THE JOURNAL
Illustration by Mr Andrea Mongia
Last year, Silicon Valley heavyweights Messrs Sergey Brin, Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel all invested in research programs involving one thing: immortality. But while dodging death might be on the agenda eventually, anti-ageing is as close as the research – a mix of intravenous ingredients and atmospheric technology – has gone at the moment. Many innovative treatments and tech are now being utilised in the grooming game, with an increasing amount of products engineered to make you look younger and feel stronger. The future is here: we are officially in the age of biohacking. But what is that exactly?
“Biohacking is basically applying scientific knowledge to fundamentally ‘hack’ your own body,” explains cosmetic specialist Dr Wassim Taktouk, known for his platelet-rich plasma facials (more on that later). “Biohacking is particularly beneficial for grooming, where we can utilise specific biomimetic ingredients and technologies on our skin to upgrade its health, function and appearance.”
Complicated, we know, so let’s break it down with a few new products, procedures and treatments to bring you and your skin up to speed.
01.
Boost up with epidermal energy
111Skin is no stranger to innovation (it makes anti-ageing serums originally intended for astronauts after all), but its Cryo ATP Sports Booster might just take the trophy when it comes to biohacking brilliance. The base of the booster, ATP (adenosine triphosphate), is an epigenetic (meaning it influences gene expression) ingredient that bio-mimics cellular energy to stimulate metabolic processes in the skin. A mouthful, yes, but it is basically like a work-out supplement for your face, able to rev up natural repair mechanisms. If your skin is looking tired, not responding well to serums or just generally needs a “boost”, give this a go.
02.
Try mesotherapy
If you want skin so good it practically offends people, try mesotherapy. A cocktail of nutrients and epigenetic ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (a dehydration destroyer), coenzyme Q10 (an anti-ageing powerhouse) and glutathione (a master antioxidant) get injected into the meso, or middle layers of the skin. Far more effective than a topical serum due to the high active levels and ability to go straight into the skin, mesotherapy is the equivalent of a vitamin-heavy green juice – just for your face. We recommend Dr Nima, whose technique is as painless as it is effective. The proof is in the pudding, a few rather red days later.
03.
Let there be Light (therapy)
You’d think something as basic as light had no biohacking capabilities but alas, you’d be wrong. LED light therapy harnesses different wavelengths of light – red, blue, green and yellow – to penetrate the skin at different levels, promoting specific benefits. Looking haggard? Red light. Acne ridden? Blue light. Pigmentation? Green light. Inflamed? Try yellow. LED is an easy, non-invasive way to make a difference to your skin without irritating it, but it does require a few sessions to notice results.
04.
Your personal nutrition prescription
Biohacking isn’t always about triggering your skin with ingredients or technology. To start with, it can just be about understanding your body. Nutritionist Ms Sana Khan, a walking encyclopedia of biological knowledge, offers various diagnostic tests such as allergies, intolerances, genetics, nutrient and heavy metal toxicity. Then later, a non-invasive tissue scan, can detect the mineral levels in your tissue and get to the bottom of many ailments. Feeling tired? Your magnesium is probably low. Ms Khan then prescribes supplements, vitamin infusions and intramuscular injections to solve whatever state you may be in. Simple but effective (really, it changed this writer’s life).
05.
The biohacking body cream
The cult moisturiser of the moment has received the body treatment, with the buttery formula found in Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream still as, well, rich as ever.
A biotech research and stem-cell specialist, Prof Bader sought out to support the skin’s renewal processes, resulting in the brands signature trigger complex of amino acids, vitamins and synthesised molecules. Combined with shea butter and natural oils, apply the cream all over and watch your skin shape up, particularly in winter when skin becomes especially parched.
06.
Forget the bad blood
Ever heard of the vampire facial? A treatment that has become famous in the last few years, the headline-making procedure draws out a small amount of blood, before extracting the PRP (platelet-rich plasma) within it. The plasma, rich in everything your skin needs (growth factors and antioxidants), then gets very lightly injected into the face, biohacking your skin to induce repair processes. It sounds painful, and it isn’t pleasant, but after a week the results mean that a standard facial simply won’t cut it anymore. Try Dr Taktouk at the Rita Rakus Clinic in Knightsbridge, whose steady hand and vast knowledge will immediately put you at ease.
07.
The supplement solution
A comprehensive supplement is hard to come by, particularly one catered towards men. Perhaps that is why THE GREY, a sleek skincare brand formulated just for men, launched such a system. Its “one packet a day” system contains eight pills, each focused on different reparative processes in the body that are subsequently reflected in the skin. Packed with biohacking ingredients, vitamins and minerals, it is an easy solution to deal with ageing, detoxification and general health.