Aesthetic devices

The science of prejuvenation

An increasing number of under-35s are looking to future-proof their skin, with aesthetic devices offering a preventative alternative to reactive anti-ageing treatments. Ellen Cummings gets the expert lowdown

More clients are realising they no longer need to wait for visible signs of ageing before taking action on their skin’s long-term health. Instead of reacting to lines, laxity or loss of radiance once they appear, a growing number of under-35s are choosing to focus on maintaining skin health and resilience earlier on. This shift has been supported by a wider range of aesthetic devices designed to work with the skin’s natural regenerative capacity, offering preventative benefits without altering facial structure.

However, as opportunities for early intervention increase, so too does the responsibility on practitioners. Navigating prejuvenation requires careful judgement, distinguishing education from hype, and genuine skin need from anxiety-driven demand.

What prejuvenation really means

Prejuvenation is often misunderstood as “anti-ageing early”, but experts are clear that this framing misses the point. “From a clinical perspective, prejuvenation refers to early, informed intervention aimed at preserving skin structure and function before significant degeneration occurs,” explains aesthetic doctor Dr Priya Verma, founder of Art Clinic in Belgravia. “In clients aged 35 and under, this is not about reversing ageing, but about supporting collagen production, elastin integrity and cellular turnover when the skin still has a strong regenerative capacity.”

This preventative mindset is very different from treating older clients. “This differs fundamentally from treating established ageing later in life, where we are often addressing volume loss, laxity and architectural change. Prejuvenation is preventative and maintenance-led, whereas later interventions are more corrective,” Dr Verma adds.

Amy Peterson, medical aesthetician and founder of Skincare by Amy Peterson in Miami, echoes this skin-first philosophy. “For me, prejuvenation is really about taking care of the skin before it’s asking for help. In clients under 35, preventative ageing isn’t about fixing anything, it’s about maintaining what’s already working; healthy collagen, good elasticity and a strong barrier.”

Plastic surgeon Dr Yannis Alexandrides, founder and medical director of 111 Harley St, adds that while the term may feel new, the principle is not. “Prejuvenation is not a new concept, but in the past few years, it has gathered a lot of momentum. It's basically the concept that people, instead of waiting until they see signs of ageing to address this, decide to invest earlier in life on treatments, skincare and minimally invasive procedures, in order to stay one step ahead of ageing.”

The concerns driving demand

Despite fears of early ageing, experts agree that genuine biological ageing is often marginal in this age group. “For the patients in their late 20s or early 30s visiting me in clinic, the most common concerns I see are loss of radiance, early fine lines, textural irregularities, dehydration, impaired skin barrier and early pigmentary changes,” says Dr Verma. “True biological ageing is often minimal at this stage. More frequently, these concerns reflect lifestyle factors, such as chronic stress, disrupted sleep, UV exposure, pollution, over-exfoliation or barrier damage, rather than intrinsic ageing.”

Peterson sees similar patterns. “Most younger clients aren’t worried about wrinkles. They’re worried about breakouts, redness, pigmentation, or that their skin just doesn’t look as good as it should. A lot of what they’re seeing has more to do with inflammation, lifestyle, hormones or stress than ageing. They want their skin to look clear, even and healthy – not ‘done’.”

Dr Alexandrides highlights the eye area as a particular point of focus. “Younger patients are concerned about loss of elasticity and texture of the skin, especially the area around the eyes, where first signs of ageing usually appear. Fine lines, pigmentation changes and overall loss of radiant skin are some of the early signs of ageing.”

Crucially, all three experts stress the importance of distinguishing temporary skin conditions from structural change. “It's a very important step to do proper diagnostics before treating a patient,” says Dr Alexandrides. “There are conditions that are only temporary, such as skin dehydration, redness, inflammation, acne or early signs of pigmentation.”

Incorporating aesthetic devices

For beauty therapists, device-led treatments can form the backbone of ethical prejuvenation. “Non-invasive and minimally invasive devices can play a valuable supportive role in preventative ageing, provided treatments are well-indicated and expectations are realistic,” says Dr Verma.

