On an icy dicey high

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Model Cara Delivingne says it’s her secret; the X-factor behind those flawless cheekbones and unearthly skin, despite a hectic schedule and hours of late night partying. Brit beauty Lisa Snowdon endorses its miracle effects. Other celebrity models and actors are also warming to it — an ironic term to use, as the phenomenon is all about freezing.

It is the magic beauty trick of the moment that’s responsible for those stunning rampwalk images: freeze face-lifts. Aesthetic dermatologist Dr Nishita Sheth explains, “They’re popularly known as Venus Freeze Facials, and achieves quite spectacular results for skin tightening and facial contouring to the face and neck. You can achieve tighter pores and firm skin. The unique technology used in this non-invasive treatment combines radio frequency treatment with magnetic pulses, that stimulate the skin to produce collagen and elastin to tighten skin.”
And it’s a perfectly healthy, temporary solution, adds Dr Satish Bhartia. “The basic process is to simulate the fibro-blast and tighten the collagen. The effects last for close to four to six months, and this is completely different from botox surgeries,” he says.
Can it be proven effective in an Indian context? “I’m entirely for healthy methods to improve one’s skin,” remarks former Miss World runner-up and actress Paravathy Omanakuttan. “We have to keep in mind that the fashion scene in Milan or New York is very different from India. The emphasis is on the design and the models sport a clean look, without much make-up. But, in India, heavy make-up is necessary to complement the dress — so such skin-enhancing techniques might remain unproven,” she adds.
Others though say they might completely shy away from it, such as model Julia Datt. “As a former beauty journalist, I am familiar with the ‘freeze facial’ concept. I myself do not endorse this procedure as it causes thermal damage to the epidermis, which causes the skin to be in a constant state of healing. This is detrimental to health in the long run. It’s always been a slippery slope — where does one draw the line with cosmetic procedures?” she asks.
Akriti Sachdev, of Mesmereyes Makeup, says that this is an acceptable trend, “By enhancing circulation, it supplies vitamins, minerals and more oxygen to the skin cells. The skin looks fresh and rested at the end of it.”