As the skin ages there are a number of things that happen both from chronological ageing and from cumulative exposure to the sun.

1. The dermis thins which makes the skin look less vibrant.
2. The epidermis also thins and has a thicker layer of dead cells on top called the stratum corneum.
3. Ageing skin becomes discoloured from brown pigmentation and broken thread or facial veins.
4. Ageing skin loses collagen and elastin which leads to poor elasticity.
5. Ageing skin loses support due to resorption of bone, poor facial muscle tone and loss of fat.  This leads to sagging of the skin.
6. There is an increase in pore size and a duller texture to ageing skin.
7. Scars such as acne scarring can leave depressed marks on the skin.
8. Wrinkles and lines appear.

With cosmetic medicine most of these issues can be easily addressed.

1. Elos Medical IPL treatments can even skin texture by removing brown spots and facial veins as well as stimulating collagen formation.
2. The thickened stratum corneum can be reduced with  cosmeceutical skin products, microdermabrasion and Chemical peels..
3. Fraxel Laser treatments can significantly repair acne scars, thicken the dermis and remove brown pigment staining plus improve pore size and skin texture.
4. Loss of underlying support structures such as skin and bone can be replaced with hyaluranon Dermal Fillers which replace lost volume and provide better support for the skin giving it a healthier glow.
5. Wrinkles and lines can be directly treated with injectables such as BOTOXand dermal fillers.
6. SPF skin products will protect the skin from further UV damage.

Whatever your concerns an appointment with a Palm Clinic cosmetic physician, nurse or skin therapist  can provide a treatment plan to restore ageing skin to a more youthful hue.

Botox and Dysport are Prescription Medicines containing 100 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of severe frown lines of the face. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Arrange a consultation to discuss the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: people with defective neuromuscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids, lack of feeling and nausea. If you have side effects or concerns speak to a doctor. A charge applies. Note: Botox and Dysport treatment lasts about 4 months and after this time further courses of treatment could be necessary. Arrange a consultation to discuss your own situation.

¹ Benedetto A. The Cosmetic Uses of Botulinum toxin type A. Int J Dermatol 1999, 38:6641.655