Skin ageing is a natural part of life; however, there are several steps we can take to help slow the process down. These include:

• Adopting a healthy lifestyle — this means eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding smoking.

• Wearing sunscreen daily — UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to premature skin ageing, so daily protection is essential, even on cloudy days.

• Using skincare products rich in anti-ageing ingredients — such as peptides, retinol and vitamin A, which help support skin renewal and maintain a smoother, firmer appearance.

• Investing in professional skin treatments that stimulate collagen production — such as skin boosters or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, which can improve skin texture, hydration and elasticity.

Alongside these measures, getting enough sleep, managing stress and limiting alcohol intake can further support skin health. While no routine can stop ageing entirely, consistently following these habits can help keep your skin looking healthier and more youthful for longer.

Wrinkles, though inevitable, do not need be permanent. Several professional skin treatments are designed to address fine lines and wrinkles—and even help prevent them. These include anti-ageing injectable treatments that relax the muscles responsible for expression lines and encourage collagen production, as well as other options such as skin boosters, PRP therapy, microneedling and chemical peels.

• Anti-wrinkle injections. These use botulinum toxin to temporarily block the nerve signals that tell targeted facial muscles to contract. By relaxing those muscles, dynamic lines—the creases formed by expressions like smiling or frowning—become less visible, and the treatment can also help delay dynamic wrinkles from becoming permanent static ones . The procedure is quick, typically taking 15 to 20 minutes, and results usually begin to appear within a few days, with the full effect developing over one to two weeks. Effects generally last three to six months . Common side effects include temporary redness or bruising at the injection sites and occasionally a mild headache; a less common but more noticeable side effect is a drooping eyelid, which usually resolves as the product wears off .
• Skin boosters. These are injectable treatments, most commonly based on hyaluronic acid, designed to hydrate the skin from within and improve elasticity and texture. Hyaluronic acid has a high water-binding capacity and can stimulate the release of growth factors in the skin, supporting collagen production . Unlike traditional fillers, skin boosters are intended to improve overall skin quality rather than add volume, making them particularly suitable for delicate areas. Effects generally last around six months after a course of three treatment sessions .
• PRP therapy. Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses your own blood, enriched with growth factors, to support skin healing and rejuvenation. A review of studies found that PRP treatment led to significant improvements in skin pore size, texture, wrinkle reduction, pigmented spots, collagen density and hyaluronic acid levels after one to three sessions . Combining PRP with hyaluronic acid appears to have a synergistic effect, particularly for improving skin elasticity . Side effects are generally minimal to mild, and the procedure is well tolerated .
• Microneedling. This technique creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to trigger the body’s natural repair response, stimulating collagen and elastin production. It can be used on its own or combined with the delivery of anti-ageing substances such as growth factors, peptides or hyaluronic acid to enhance results . Microneedling is adaptable for addressing a range of concerns including wrinkles, fine lines, uneven pigmentation and loss of elasticity .
• Chemical peels. These involve applying a solution to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new cells . Peels can be light, medium-depth or deep, depending on the agent used and the depth of penetration. Medium and deeper peels can induce dermal collagen production, making them useful for addressing wrinkles, photoaging and acne scars . A course of treatments is often needed, and results vary depending on the type of peel and your skin’s response.

Each of these treatments works differently, and the best option—or combination of options—depends on your skin, your concerns and your goals. A qualified practitioner can assess your skin and recommend a tailored plan.

Wrinkle-relaxing injections use botulinum toxin A, often referred to simply as anti-wrinkle or muscle-relaxant injections. This is a non-surgical treatment used to temporarily smooth lines and wrinkles on the face in both men and women.

It is a prescription-only medicine and should only be administered by practitioners with appropriate qualifications, medical training and experience.

The solution is carefully injected in minute amounts into the targeted muscle, which temporarily relaxes it and results in a smoother, softer, more youthful appearance. Unrelated areas are not affected, so you can still smile and frown naturally—but the skin in the treated areas will not wrinkle as much.

This treatment can also help prevent lines and wrinkles from forming in the first place.

Muscle relaxants may be right for you if you have facial wrinkles such as smile lines or horizontal forehead creases caused by overactive muscles. This treatment does not work on wrinkles caused by loss of skin elasticity or volume, so it is important to understand which type of wrinkle you are looking to address.

If you are looking for a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that will smooth out wrinkles and achieve younger-looking skin, wrinkle-relaxing injections could be for you. They are quick, minimally invasive and require no downtime, making them a convenient option for people with busy lifestyles. However, they are most effective on dynamic lines—wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movement—rather than static wrinkles or volume loss, which may require a different approach. A consultation with a qualified practitioner can help determine whether this treatment is the right choice for your individual needs and goals.

Crucially, a new face-to-face assessment is required for every new prescribing episode. This means that even if you have been treated before, you cannot simply reorder the product remotely—your prescriber must see you in person again to issue a new prescription.

