The world of aesthetic treatments has really shifted in recent years. For starters, it’s far more accessible, more talked about and less taboo. There’s also so much more on offer; non-invasive options that guarantee better skin within the lunch hour. Beauty tech innovation is all around us, all you need to know is where to go—and what to book.

So if you’re looking to level up your complexion without wasting time (and money) on sub-part treatment options, we’ve tapped the industry’s biggest names to pull together the best of the best.

Dr. Jeremy Cumpston of Ageless Clinics tells Gritty Pretty the Fraxel laser uses microscopic beams of light to treat pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and scarring. You’ll likely experience flushing and skin warmth (think similar to sunburn) straight after, but it should subside within 24-hours. In the coming days brown pigment is pushed to the surface before it flakes off, leaving you with a clear, plump complexion.

Clear & Brilliant: Often referred to as ‘baby Fraxel’, Clear & Brilliant delivers about a third of the light energy, meaning it can be used on sensitive skin types or those with slightly more pigmentation, Dr. Cumpston explains. The process is similar in that the skin will flake off for about a week before revealing a smooth, newborn complexion beneath.

Pico Laser: Facialist Melanie Grant tells us that Pico Second Laser—often referred to as Picoway treatment—works by delivering a short burst of energy to the skin in one trillionth of a second, allowing it to delicately target areas of concern without harming surrounding skin cells. As a result, the body’s natural healing process is triggered, which carries away damaged tissue and rebuilds collagen and elastin.

LED (light emitting diode) light therapy is one of Sydney facialist Melanie Grant’s most popular in-clinic treatments as it targets a range of concerns, including blemishes, pigment, large pores, dullness, inflammation and redness. Treatment time is quick (20 minutes at most), and there’s zero downtime involved — if anything, you’ll emerge glowy and refreshed. Each wavelength of light (denoted by colour) targets specific skin concerns: Red light stimulates the cell rejuvenation process to improve skin density. It’s best used as an anti-ageing tool to treat fine lines and wrinkles and reduce redness while boosting circulation. Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria (often called P. acnes), lessening the severity and duration of breakouts. White light is best used as a healing treatment as it targets inflammation and is most effective on scars, stretch marks, persistent wounds and chronic conditions like psoriasis and wrinkles.

Cosmelan and Dermamelan are de-pigmentation peels that utilise ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, phytic acid, ascorbic acid, arbutine and titanium dioxide to reduce the look of spots, scarring and brown “splotches”. According to Melanie Grant, they’re useful when it comes to treating hormonally-induced pigment, as heat-based treatments like lasers can often exacerbate the issue. You might experience redness for a few days post-peel, but after a fortnight should notice a dramatic improvement in skin clarity and tone.

Radio Frequency, commonly known as skin tightening (Thermage is an in-clinic example), works by heating the deepest layers of the skin to generate collagen production. Pain is minimal and results are instant as well as cumulative, which is why Melanie Grant suggests it for patients who are concerned with laxity in the lower face and neck.

Carina Gross from Sydney’s Belaméres skin clinic describes skin needling as a collagen-stimulating treatment to assist with pores, acne scars, wrinkles and tightening. It works by creating micro-injuries in the skin, thus triggering a healing response. Despite the name, needling is relatively low-touch. You’ll likely be prepped with numbing cream, and any redness following should subside within a day or so.

Like a deep clean for your pores, microdermabrasion involves abrasive crystals and suction technology to polish, re-texturise and thoroughly cleanse the upper layers of the skin. Usually, ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide are then infused back in to support healing and hydration. While it’s not flashy, it’s an excellent maintenance treatment to keep breakouts at bay.