Tried and tested: treatment that isn't skin deep

WHAT I TRIED Radio Frequency Treatment at EuroMed Clinic, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai

WHAT I WANTED To test one of the latest anti-ageing treatments without going under the surgeon's knife - and of course, like every woman, radiant, glowing and "new you, new year" skin.

WHAT HAPPENED "This Radio Frequency Treatment," my therapist Rebecca Treston explained, "is a non-invasive way of tightening loose or lax skin around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, mouth, jawline, jowls and also the area under the chin. It will reduce fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores and improve skin tone."

"Bingo!" I thought as I jumped eagerly onto the treatment bed. Though I still tick the "30-35" box, this treatment is ideal for any age, though it is most often performed on people in their early 40s. But for those of us who are younger, the occasional treatment can act as a preventive measure against the early signs of ageing.

The treatment started with Rebecca placing a small metal plate under my back (thus allowing the radio frequency current to flow) before applying a cooling, protective gel to my face. She then used a long thin metal rod to slowly circle and massage my skin. It's a very gentle procedure but the rod does get very hot - a bit like a hot stone massage but on your face. Rebecca worked on one half of my face and let me have a look for comparison. The results were obvious. The skin around my cheekbones and jawline on the right side looked considerably higher/lifted and more taut than that on my left side. As Rebecca explained, as we age collagen begins to slacken, leading to wrinkles and looser-looking skin. Radio frequency will come to the rescue by destroying existing collagen to wake up the cells so they produce the proteins more efficiently.

THE RESULTS Plumper, firmer and tighter skin. My face was slightly pink after the treatment but I could see the uplifting effect immediately. Even after a few weeks my skin looks clear and fresh and I've been told I have a "glow". Whether this is due to my recent wedding or radio frequency, I'm not sure, but this treatment certainly has rejuvenating benefits.

Dh1,500 per session and Dh7,000 for six sessions. Throughout January, first-time clients will receive 50 per cent off their first session. EuroMed Clinic, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, 04 394 5422.