Energy-based devices, when used conservatively, can enhance skin quality. She explains, “Energy-based devices can help improve skin quality, firmness and collagen stimulation without altering facial structure. Non-ablative laser rejuvenation and microneedling treatments are certainly safe, effective, well-tolerated and deliver results with a consistent, optimised treatment plan in place.”

Peterson emphasises function over instant gratification. “Devices can be incredibly supportive when they’re used to strengthen skin function rather than chase instant results. Early intervention should feel like you’re encouraging the skin, not pushing it.”

Dr Alexandrides agrees, noting that technology continues to play a leading role. “LED is one of my favourite treatments, especially with clinic-based LED, which delivers the highest intensity but also in the right combinations to treat different conditions, such as ageing, inflammation, or preparing the skin for in-clinic treatments.”

Choosing the right technologies

When it comes to prejuvenation, collagen banking is a recurring theme. “The objective should be on fibroblast stimulation and effectively banking collagen,” says Dr Verma. “I am a firm believer in focusing on this premise in younger age category patients, using microneedling and exosomes for gentle stimulation of the dermis to promote skin integrity.”

Heat-based technologies also have a role, but only when used cautiously. “More heat does not mean better results,” she adds. “We need to be judicious in our use of heat in the younger patient, being careful not to tip into the realms of inflammation and extracellular matrix stiffening.”

Dr Alexandrides notes that collagen-stimulating treatments tend to work particularly well in younger skin. “A treatment such as microneedling works better on younger and healthier skin, as the potential for the stem cells of the skin to enhance collagen is much more powerful in younger skin than in mature skin.”

Peterson favours combination approaches: “Laser for tone and texture, microneedling for collagen stimulation. It’s the synergy that matters,” she says.

Results, expectations and longevity

Across the board, the experts are clear that prejuvenation results should be low-key. “The outcomes of device-led prejuvenation should be subtle, cumulative and maintenance-focused,” says Dr Verma. “Patients can expect improvements in skin texture, firmness, luminosity and resilience, not dramatic ‘anti-ageing’ changes.”

Peterson reinforces this message in consultations. “Preventative treatments improve skin quality, not identity. You might see glow quickly, but the real value is what’s happening underneath.”

Because fibroblast activity is higher in younger skin, results may last longer – but only with restraint. “Younger skin responds more predictably and efficiently to collagen-stimulating technologies,” says Dr Verma. “Lower energies, longer intervals and fewer sessions are often sufficient. Over-treatment risks unnecessary inflammation.”

Dr Alexandrides typically recommends an initial series followed by maintenance. “For most treatments, four to six sessions as an initial booster are enough, and following that, once every three to six months is appropriate. Treatments such as LED light can be used more frequently.”

Ethical considerations

Perhaps the most important part of prejuvenation is knowing when not to treat. “I would advise delaying or declining treatment when concerns are disproportionate to clinical findings – driven by comparison culture, or rooted in anxiety rather than objective skin change,” says Dr Verma. “Saying no is sometimes the most ethical treatment decision.”

Dr Alexandrides is equally direct. “Remember, just because you can have a treatment, doesn't mean you need a treatment, and over-treating the skin can create inflammation.”

Peterson describes her role as editor, not escalator: “Just because we can do more doesn’t mean we should. My job is to slow things down and edit. The best results usually come from doing less, but doing it really well.”

Dr Verma also advises that any marketing should avoid fear-based language and unrealistic claims, adding, “Messaging should focus on skin health, resilience, maintenance and evidence-based outcomes.”

For Dr Alexandrides, education is the antidote to pressure. “I believe that marketing with an aggressive tone for younger patients is the wrong approach… relying on education and advocating a multicultural and multipolar approach to beauty is my philosophy.”

The future of prejuvenation

Looking ahead, the experts predict a more refined, regenerative approach. “Over the next decade, I expect energy-based devices to become more targeted, lower trauma and increasingly regenerative,” says Dr Verma.

Peterson believes that the best work will remain invisible. “The future of preventative ageing is intelligent, layered and subtle… really good skin.”

Ultimately, prejuvenation is not about stopping time, but about supporting skin to function at its best, for longer. For practitioners, success lies not in how much is done early, but in how thoughtfully it is done.