Barry Keoghan has broken his silence on cosmetic procedures after months of public speculation about his changing appearance.
The Irish actor, 34, underwent a non-invasive skin-tightening treatment called XERF, documented in an Instagram video posted by celebrity skin specialist Nilam Holmes. In the footage, the “Saltburn” star lies on a treatment bed as Holmes runs a handheld device over his skin during the radio-frequency session.
Speaking after his second appointment, Keoghan addressed the results directly.
“I feel better about myself, I look better, and I think it’s important to look after yourself inside and outside,” he said.
XERF stimulates collagen and elastin production beneath the skin without needles or surface injury, according to Dr. Suchismita (Tia) Paul, who explained the technology to Women’s Health.
“Unlike treatments that injure the skin’s surface, XERF works beneath the skin to stimulate your body’s natural collagen and elastin production, resulting in firmer, tighter-looking skin over time,” she said.
The treatment has gained traction among Hollywood’s elite. Kim Kardashian and Priyanka Chopra have also reportedly tried the procedure, which typically costs between £4,500 and $6,000 per course.
Holmes, who has worked with Keoghan across multiple film projects and campaigns, emphasized their established professional relationship in her Instagram caption.
“I’ve been working with Barry for a while now, looking after his skin through different movies, campaigns and projects and the trust he places in me means a lot,” she wrote. “His skin has really improved over the last few years and he looks great.”
The video marks Keoghan’s first public acknowledgment of cosmetic work, following a period of intense online scrutiny. In March, he told SiriusXM’s Ben Harlum that relentless abuse about his appearance had driven him into isolation.
“There’s a lot of abuse of how I look, and it’s kind of past the point of ‘everyone goes through that’ and everyone does, but it’s made me shy away,” he said. “It’s made me go inside myself and not want to attend places. Not want to go outside.”
The father of four-year-old son Brando, shared with ex-partner Alyson Sandro, expressed particular concern about the lasting impact of public cruelty.
“It’s disappointing to the fans, but it’s also disappointing that my little boy has to read all of this stuff when he gets older,” he added.
Keoghan’s withdrawal from public life escalated in December 2024 when he deactivated his Instagram account entirely. At the time, he revealed he had received direct messages that “no person should ever have to read.” He remains off the platform, though he admitted to SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up that the urge to check public reaction persists.
“I’m still a curious human being that wants to go on [the internet],” he said. “And if I attend an event or if I go somewhere, you want to see how it’s received. And it’s not nice, you know?”
The actor is currently filming a Beatles biopic in which he portrays drummer Ringo Starr.