Being vain, but also timid when it comes to anything that might hurt (I beg for a general anaesthetic whenever I get my teeth cleaned), the only thing I've really dared to try is a microcurrent facial.

Once a month I visit my facialist, Ildi Pekar. I met her about four years ago when she was working for the ultra-famous, tender to the stars, Tracie Martyn. Madonna are regular visitors to the rather dingy downtown salon and Susan Sarandon is said to carry the serum in her purse. For me the draw was the resculpting facial and, increasingly, an appreciation of Ilde's special touch.

Ildi is Hungarian (for reasons that I haven't pinned down, Eastern Europe is leads the world in advanced skincare). She is endlessly curious about natural skincare; thinks one should care much more about firm skin structure and muscle tone than fine lines if one wants to stay looking young; and, as previously noted, she has magic fingers. Back at Tracie Martyn all the facialists follow the same routine (by the way doen't expect to get Tracie unless are Liv Tyler - saying you are related to Liv Tyler won't work) but I soon learned that each of them was somehow different. Loyal to Ildi, I followed her when she left to start up on her own at snug and calming rooms near Grand Central Station.

At the heart of her facials is a machine that delivers low level electric currents to fight sagging and puffiness by delivering a tiny charge that stimulates facial muscles (I believe that the system was originally designed by doctors to help stroke victims regain movement). Face and neck muscles feel toned - the equivalent of having done bicep curls. The process is enormously relaxing and it does result in a youthful glow. I've been doing this for at least four years and remain a believer. Its supposed to increase elastin by 48% and collagen by 14%. I can report a toned and relaxed look . It doesn't get rid of wrinkles and for that reason there are skeptics.