How to Future-Proof Your Face, According to Harley Street Expert Alice Henshaw
- Yvette Thomson
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Harley Street expert Alice Henshaw speaks to The Life of Luxury on injectables, skincare and the long game of beauty.
In the age of instant gratification and aesthetic maximalism, it’s tempting to believe that great skin is simply a matter of doing more: more steps, more actives, more tweakments.
But according to Harley Street skin longevity expert Alice Henshaw, that mindset can quietly accelerate the very thing we’re all trying to avoid – premature ageing.
“Your skin doesn’t need constant correction,” says Henshaw. “It needs a consistent, tailored strategy that supports its natural rhythms and evolves with age.”
As the founder of Harley Street Injectables and clinical skincare line SKIN|CYCLES, Henshaw isn’t preaching a minimalist mantra. Instead, she advocates for a comprehensive, well-timed approach – one that uses injectables, skincare, and treatments in harmony to preserve natural beauty over the long term.
The Problem With Over-Doing It
From multi-acid exfoliators and retinoids to stacked filler and repeated laser sessions, today’s beauty culture often champions instant results over long-term resilience. But Henshaw sees the fallout daily.
“We’re seeing skin barrier breakdown, collagen depletion, and facial structure changes – not from neglect, but from overuse,” she explains. “Inflammation is ageing. The goal is to stimulate the skin, not stress it.”
She refers to this as inflammageing – chronic, low-level inflammation caused by aggressive skincare or poorly planned aesthetic treatments. Over time, it undermines both skin quality and facial balance.
Skincare as Strategy: Not Overhaul
Henshaw draws a helpful analogy: “Injectables are like the gym, and skincare is your diet. If you’re only hitting the gym but eating badly, your results will always fall short. The same is true in aesthetics.”
Her skincare line, SKIN|CYCLES, was built around this principle: that long-term skin health depends on respecting the skin’s 28-day renewal rhythm. Its formulas are designed to support correction and regeneration without overwhelming the skin barrier.
“It’s not about using fewer products – it’s about using the right ones in the right sequence, at the right time.”
When it comes to injectables, Henshaw is clear: the issue isn’t the treatment – it’s the intent.
“Used wisely, injectables can enhance your features and delay deeper signs of ageing. Used too often or in the wrong areas, they can distort what makes you look like you.”
Her preference? Treating conservatively, with a clear long-term plan. “Maintenance is key. Strategic dosing, spaced correctly, preserves facial harmony rather than chasing constant change.”
The Skin Longevity Framework
So what does a smart, long-term approach actually look like? According to Henshaw, it includes: Barrier-first thinking.
“Every effective routine should prioritise hydration, repair and daily SPF before introducing high-potency actives.”
“Combine skincare with well-timed in-clinic treatments like microneedling, radiofrequency or skin boosters – but always with professional guidance.”
“Think of injectables as scaffolding. Done well, they support facial integrity as collagen and bone density decline with age.”
“Not every day needs to be a treatment day. Recovery and rest are vital for skin resilience.”
In a beauty world often ruled by trends and urgency, Alice Henshaw’s approach is a welcome
recalibration. It’s not about rejecting skincare or tweakments – it’s about understanding how they serve you in the long run.
“Longevity in aesthetics doesn’t mean doing less. It means doing things smarter, more intentionally, and in harmony with your biology,” she says. “That’s what keeps skin strong, balanced and beautiful – not just today, but ten years from now.”
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