What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox is a prescription-only, medical-grade treatment that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles by blocking nerve signals. It softens dynamic wrinkles, revealing a naturally refreshed appearance while preserving facial expression.

How long do Botox results last?

Typically, Botox results last 3 to 4 months, though individual factors such as metabolism and muscle strength can influence longevity.

What are dermal fillers and what do they treat?

Dermal fillers are injectable gels used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours such as lips, cheeks, and jawline, creating a youthful, natural look.

How long do dermal filler results last?

Results vary depending on the type of filler but typically last between 6 to 18 months.

What is microneedling and what are its benefits?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment using fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production. It improves skin texture, reduces scars, fine lines, and promotes overall skin rejuvenation.

What is skin rejuvenation treatment?

Skin rejuvenation includes a variety of treatments designed to improve skin tone, texture, and appearance, such as chemical peels, laser therapies, and medical-grade skincare.

Are these treatments safe?

Yes, all treatments are performed by our experienced doctor in a professional clinic environment, ensuring safety, precision, and natural-looking results.

Is there downtime after these treatments?

Most treatments require minimal to no downtime. Some patients may experience mild redness or swelling that usually resolves within a few days.

Why You Shouldn’t Shop for Skincare at Sephora (And What to Do Instead)

7 May

Written By Caroline Warden

In a world where skincare aisles glitter with promise and Instagrammable packaging, it’s tempting to believe that a glowing complexion is just one Sephora purchase away. BUT here’s the honest truth. If you’re serious about your skin, it’s time to look beyond the beauty hall.

At Dr Caroline Warden Skin & Aesthetic Clinic we believe in evidence backed skincare, not just skincare that smells nice or looks pretty on your shelf. Here's why you should skip Sephora (and similar beauty retailers- Space NK i’m looking at you too!) and invest in clinically-proven, results-driven skincare guided by a medical practitioner.

1. You’re Paying Premium Prices for Fancy Packaging

That minimalist bottle and rose-gold cap? You’re not just paying for what’s inside you're paying for branding, influencer campaigns, and luxurious unboxing experiences. Most high-end beauty store products prioritise aesthetic appeal over clinical efficacy.

Meanwhile, medical-grade skincare like Obagi spends its budget on ingredient stability, delivery systems, and rigorous testing not marketing fluff.

2. Over-the-Counter Products Can’t Deliver Medical-Grade Results

The products sold in beauty stores are legally restricted to low concentrations of active ingredients, otherwise, they’d be classed as pharmaceuticals. That means you’re often applying watered-down versions of what your skin actually needs.

Only through a registered clinic can you access therapeutic levels of ingredients like:

Retinoids (not just “retinol”)
High-potency active Vitamin C as ‘L-ascorbic acid’
Hydroquinone or tyrosinase inhibitors for pigmentation
Professional-strength acids for true exfoliation and cell turnover

3. One-Size-Fits-All Doesn't Work for Skin

Skin is complex, dynamic, and deeply individual. At Sephora, you’re likely guided by sales assistants (not trained skin professionals) or left to figure it out yourself based on TikTok and instagram trends.

At our clinic, we conduct in-depth consultations, assess your skin under medical-grade analysis, and design personalised protocols with targeted ingredients based on your specific needs whether that’s melasma, acne scarring, rosacea, or premature aging.

4. Ingredients Without Delivery Systems Are Wasted

Even if a product lists impressive ingredients, they’re useless without the right delivery system. Medical-grade products are formulated to penetrate the dermis, not just sit on the surface.

For example:

Our vitamin C serums are pH-optimized to ensure stability and absorption
Peptides are encapsulated for time-release delivery
Retinoids are buffered to reduce irritation while maintaining efficacy

5. Trust the Experts, Not the Influencers

What works for someone online may not work for your skin and even worse, it may actively harm it. We see clients weekly who’ve damaged their barrier function, worsened pigmentation, or triggered breakouts using over-the-counter products they were “influenced” into buying.

Your skin deserves more than guesswork. At Dr Caroline Warden we only recommend evidence-based products that we’ve personally vetted and clinically tested, because your results are our reputation.

Ready for Skin That Reflects Your Standards?

Don’t waste another penny on skincare that doesn’t serve you. Book your consultation with us today and discover what true luxury skincare really feels like, tailored and transformative.

Learn more about skincare

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We Are Local To:

Alderley Edge, Altrincham, Bowdon, Bramhall, Hale Barns, Knutsford, Manchester, Mobberley, Sale, Timperley, Urmston, Wilmslow, Handforth, Poynton, Cheadle, Didsbury