, with electric currents stimulating facial muscle groups. This is different from other micro-currents as it works mainly on the underlying muscle groups and has less impact on the appearance of the skin. This treatment is particularly suited to mature skins.

3) Micro-electric treatments are often used in conjunction with nutrients such as collagen or elastin ampoules that can be rollered onto the face. Collagen and elastin ampoules hydrate and build up the elastic fibres in the skin, which plump it out, reducing fine lines. Ampoules can be applied manually, but using them after micro-electric treatment encourages deeper penetration into the facial tissue.

4) If you would rather stick your hand in an open plug socket than have electricity passed through your face then there are other, less mechanised boosters, such as the straightforward facial. "A good, professional facial will have a direct effect on the upper layers of your skin. I would recommend having one a month," advises Harprit. "You will see a difference in the health and appearance of your skin after six months." They needn't be expensive, either: "If forking out for a facial once a month puts a strain on your bank balance, try colleges or training schools with a beauty department; they are a great place to go for affordable facials."

5) Another more relaxing pick-me-up is massage. Lymphatic drainage massage reduces puffiness around the eyes and neck whilst increasing blood supply that brings fresh vitamins and nutrients to the skin. Massage also works by loosening up the facial muscles and in the connective tissue, encouraging smoother muscle tone and elasticity. "Massage is also the kind of thing you can do at home," suggests Harprit. "Just get a base oil and, starting at the neck, massage your face with upward, gentle rolling movements. There are plenty of books around on facial massage technique."

6) We all know the benefits of a good gym session in terms of rejuvenating the body, but the face - which contains 53 different muscles - can also benefit from particular exercises. As with other forms of workout, facial exercises improve muscle tone and stimulate circulation. Again, this can be done at home, and again there are plenty of books that can help you build up a facial routine. Pulling weird faces at yourself in a mirror might look funny, but don't worry; smiling and laughing make for an excellent natural workout for your face.

7) Another inexpensive and instantaneous way of lifting the face is to exfoliate the skin. "A sagging, dull complexion is often caused simply by the build-up of layers of dead skin cells that light cannot bounce off," explains Harprit. "Exfoliation reveals the younger, healthier skin underneath and if you do it before moisturising or working other facial creams into the skin it can aid absorption of the nutrients into the skin."

It also helps stimulate blood flow to the face, bringing more nutrients to the tissues and increasing the drainage of lymph, similar to massage.

So, if the thought of knives and needles leaves you quaking in your boots - and your bank manager tearing out his hair - then rest assured; there are plenty of non-invasive options available for mere mortals in the eternal quest to regain lost youth.

C4 Health links >

From 10 Years Younger

Find out Nicky's favourite food places on the Big British Food Map

FREE style, fashion and beauty tips

All the outfits from the new series

From Gok's Fashion Fix

Advice from C4 Health

For love and friendship...

Features and advice