January can be merciless on your complexion. Harsh weather, disrupted sleep, and the lingering effects of festive indulgence leave skin looking dull and depleted. By this point in winter, even the most committed skincare rituals often fall short. So when television presenter Cat Deeley began discussing an injectable treatment designed to hydrate and illuminate without altering facial structure, it captured attention as a potential winter saviour.
What is Skinvive and How Does It Work?
Deeley recently disclosed that she turns to a treatment called Skincare to achieve a ready-made radiance for her early 5am starts on ITV's This Morning. While not entirely new, this aesthetic procedure is gaining significant traction in 2026. It belongs to the category of skin boosters rather than traditional fillers.
The treatment involves injecting microdroplets of hyaluronic acid into the skin's dermis. This technique creates a reservoir of hydration that helps the skin retain moisture over time. The goal is to enhance texture, elasticity, and overall glow, particularly across the cheeks, without changing the face's shape. Results are reported to last between six and nine months, positioning it as a longer-term solution for dullness and early fine lines.
Putting the Treatment to the Test: A First-Hand Account
Inspired by Cat Deeley's experience, our Beauty Lead underwent the Skinvive procedure with Dr Apul Parikh at his London clinic in November. Deeley had noted in Good Housekeeping that results built steadily, saying: "It definitely took a second [to see the result], but into that first week, I started to notice plumpness and juiciness and general luminosity." She reported that after four weeks, the effects were fully apparent, leaving her skin feeling hydrated and radiant even after those punishing early alarms.
Our tester also witnessed surprisingly swift results. Within a week, her skin appeared fresher, more cushioned, and developed a healthy sheen that didn't require highlighter or a tinted base. Months later, that hydrated, plump look remained strong. Echoing Deeley's observations, makeup application became smoother and existing skincare products seemed to work more effectively.
The Verdict and Investment
Now, three months post-treatment, the benefits are still evident. Having tried various skin boosters, from Profhilo to polynucleotides, our reviewer cites Skinvive as a clear favourite. The experience was compelling enough to recommend to a close friend as a post-maternity leave treat—an endorsement not given lightly.
However, as with many premium aesthetic treatments, it commands a premium price. While Dr Parikh offers skin boosters from £350, Skinvive sits at the higher end of the spectrum. The longevity of the results, however, may justify the investment for those seeking a sustained solution for winter-weary skin.
For those seeking needle-free alternatives to boost hydration, several new product launches offer a topical approach. The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler Glass Skin Liquid Cream Hybrid Serum-Moisturiser promises up to 100 hours of hydration. The Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin targets uneven tone while delivering moisture. Finally, The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex aims to refine texture and impart a post-facial luminosity using plant-derived exosomes.
