Beyond cosmetics

Treatments & devices, explained without the hype

Some of the things people consider alongside skincare aren't products at all — LED masks, microneedling, RF microneedling, contouring devices, laser. Here is what each one actually is, what a session involves, what it tends to cost in the UK, and the reasons it might not be right for you.

In-clinic treatment

LED light therapy (in clinic)

Sessions under a professional LED panel using red, blue or near-infrared wavelengths, often added to a facial.

£25.00–£75.00 per sessionWhat it involves

Downtime: None — you can return to normal activity and makeup straight away.

At-home device

At-home LED mask

A wearable mask or panel that delivers lower-intensity LED light in short sessions at home.

£100.00–£400.00 one-off purchaseWhat it involves

Downtime: None.

In-clinic treatment

Microneedling (collagen induction)

A device passes very fine needles through the skin at a controlled depth to create tiny channels.

£150.00–£350.00 per sessionWhat it involves

Downtime: Redness like sunburn for 24-72 hours, sometimes light flaking.

In-clinic treatment

RF microneedling

Microneedling combined with radiofrequency energy delivered from the needle tips into the deeper skin.

£300.00–£900.00 per sessionWhat it involves

Downtime: Redness and swelling for 2-5 days, sometimes a grid pattern of tiny marks.

In-clinic treatment

Lipofirm-style RF body and face contouring

A handpiece combines radiofrequency warming with dynamic muscle activation over the face or body.

£60.00–£180.00 per sessionWhat it involves

Downtime: None; the skin may look flushed for a short while.

In-clinic treatment

HIFU (focused ultrasound lifting)

Focused ultrasound energy is delivered to set depths beneath the skin without breaking the surface.

£400.00–£1,500.00 per areaWhat it involves

Downtime: Usually none; some swelling or tenderness for a few days.

In-clinic treatment

Professional chemical peel

A controlled acid solution is applied by a professional to exfoliate the surface layers more deeply than a home product.

£60.00–£250.00 per sessionWhat it involves

Downtime: From none for superficial peels to a week of flaking and redness for deeper ones.

In-clinic treatment

IPL photorejuvenation

Broad-spectrum pulsed light targeted at visible pigment and vessels in the skin.

£90.00–£300.00 per sessionWhat it involves

Downtime: Redness for a few hours to two days; darker spots may temporarily look more visible before fading.

In-clinic treatment

Laser hair removal

Laser light aimed at the pigment in the hair follicle to reduce regrowth over a course of sessions.

£40.00–£300.00 per session per areaWhat it involves

Downtime: Redness and bumps around the follicles for a few hours.

In-clinic treatment

Hydradermabrasion facial

A wet-tipped device cleanses, gently exfoliates and applies serums using suction and fluid.

£60.00–£180.00 per sessionWhat it involves

Downtime: None; skin usually looks fresher immediately.

At-home device

Microcurrent device (home or clinic)

Low-level electrical current applied over the face, marketed for a temporarily lifted, toned look.

£200.00–£500.00 one-off purchaseWhat it involves

Downtime: None.

In-clinic treatment

Cryolipolysis (fat freezing)

Controlled cooling applied to a pinchable area of fat through an applicator.

£150.00–£600.00 per areaWhat it involves

Downtime: Numbness, swelling and tenderness for days to a couple of weeks.

In-clinic treatment

Scalp microneedling

Fine-needle rolling or stamping over the scalp, often combined with topical products by a trichologist or clinic.

£80.00–£250.00 per sessionWhat it involves

Downtime: Scalp tenderness and redness for 24-48 hours.

At-home device

Low-level laser hair device (cap or comb)

A wearable cap, helmet or handheld comb that delivers low-level laser or LED light to the scalp.

£200.00–£900.00 one-off purchaseWhat it involves

Downtime: None.

At-home device

Red light body panel

A larger panel used at a distance to expose the body to red and near-infrared light.

£150.00–£700.00 one-off purchaseWhat it involves

Downtime: None.

In-clinic treatment

Lymphatic drainage body massage

A light, rhythmic manual massage technique applied along the body, often bought as a course.

£45.00–£120.00 per sessionWhat it involves

Downtime: None; you may need the bathroom more that day.

Want this narrowed down to you?

Complete an analysis and we'll show the treatments and devices that relate to the concerns you told us about, alongside your product routine — with the reasons they may or may not suit you.

Find my products

Treatments and devices are listed for information only. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a promise of a result. Suitability depends on your health, skin and the specific device or practitioner — always check with a qualified professional first. Prices are indicative ranges collected for guidance and vary widely by clinic, city and device.