Why Face-to-Face Assessment Is Necessary

1. It enables a proper clinical assessment. A face-to-face consultation allows the prescriber to physically examine your skin, assess your facial muscle movement, and review your general health. This is essential for determining whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment and for identifying any contraindications that might not be apparent from a questionnaire or video call.

2. It supports safe prescribing decisions. The prescriber must be able to make an informed decision about the dose and the specific injection sites based on a physical examination. Guidance states that the assessment should include a medical, physical, and psychosocial history, with sufficient time allocated to explore any issues that arise. A remote consultation cannot provide the same depth of assessment.

3. It protects against complications. Anti-wrinkle injections carry risks, including swelling, drooping, and other adverse reactions. Face-to-face assessment helps ensure these risks are properly evaluated and discussed before treatment goes ahead. The JCCP has explicitly warned that when safeguards like face-to-face consultations are bypassed, patients are left vulnerable and exposed to harm.

4. It ensures informed consent. An in-person consultation provides the opportunity for a proper discussion about the risks and benefits of treatment, your expectations, and the realistic outcomes. This supports the shared decision-making process that is fundamental to good prescribing practice

Dorota is a qualified nurse prescriber who carries out all face-to-face assessments and prescribing for anti-wrinkle treatments at the clinic. This means she is responsible for both assessing patients and issuing prescriptions—which aligns with the regulatory requirement that a face-to-face assessment by a prescriber must take place before any anti-wrinkle treatment is prescribed

There are certain circumstances in which anti-wrinkle injections are not recommended. These include:

• A current skin infection at or near the planned injection site

• Certain health conditions that may affect healing or increase the risk of complications

• Neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis, which can affect how the body responds to botulinum toxin

• Taking certain medicines, including some antibiotics (such as aminoglycosides), as these can interact with botulinum toxin and increase the risk of side effects

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, as a precaution, since the safety of botulinum toxin in these situations has not been established

• A known allergy to botulinum toxin or any of the ingredients in the product

• Taking blood thinners or antiplatelet medication (such as aspirin or warfarin)—this is not an absolute contraindication, but it increases the risk of bruising and swelling, so your practitioner will need to assess whether treatment is appropriate

If any of these apply to you, it is important to discuss them openly during your consultation. A qualified prescriber will review your medical history and determine whether treatment can safely go ahead or whether an alternative approach would be more suitable.

The treatment is safe and virtually painless. Topical local anaesthetic cream and ice packs are available to ensure a maximum of your comfort. 

 There is minimal recovery time, which means you can resume your normal activities immediately following treatment.

This depends on the area treated and the individual client. Your first treatment may not last as long as subsequent. Muscle relaxants usually last 3-4months, but in some cases can last as little as 8 weeks or can last up to 6 months. Over time, you will notice the results of the treatment begin to fade, gradually returning your appearance to its pre-treatment state. 

Immediately afterwards, minor side effects such as redness, swelling and bruising are common. The treated area may also feel tender. These effects usually last two to three days and will not prevent you from returning to work or resuming other normal activities immediately after leaving the clinic.

You may not see a change straight away. The toxin takes about two to three days to start working, and it can take up to two weeks to see the full effect.

The results of anti-wrinkle treatment are not permanent. For best results, it is recommended to repeat treatments every three to four months. After repeated treatments, the results tend to last longer, so treatments can be spaced every five to six months.

All patients are advised to: 

• Not lie down and avoid vigorous exercise for 4 hours after treatment. 
• Avoid makeup to the area for 12 hours. 
• Not massage or rub their face for 24 hours.
• Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours. 
• Avoid hot baths, showers, using a spa or sauna for 48 hours.
• Avoid sunbathing (including using sunbeds) and the sauna for 2 weeks.

The way our bodies respond to muscle relaxants can vary. Some people may need more product than others to achieve the desired effect. At the DJ Clinic, we offer a free follow-up visit and top-up service. Follow-up appointments are available between two and three weeks after your treatment, should you feel you need one.

Why a follow-up matters. Botulinum toxin does not reach its full effect immediately—it typically takes up to two weeks for the full result to develop. A follow-up at the two-to-three-week mark allows your practitioner to assess how the treatment has settled and whether any areas need a small additional dose. This is particularly useful for first-time patients, as it helps establish how your individual muscles respond and informs dosing for future treatments.

What to expect at the appointment. Your practitioner will review the treated areas, discuss whether the results meet your expectations, and determine whether a top-up is appropriate. Top-ups are usually small, targeted amounts rather than a full repeat treatment. It is worth noting that a top-up is not always necessary—if you are happy with the result, no further action is needed.

A note on timing. Attending your follow-up within the recommended window is important, as having a top-up too early may increase the risk of the product spreading beyond the intended area, while waiting too long may mean the original treatment has already begun to wear off. If you have any concerns before your follow-up, contact the clinic rather than waiting.

Unfortunately, a top-up after 4 weeks would not be appropriate.