Zoom, Skype and other video conferencing tools have been essential for many of us to stay connected during this year of change. One of the side effects however, is that lots of ‘zoomers’ are not happy with their intense close ups and extra scrutiny of their faces.

Cosmetic surgeons and beauticians have apparently been inundated with calls for appointments to rectify these issues, and many are fully booked for the foreseeable future.

I think lots of us are perhaps too self-critical, seeing things which bother us that no one else even notices. Before you rush into any dramatic invasive and expensive procedures, why not consider other non-invasive ideas that might just give you a little tweak.

Retinoids
Retinol, which comes from the retinoid family, is derived from Vitamin A and are great for helping clear acne, fade dark spots and soften wrinkles. Skin experts agree that the correct use of retinols can certainly make the skin appear fresher, clearer and smoother; not bad for a topical product.

Of course, the strength in the retinol also plays a big part. 2% is the highest content in products – anything higher will need a prescription – and the most potent is retinoic acid, which is sold as prescription only.

There are many great products you can purchase which will give the same results, but just take a bit longer to achieve, which is not such a bad thing. I advise the first week you try your chosen product on clean, dry skin, perhaps twice or three times. You will soon see if your skin adapts to the product.

Expect some flaky skin initially, which will stop once your skin adapts. If you find it particularly drying you can add moisturiser over the top once the retinol is fully absorbed. Retinol can be used on the face, neck and the back of hands which, after all the extra hand washing, are probably a bit worse for wear.

Here is a sample of the many products out there, starting with one of the more expensive. Medik8 is well-respected in the cosmetic industry and has a complete range. At £135, Medik8 r-Retinoate® is gentler than retinol, yet claims to give eight times the results and can be used twice daily.

One of my favourite ranges is Murad, created by world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad. The Retinol Youth Renewal Serum at £78 is a real treat. A more familiar name, Olay has its Regenerist Retinol24 Night Face moisturiser, which is fragrance free and does not feel greasy.

It’s important to note that any use of retinols leaves your skin more sensitive to the sun, so high factor sun screen is essential during the day when you use one of these products.

Morpheus8
This is a non-surgical procedure, which Judy Murray recently underwent; frankly the results were astounding. It’s great that Judy was honest about having the treatment, unlike many celebrities who try to hide that they’ve had procedures.

The non-surgical face lift costs approximately £4,500. For Judy it required three appointments of thirty to forty minutes taken over seven months, and is supposedly pain free after the application of numbing cream.

The micro-needles inject radio frequency energy into the skin with a series of tiny needles, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. Radio frequency heat shrink wraps and tightens the skin. This procedure can be used on the face, neck and body, and the full effect takes a few weeks.

Whatever you decide to do about products or procedures, make sure you proceed with caution and take the time to do your own research. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and only you should make decisions about altering the way you look.