To mark the official arrival of spring and skincare routines needing a seasonal adjustment – we caught up with Brazilian-born Dr. Mica, one of London’s most sought-after aesthetic practitioners and co-founder of Cosmetica London. Since opening its doors in 2012, her award-winning Balham clinic has become a well-established staple of the South West London beauty scene.
Now, in 2026, with over two decades of medical expertise and a reputation for a “less is more” approach, Dr. Mica reveals the regenerative treatments most requested by her clients and answers the season’s most-searched skin questions. Beyond the clinic chair, she also offers her expert advice on spring skin health and reflects on the evolution of her high-performance skincare line, D.E.N.
At your award-winning Balham clinic, Cosmetica London, which are your most-booked skin services right now?
There’s a very clear shift toward treatments that improve skin quality, hydration and overall tissue health, rather than anything overly dramatic.
Patients are still interested in looking fresher and more lifted, of course, but the way they want to get there has evolved. We’re seeing a lot of demand for subtle Botox, regenerative injectables, skin boosters and collagen-stimulating treatments, all aimed at creating that “well-rested, healthy skin” look rather than a heavily treated one. It’s less about changing how someone looks, and much more about refining and supporting what’s already there.
Are we seeing a shift towards more regenerative treatments, and why are they gaining popularity?
Yes, very much so, and I think it’s one of the most exciting shifts in aesthetic medicine right now. We’re moving away from the era of simply adding volume or correcting individual features, and into a much more biological, regenerative approach. Patients are becoming more informed and are increasingly interested in treatments that actually improve how the skin functions, not just how it looks.
Regenerative treatments, whether that’s polynucleotides, skin boosters or other collagen-stimulating technologies, work by supporting repair, hydration and cellular activity, which leads to results that look fresher, healthier and much more natural over time. It’s a quieter transformation, but often a more beautiful and long-lasting one.
We’re hearing a lot about “Skin Longevity” – what does that actually mean, and how can patients improve it?
“Skin longevity” is essentially about how well your skin functions over time, not just how it looks in a single moment. It’s about maintaining collagen, elasticity, hydration, barrier function and cellular health, so that the skin continues to behave in a strong, resilient and youthful way for as long as possible. Improving it comes down to a combination of factors. Consistent, intelligent skincare is key, especially focusing on barrier support, antioxidants and hydration. Alongside that, carefully chosen in-clinic treatments can help stimulate collagen and support regeneration.
But just as importantly, it’s influenced by lifestyle, things like sun protection, stress levels, sleep and overall health. Skin longevity is really where aesthetics and wellbeing start to meet.
Why are Polynucleotides being referred to as the “gold standard” for under-eye rejuvenation?
The under-eye area is one of the most delicate and challenging areas to treat, so we have to be very careful about what we use there.
Polynucleotides have become so popular because they don’t act as a traditional filler. Instead of adding volume, they work on improving skin quality, hydration and tissue repair, which is exactly what that area needs. They help to stimulate cellular regeneration, improve elasticity and reduce that thin, crepey appearance that can make the under-eye look tired. What makes them particularly appealing is that the results are very natural. You’re not changing the structure of the face, you’re improving the condition of the skin itself, which is often what patients are really looking for.
Your signature Liquid Facelift is renowned for its natural results; what does the process involve, and what kind of results can patients expect?
My approach to a Liquid Facelift is very much about restoring balance and structure in a subtle, strategic way. It usually involves a combination of treatments, carefully placed Botox to relax and lift, and dermal fillers used very selectively to support areas where there has been loss of structure or volume. Increasingly, I also incorporate regenerative treatments to improve skin quality alongside the structural work.
The aim is never to change someone’s face, but to help them look fresher, more rested and more lifted, while still looking completely like themselves. The best result is when someone gets compliments like “you look amazing” without anyone quite knowing why.
How do you ensure results look natural and not overdone when it comes to injectables and fillers?
For me, it comes down to three things: assessment, restraint and long-term thinking. A good consultation is everything. Understanding the patient’s face, their expressions, their lifestyle and what is actually bothering them allows for a much more tailored approach.
Then there’s restraint. Just because we can add more, doesn’t mean we should. I’m a big believer in doing just enough and often building results gradually. And finally, thinking long-term. Every treatment should make sense not just today, but in the context of how the face will continue to age. That’s what keeps results looking elegant rather than overdone.
What are the most common mistakes people make when approaching aesthetic treatments?
One of the most common mistakes is focusing on a single area in isolation, rather than looking at the face or body as a whole. Another is being guided too much by trends or social media, rather than what is actually appropriate for their own features. What looks good on one person doesn’t necessarily translate to another.
And sometimes, it’s simply doing too much, too quickly. Aesthetic treatments tend to work best when they’re approached gradually and thoughtfully, rather than trying to achieve everything in one go.
If someone could invest in just one treatment this year that is a suit-all type of treatment, what would you recommend?
If I had to choose one, it would still be Botox. It’s one of the few treatments that is genuinely versatile and suits a wide range of patients. When used well, it can soften lines, refresh the face and subtly lift, all without changing someone’s natural expression. It’s also a great preventative treatment, helping to reduce the formation of deeper lines over time. It’s simple, effective, and when done properly, it just works.
What inspired your first venture into skincare, and what sets your new line apart?
My move into skincare came very naturally from clinic life. I kept seeing the same pattern, patients investing in excellent treatments, but not always supporting their skin properly at home. There was often either too much going on, or not the right things being used consistently. That’s how D.E.N. – Dr Engel Naturals was born.
What sets it apart is really the philosophy behind it. It’s about intentional formulation, using well-chosen, often natural-origin ingredients that support the skin rather than overwhelm it. That approach became even more meaningful to me after my own health journey, which made me much more aware of how powerful it can be to support the skin, rather than over-treat it. The focus is on skin health, barrier support and long-term results, with routines that are simple, effective and easy to maintain.
How should we be transitioning our skincare routines as we move into summer?
Summer is really about supporting and protecting the skin, rather than overloading it. The key priorities are antioxidant protection, hydration and, most importantly, consistent SPF use. Sun exposure is one of the biggest factors in skin ageing, so protecting the skin properly makes a huge difference long-term.
It’s also a good time to simplify slightly, lighter textures, less aggressive actives, and more focus on keeping the skin calm, balanced and well hydrated. I always say, summer skincare should feel like your skin is on a well-managed holiday, not in a boot camp.
D.E.N. Skincare starting from £36
Cosmetica London, 4 Hildreth St, London SW12 9RQ
