By Rifan Muazin 
In the high-stakes world of Hollywood, where the lens of a 4K camera captures every minute detail of a performer’s visage, the pressure to maintain a camera-ready complexion has never been more intense. For Barry Keoghan, the 34-year-old Academy Award nominee currently immersed in the grueling production of Sam Mendes’ ambitious quartet of Beatles biopics, the solution to the rigors of a demanding filming schedule lies in a sophisticated blend of cutting-edge technology and consistent maintenance. Despite a calendar packed with the logistical complexities of portraying a music legend, Keoghan has prioritized his dermatological health, recently making headlines for his visits to the renowned UK-based clinic Dermaspa, helmed by celebrity skincare practitioner Nilam Holmes.
The focal point of Keoghan’s recent regimen is a treatment known as XERF, a state-of-the-art, non-invasive procedure that has become a cornerstone of his skincare strategy. As revealed in a recent Instagram feature by Holmes, Keoghan recently underwent his second session of this specialized radiofrequency therapy. XERF, which stands at the intersection of medical science and aesthetic refinement, utilizes controlled radiofrequency energy to penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis. The primary objective is to stimulate the production of new collagen—the protein responsible for skin elasticity and structural integrity—while tightening existing fibers. Unlike some older iterations of radiofrequency treatments that carried a slight risk of facial fat volume loss—a significant concern for actors whose facial character and contour are vital to their craft—XERF is specifically designed to improve skin firmness and texture without compromising the subcutaneous fat pads that provide a youthful, "plump" appearance.
The financial and temporal investment in such a procedure is substantial, reflecting the high value placed on aesthetic longevity in the entertainment industry. A single session of XERF is priced at approximately $3,300, with a recommended two-session course costing around $6,000. For Keoghan, the results, which typically manifest over several months and can last between 12 to 18 months, are an essential component of his professional toolkit. As Nilam Holmes explained to GQ, the choice of XERF was strategic. The actor is currently navigating a "very intense schedule" for the Beatles project, leaving no room for the recovery periods—often referred to as "downtime"—required by more invasive surgical procedures or aggressive laser resurfacing. XERF offers what many in the industry call a "non-surgical facelift," providing a rested, rejuvenated appearance that allows an actor to step directly from the treatment chair back onto a film set.
The broader context of Keoghan’s skincare journey is intrinsically linked to his current role as one of the Fab Four. Sam Mendes’ upcoming project is a cinematic undertaking of unprecedented scale, with four separate films—one from the perspective of each member of The Beatles—being shot concurrently. For Keoghan, rumored to be portraying Ringo Starr, the physical demands of the role are compounded by the historical weight of the project. The necessity for a treatment that offers "subtle, natural-looking results" is paramount; in a biographical film, the audience’s immersion depends on the actor looking like a living, breathing person rather than a surgically altered caricature. Holmes noted that Keoghan is an ideal candidate for such "tweakments" because he exhibits only "mild laxity"—the early signs of skin sagging that respond best to preventative, energy-based devices.
However, Keoghan’s commitment to his skin is not a one-off event but a long-term partnership with Holmes, who has been treating the actor for a significant period. Their collaboration involves a bespoke, modular approach to skincare that adapts to the specific stressors Keoghan faces. When the fatigue of long filming days begins to show, Holmes may pivot to standard radiofrequency skin tightening or lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and define the jawline. If the constant application and removal of heavy period-accurate makeup leads to congestion or breakouts, the treatment plan shifts toward a deep-cleaning HydraFacial paired with mild laser therapy to soothe inflammation. Keoghan reportedly maintains a strict schedule of appointments every four to six weeks, often incorporating Skinpen Microneedling—a process that creates controlled micro-injuries to the skin to trigger a healing response, effectively smoothing out fine lines, acne scarring, and texture irregularities.
Once a year, during planned breaks in his filming schedule, Keoghan opts for more intensive "heavy-duty" treatments. These include the Ultraformer III, a High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) device that targets the deep structural layers of the skin to lift and tighten from within, or Morpheus8, a popular treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency to remodel the skin at a deeper level. Unlike XERF, these procedures do involve a short period of redness or swelling, making them unsuitable for mid-production maintenance but perfect for the "off-season."
While the technical aspects of Keoghan’s skincare are fascinating, the psychological and social drivers behind his routine offer a more profound look at the modern male experience in the public eye. Keoghan has been remarkably candid about the emotional toll of fame and the scrutiny of his physical appearance. Despite his professional success—ranging from his chilling performance in The Killing of a Sacred Deer to his breakout role in The Banshees of Inisherin and his leading turn in Saltburn—he has not been immune to the darker side of social media. In a poignant interview with SiriusXM earlier this year, Keoghan addressed the "abuse" he receives online regarding his looks, admitting that the vitriol sometimes makes him "not want to go outside."
For Keoghan, who grew up in the foster care system in Dublin—a background he has discussed with raw honesty—the concept of "self-care" through skincare is perhaps less about vanity and more about agency. In Nilam Holmes’ Instagram post, Keoghan’s own voice can be heard stating, “I feel better about myself; I look better.” This sentiment underscores a shifting paradigm in male grooming. Holmes views her work with Keoghan not as an attempt to change his identity, but as a form of holistic health management. She equates skincare to fitness or general well-being, arguing that when approached from a place of self-respect, it becomes a positive, empowering practice.
This evolution in perspective is part of a larger cultural phenomenon known as "looksmaxxing," a term Holmes notes is driving a surge in inquiries from young men. Originally rooted in online subcultures, looksmaxxing refers to the practice of maximizing one’s physical attractiveness through various means, ranging from basic grooming and fitness to advanced cosmetic procedures like jawline contouring or skin resurfacing. While the term can sometimes be associated with obsessive or toxic beauty standards, in the mainstream, it represents a growing acceptance among men that maintaining one’s appearance is a valid and valuable pursuit.
The data supports this shift. According to recent market analysis, the global male grooming market is projected to reach over $110 billion by 2030. Non-invasive procedures, in particular, have seen a double-digit percentage increase among male patients over the last five years. Men are increasingly seeking "pre-juvenation"—treatments designed to prevent the signs of aging before they become prominent—mirroring the trend that has dominated the female aesthetic market for decades.
As Barry Keoghan continues his work on the Beatles biopics, his skincare routine serves as a case study for the modern actor: a blend of high-tech maintenance, professional necessity, and personal resilience. By being open about both the treatments he receives and the insecurities he faces, Keoghan is helping to dismantle the stigma surrounding male cosmetic care. His journey suggests that in an era of relentless digital scrutiny, taking the time to "look after yourself" is not just a luxury, but a necessary act of self-preservation. Whether he is on screen as a rock legend or walking the red carpet, Keoghan’s refreshed visage is a testament to the power of modern dermatology to bolster not just an actor’s appearance, but his confidence as well. The intersection of his storied career and his meticulous self-care routine highlights a new chapter for Hollywood leading men, where the strength of one’s performance is matched by the health and vitality of the face that delivers it.
