In South Africa, Generation Xers grew up in the sun, notes ELSA KRÜGER, and today may be regretting neglect of their skin. Fortunately they can choose any of several anti-ageing solutions – and still retain their natural look.
As green leaves turn brown and dry and drop to the earth after a blistering summer, autumn is the perfect time to refresh and restore, to remove the evidence of hours spent in the sun and its skin-ageing effects.
Perhaps you find yourself in the autumn years of your life. If you’ve completed about six decades under the sun, the latest aesthetic procedures are designed with you in mind, to make you look as good as possible.
Are you a Gen Xer? As you and other members of Generation X approach a golden autumn, the quest for a youthful appearance – and the confidence that brings – is more vigorous than ever.
Born between 1965 and 1980, this generation stands between Baby Boomers and Millennials and is often labelled the ‘forgotten’ or ‘invisible’ group. But now Gen X is reclaiming its visibility, and the latest non-invasive anti-ageing trends are helping it to do so. Unlike the Baby Boomers, Gen Xers are not pursuing radical transformation; they are focusing on restoration and refreshment, intent on enhancing their natural beauty rather than making sweeping changes.
With a blend of caution and open- mindedness, they are redefining what it means to look and feel youthful.
The latest trends in non-invasive aesthetic procedures are tailored to meet the specific (but not exclusive) needs and desires of this demanding and dynamic demographic.
THE GENTLE APPROACH TO AGEING
Many people prefer not to erase all signs of ageing, but rather to refine and rejuvenate.
“They want a ‘glow-up’, something that makes them look refreshed without altering their identity. It’s a movement towards looking healthier rather than ‘done’,” explains Dr Samela Sunder, a leading facial plastic surgeon in the USA, quoted in an article in the magazine Allure.
Aesthetic clients are increasingly concerned about appearing ‘fake’ or ‘plastic’. Their approach is heavily influenced by their earlier sun-worshipping habits and many are now seeking to reverse skin damage from years of UV exposure.
They are also leaning more towards advanced treatments that promise results without compromising authenticity, preferring low-maintenance skincare that
enhances the quality and texture of their skin and allows them to wear less make-up while projecting a natural glow. This trend applies to both men and women who are now looking back with regret on a reckless youth of sea and sun, and zero sun protection.
Says Somerset West aesthetic practitioner Dr Gerhard van Niekerk, “Clients nowadays are often unsure exactly how to approach the myriad new treatment options and modalities. A consultation with an aesthetic practitioner, dermatologist or plastic surgeon for guidance to an area- and problem-focused approach is a good starting point.”
THE RISING STARS OF NON-INVASIVE PROCEDURES
Botox: not just for wrinkles Long regarded as the gold standard in non-invasive aesthetics, Botox is evolving in its applications. While its primary function remains to smooth away wrinkles, its versatility has expanded.
It can be used for brow lifts, shaping the lips with the ‘lip flip’ technique and even for altering facial contours. These new techniques avoid overly dramatic changes, ensuring that results look natural.
Botox is also finding a place in neck treatments by targeting the tight vertical cords that can develop with age. This innovative application can temporarily smooth out these cords, contributing to a more youthful appearance. As Dr Van Niekerk explains, neck rejuvenation remains challenging for any anti-ageing professional due to the multi-layered causes of decay. “On the skin’s surface, decay starts with wrinkling, loss of collagen and elastin, pigmentation and sun damage. Beneath the skin, structures like muscles and tendons lose their firmness.”
Fillers: sculpting the natural look Facial fillers are popular because they restore volume and enhance facial contours without looking overdone. Clients are opting for fillers to subtly improve areas such as tear troughs and jaw lines, with an emphasis on creating structure and balance rather than volume overload. Innovative techniques like the ‘fern pattern’ give immediate results without significant bruising, allowing practitioners to fill dynamic lines while maintaining the skin’s flexibility and natural appearance.
Dr Van Niekerk points out that subtly lifting the corners of the mouth and removing ‘marionette’ lines (the vertical lines running from the corners of the mouth down to the jaw line) with various densities of filler is an excellent starting point for erasing a sad and worried look.
Laser treatments: targeting damage For many reformed sun worshippers, laser treatments have become the go-to method for reversing sun damage and other skin issues. Popular brands like Halo and Fraxel are often used for their effectiveness in improving the overall texture and quality of the skin without extensive downtime. Light-based treatments such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or BroadBand Light (BBL) help to rejuvenate the skin by addressing pigmentation and stimulating the production of collagen.
