My name is Candy Balfour and I was born in 1959, the same year as Barbie.  She must have used a better night cream than me...

I don't think there is anything graceful about ageing - the moment I got used to one set of changes, another one struck. The only blessing is that my failing eyesight blurred the lines carved on each side of my mouth like brackets, and my crows feet which were starting to look like a couple of crows had literally landed on each of my eyes, scraping their claw's in as far as they would go !!

My VISIA Complexion Analysis screening reflected my happy adolescence, much of which was spent roasting on Durban's beaches slathered in baby oil, cooking oil, brake fluid or whatever else was guaranteed to burn me to a crisp, make my nose peel prettily and provide a sprinkling of cute freckles. Well they weren't too cute any more... lurking under the VISIA Complexion Analysis lights like giant brown cornflakes, reminiscent of an era when the only ‘Factor' we had heard of was the Tony Factor furniture shop in Smith Street.

I was slightly sceptical about what results the Active FX treatment would yield. I was very excited and looking forward to the treatment date but also realistic in accepting that I had reached the ‘invisible' stage of my life, not bothering too much with a regular skin care regime or product.

The procedure had been carefully explained to me prior to the treatment date so I pretty much knew what to expect and was not at all nervous. I like going to Renew Time Restoration - I love the tranquility, the aromatic scent, the lavish décor, the fabulous magazines and the friendly skilled staff. I was looking forward to spending the afternoon in the surrounds of the clinic as well as the forced ‘time out' of the days to follow.

Everything about the pre-treatment was relaxing and chilled... the topical anaesthetic almost completely numbed my skin which felt odd but not unpleasant at all. The actual ActiveFX treatment was such an adventure... I did not feel anything when the Filler or Botox was injected and the treatment itself feels like your face is being drawn on by a warm pen. I truly did not find it painful – it is sensitive in the area around the temples but far from unbearable or scary. Afterwards it feels like sunburn... but it soon cools. Renew Time Restoration, always ensuring client comfort, make use of a special Cooler for ½ hour after the procedure.

The down time was fine... I had my bag of post care ‘goodies' and my aftercare instructions and also returned to the clinic every second day for complimentary Omnilux Light Therapy Sessions so my progress was carefully monitored. No, I definitely did not go to the shops, yes I did look very funny and yes, there is redness once the ‘crust' has landed on your pillow but it was all so worth it.

The results of this treatment have been superb. The difference it has made to my appearance is astonishing... my family and friends cannot stop shaking their heads, people I have not seen in ages time stare at me, trying to work out where I am hiding my magic wand and far away, Facebook friends think I have a new airbrush program on my PC ! The procedure didn't only change my face, it lifted my sagging self-esteem. At last my heavy fringe and heavy make-up are a thing of the past and I am now motivated to care for my skin and use the recommended products in order to maintain the results.

Active FX is right up there on my ‘best things I have done' list – I want all my friends to have it and truly would not hesitate in recommending it to anyone wanting to “turn back the clock” – it's the best !

Thank you Dr Niemann and your wonderful Team!

Candy Balfour