XERF
If Moxi and BBL defined the last wave of energy-based aesthetics, XERF (eXperience Exponential RF) is positioning itself as the tech-led treatment to watch.
Developed in South Korea, XERF is a monopolar radiofrequency device designed to lift and tighten the skin without surgery. What sets it apart from other traditional radiofrequency treatments is its dual-frequency technology, which is designed to target different depths of the skin — its 6.78 MHz frequency is intended to treat more superficial layers, while the lower 2 MHz frequency penetrates deeper into the tissue.
The technology surged in popularity across Korea before gaining FDA clearance in the US last year, where it has quickly gained attention from both practitioners and celebrities like Kim Kardashian. It then launched in the UK in July, after receiving its European CE marketing and regular approval weeks prior.
Unlike injectables, which work by relaxing muscles or restoring lost volume, XERF uses controlled radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) — the same structural layer targeted during a surgical face lift. The immediate heat causes existing collagen fibers to contract for an instant lifting effect, while triggering the production of new collagen and elastin over the following months. The result is firmer, tighter skin.
One of the biggest differences from other tightening treatments on the market is patient comfort. “Monopolar radiofrequency treatment is virtually painless, so most patients don’t even need numbing cream,” says London-based aesthetic practitioner Dr. Michael Moore, noting that others like Thermage and Ultherapy are notoriously uncomfortable. After nearly five decades in practice, Dr. Dray’s Kensington clinic doesn’t introduce new devices lightly, but has recently invested in XERF due to its results. “The fact that we’re introducing this treatment says a lot about how highly we rate it. We’re extremely selective about which technologies we invest in, and XERF is our newest device in many years,” he says.
New-generation injectables
Government-approved peptides
For years, the injectables conversation revolved around two components: Botox and filler. Then, regenerative treatments such as polynucleotides shifted the focus from replacing volume to improving skin quality and becoming one of aesthetics’ biggest success stories. Now, attention is turning to what could become the category’s next breakout innovation: injectable peptides.
Practitioners are currently exploring their ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production in areas such as the face, neck, and under-eyes to improve circulation and support tissue repair. Rather than simply filling or freezing, the goal is to influence the biological signals that tell skin how to regenerate.
Some of the newest peptide formulations are being developed to stimulate pre-adipocytes — the precursor cells that develop into healthy fat tissue. As the popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications continues to reshape aesthetic demand, Dr. Soni believes these treatments could eventually help address one of their most common side effects: the loss of youthful facial fullness.
But peptides remain a controversial and largely emerging category. While some iterations have established medical uses, many of the newer cosmetic and longevity-focused peptides circulating online lack robust clinical evidence and regulatory approval for human consumption. It’s not helped by the rise of unverified suppliers and the darker side of looksmaxxing-driven demand.
Skin boosters
The evolution of injectables is also transforming the wider skin booster category. While many formulations have long combined hyaluronic acid with amino acids, newer generations contain higher concentrations of regenerative ingredients designed to improve skin quality while encouraging tissue repair. “The aim is not only to improve skin quality, but also to repair damaged tissue while delivering that healthy glow and freshness patients are looking for,” says Dr. Soni.