Ultrasound technology: lifting made easy Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen deep within the skin, effectively lifting and tightening areas such as the neck, jaw line and brow. This procedure offers non-invasive lifting that targets deeper layers of tissue, making it a preferred choice for those not ready for surgical solutions.
LED therapy: radiance from within LED light therapy has emerged as another promising area in anti-ageing treatments. By improving circulation and reducing inflammation, LED therapy promotes collagen growth and helps diminish fine lines, resulting in a fresh complexion that glows. This exciting, fast-developing technology is ideal for those seeking holistic skincare solutions.
LED masks for home use have become quite the rage. A user may look like an alien or the Phantom of the Opera while wearing one, but this form of light treatment has proven to be effective in rejuvenating skin. Settings include red light for regeneration and collagen stimulation, blue light for acne and oily skin, green light for dark spots and discoloured skin, and pink light to help serums and skincare products absorb and penetrate to the deeper layers of the dermis. Be sure to invest in the real thing and not a cheap imitation, which may not deliver the desired results.
Ozempic and its impact Ozempic leads to notable weight loss, but it also produces another result: the ‘Ozempic face’. Although significant weight loss can lead to enhanced health, it often comes with a loss in facial volume. That’s where facelifts come in. Many in Gen X are turning to more traditional options, such as facelifts, to address loose skin following a dramatic weight loss. The only way to get rid of slack skin is with the scalpel.
“A proper evaluation of the face and neck determines whether surgery is indicated,” says Dr Van Niekerk. “Sagging and the loss of firmness in skin can be treated non-surgically, but excess skin usually needs to be removed by surgical intervention.”
Argireline: the at-home alternative For those looking for more accessible anti-ageing solutions, Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a cream that offers Botox-like effects.
This peptide helps to reduce expression lines and is being touted as a viable option for those not keen on injections.
Biostimulators: slowly building beauty Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) is an innovative treatment that acts as a biostimulator, encouraging the body to produce its own collagen. “A biostimulator reignites the body’s own collagen- and elastin-producing cells (fibroblasts) to recreate a network of collagen and elastin fibres like the one we used to have when we were younger,” explains Dr Van Niekerk. Patients report firmer, more resilient skin without the ‘pillow face’ that often accompanies traditional fillers. The results wrap around the entire face without drastic changes, preserving the client’s natural appearance.
Micro-needling with RF: a dual approach Radio-frequency (RF) micro-needling combines the benefits of micro-needling and radio-frequency energy to encourage collagen growth while improving the skin’s surface and tightening it. It is particularly useful for those concerned about delicate areas like the neck. This dual-action treatment addresses a spectrum of ageing signs while enhancing overall skin texture.
Skin boosters and peels: quick fixes For those in need of swift rejuvenation, injectable skin boosters provide deep hydration and an immediate glow that refreshes tired skin. There is a wide choice of injectable products that rehydrate and rejuvenate a dehydrated summer skin, giving it an instant radiant glow. The bonus of skin boosters, according to Dr Van Niekerk, is that the improvement is progressively visible over months.
Gentle peels offer transformative exfoliation that brightens the complexion without extensive recovery time, often achieving a sought-after ‘glass skin’ finish.
THE TAKEAWAY
The latest trends in non-invasive aesthetic procedures offer exciting possibilities for looking and feeling youthful without compromising one’s identity or authenticity. Generation X clients embrace advanced techniques, including Botox, fillers, lasers and various other technology-driven treatments, but they also critically evaluate what will allow them to enhance their natural beauty artfully.
Confirming this tendency, Dr Van Niekerk says, “A growing trend among clients is to seek professional help for rejuvenation that is barely noticeable and to choose anti-ageing procedures that give a natural, individualised and refreshed look.”
As clients navigate these options, the goals remain clear: to restore confidence, refresh their look and maintain a sense of self. This commitment to authenticity over artificiality showcases a compelling new narrative in the world of beauty – a tale of rejuvenation tailored perfectly for the contemporary individual ready to reclaim their vibrancy.
In today’s era of rapid advancement and endless choices, aesthetic clients are poised to redefine the ageing process. The best may be yet to come.