We know about serums, creams and SPF. But what actually happens when you take your skin routine one step further?
Glowing skin isn’t always about finding another serum or adding another step to your morning routine. Sometimes, your skin needs something beyond the bathroom shelf. From treatments that encourage collagen production to therapies that target uneven tone, texture and signs of sun damage, professional skin treatments can offer a more targeted approach to getting that healthy-looking glow.
The right treatment, however, depends on what your skin actually needs. A treatment that works beautifully for pigmentation may not be the best choice for sensitive skin, acne or loss of firmness. Dermatologists also stress that there isn’t one cosmetic treatment that works for everyone, and the best results often come from combining a good everyday skincare routine with treatments chosen for your individual concerns.
If you’re curious about taking your skincare routine beyond creams and serums, these are some of the most useful treatments to know about.
Chemical Peels
If dullness, uneven tone or rough texture is making your skin look tired, a chemical peel can be a good place to start.
Chemical peels use a solution applied to the skin to remove damaged outer layers and encourage fresher-looking skin underneath. Depending on the type and strength of the peel, dermatologists use them to address concerns including dull complexion, uneven pigmentation, some types of acne, fine lines, rough skin and sun damage. They can leave the skin looking brighter, smoother and more even once it has healed.
There isn’t just one type of peel either. Light or “lunchtime” peels tend to involve less downtime, while medium and deep peels are more intensive and require longer recovery. Your dermatologist can recommend the right option based on your skin and the result you’re hoping to achieve.
One thing worth remembering is that a peel isn’t something to experiment with at home. The American Academy of Dermatology advises having chemical peels performed under the supervision of a trained, licensed professional, as the wrong strength or application can cause burns, pigmentation changes or scarring.
Best for: Dullness, uneven skin tone, rough texture, pigmentation and some signs of sun damage.
Microneedling
Microneedling has become one of the more talked-about treatments for a reason. Instead of simply exfoliating the surface of the skin, it works by creating tiny controlled punctures that trigger the body’s natural healing response and encourage collagen production.
The treatment can help improve the appearance of acne scars, uneven texture, large pores, fine lines, wrinkles and some pigmentation concerns. Over time, increased collagen production can make the skin look smoother and more even. Dermatologists also refer to it as collagen induction therapy.
It’s also one of the treatments that can work across different skin tones when performed properly. That doesn’t mean everyone is automatically a candidate, though. Your skin needs to be assessed first, particularly if you’re dealing with active inflammation or another skin condition.
And while at-home microneedling tools are widely available, they’re not equivalent to professional treatment. The AAD warns that devices that penetrate the skin can increase the risk of irritation, infection, scarring and changes in skin colour when used incorrectly.
Best for: Uneven texture, acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores and skin that has lost some of its smoothness.
LED Red Light Therapy
For anyone who wants a gentler option, red light therapy is worth knowing about.
Also known as photobiomodulation, red light therapy uses red or near-infrared light and is non-invasive, meaning there are no needles and generally no downtime. Dermatologists may use it as part of a wider treatment plan for concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, redness and some signs of ageing.
The appeal is partly its simplicity. Red light can be used in a dermatologist’s clinic, while lower-powered LED masks and devices are also available for home use. Research suggests that red-light devices may produce improvements in areas such as fine lines, rough texture, redness and dark spots, although results vary and more research is still needed to understand exactly how effective different home devices are.
It’s best thought of as a supporting treatment rather than a miracle fix. Dermatologists often use red light alongside other treatments, such as skincare, microneedling or chemical peels.
Best for: A subtle boost in skin smoothness, redness, fine lines and overall skin appearance.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments can sound intimidating, but they’re actually used for a wide range of skin concerns. The key is choosing the right type of laser for your particular skin and what you want to address.
Depending on the treatment, lasers can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, redness, uneven pigmentation and some forms of sun damage. Laser resurfacing can also improve skin texture and tighten the skin by encouraging the production of collagen as the skin heals.
Some laser treatments involve little downtime, while resurfacing treatments can require several days of recovery. The more intensive the treatment, the more important it is to have a proper consultation beforehand.
This is particularly important for deeper skin tones. The AAD notes that darker skin can have a higher risk of burns and dark marks after certain laser treatments, so it’s worth choosing a dermatologist who has experience treating your skin tone.
Best for: Sun damage, pigmentation, redness, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture.
Radiofrequency Skin Treatments
If your idea of glowing skin also includes a little more firmness, radiofrequency treatments are another option to explore.
Radiofrequency uses controlled heat to reach deeper layers of the skin. The aim is to encourage collagen and elastin production, which can help improve firmness and the appearance of loose skin over time. Dermatologists also use radiofrequency treatments for concerns such as acne scarring.
There are different forms of radiofrequency treatment, including non-invasive radiofrequency and radiofrequency microneedling. The latter combines the collagen-stimulating effects of microneedling with radiofrequency energy delivered through the needles.
Because RF microneedling is a medical procedure rather than a simple beauty treatment, choosing an experienced professional matters. The AAD issued a safety statement in 2025 following an FDA safety communication about potential risks associated with certain uses of RF microneedling, so this is definitely one to discuss properly with a qualified dermatologist rather than booking based purely on a social media trend.
Best for: Loss of firmness, mild skin laxity, uneven texture and some types of acne scarring.
The Glow Is Still About More Than a Treatment
Professional treatments can give your skincare routine a more targeted approach, but they aren’t a replacement for the basics. Daily sun protection, moisturising and a routine suited to your skin type still matter.
In fact, dermatologists often recommend combining in-office treatments with a consistent skincare routine rather than relying on one procedure to do everything. Sun protection is especially important after treatments that make the skin more sensitive, and it also helps prevent further pigmentation and sun damage.
And perhaps that’s the biggest shift in the way we think about a skin glow. It’s less about chasing perfectly glass-like skin and more about getting your skin to a place where it looks healthy, even and cared for.
The best treatment isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the one currently trending online. It’s the one that makes sense for your skin, your concerns and the result you actually want. A consultation with a qualified dermatologist can help you work that out before you commit to anything.
Because sometimes the best glow-up isn’t another product. It’s knowing what your skin actually needs.
