Let’s understand what causes ageing skin

Many things cause our skin to age. Some things we cannot do anything about; others we can influence. One thing that we cannot change is the natural ageing process. It plays a key role. With time, we all get visible lines on our face. It is natural for our face to lose some of its youthful fullness. We notice our skin becoming thinner and drier. Our genes largely control when these changes occur. The medical term for this type of ageing is “intrinsic ageing.”

Let’s look good for our age

We can influence another type of ageing that affects our skin. Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. The medical term for this type of ageing is “extrinsic ageing.”

• The sun – UVA and UVB rays are present 365 days per year. USA rays can penetrate through four inches of glass. So think about this when you are sitting next to a window in the office or driving in your car.
• Smoking –  I know, we are all told how smoking is bad for your health but smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion. Why, because the toxins in cigarette smoke replace the oxygen content of your blood.
• Alcohol – Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages the skin. This can make us look older. So drink alcohol in moderation and for every alcoholic drink, drink two glasses of water. This will help to re-hydrate you.
• Unhealthy diet – Findings from a few studies suggest that eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin ageing. Findings from research studies also suggest that a diet containing lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate ageing.
• Lack of exercise – Findings from a few studies suggest that moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
• Over Moisturising – Believe it or not, over moisturising the skin will send your skin cells to sleep. When your skin is slightly dry, your skin cells react by producing more collagen. If you over moisturise the skin, you will be inhibiting your own collagen production. Use a sunscreen in the morning instead! Mind you, it needs to be a UVB and UVA Sunscreen of at least factor 30 for it to really protect your skin.
• Skin Scrubs –  Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin ageing process. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin. Some anti-ageing products prescribed by a dermatologist may burn or sting. When using a prescription anti-ageing product, this can be okay.

Even people who already have signs of premature skin ageing can benefit from making lifestyle changes. By protecting your skin from the sun, you give it a chance to repair some of the damage. Smokers who stop often notice that their skin looks healthier. By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects that this type of ageing has on our skin.

There is so much conflicting advice out there

If signs of ageing skin bother you, you may ask a beauty therapist for advice. However, this may result in you spending a lot of money on treatments and cosmetic creams that make no difference to your skin at all.  Why not consult a dermatologist instead? Yes, you will have to pay for a consultation, but you may end up spending a lot less money in the long run. Why? Because prescription skincare contains the right amount of active ingredients that are designed to penetrate deeper into the skin. New treatments and less-invasive procedures for smoothing wrinkles, tightening skin, and improving one’s complexion are giving many people younger-looking skin.

Treated by Sue Ibrahim, these photographs were taken four weeks apart.

If you are worried about the effects the ageing process is having on your skin, then why not book in to see Sue Ibrahim. With over thirty years working within the medical and cosmetic dermatology sector, Sue has helped thousands of women and men improve the texture and appearance of their skin. Her professional but friendly approach is well known throughout the industry. Sue will never sell you any treatment that you do not need. As a Nurse Consultant in Dermatology she has won a number of industry awards and constantly receives a string of positive reviews about the treatment and service she provides.

Book your consultation today!

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Summer offer – for your £10 discount, please quote Elan Summer Facial. Call our Rayleigh skin clinic on 01268 770660 to book. Hurry – offer ends 30.9.17.

If you’ve only ever had a facial at a beauty salon or spa you will be totally blown away by the medical grade facials at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex.

The fully qualified team at Elan Medical Skin Clinic use clinically evidenced ingredients and protocols for their prescription-based facials that are tailored to your specific needs.

Elan’s medical grade facials are performed by our aesthetic therapist Amy and the protocol is prescribed by Sue Ibrahim, our nurse consultant in dermatology.

There are facials and there are Elan facials!

Our medical grade facials cost £95 and last around 45 minutes. They normally include LED Phototherapy as part of the treatment. For clients with acne, the prescription products used will normally consist of azelaic acid, salicylic acid and bio-sulphur.

For clients with rosacea, anti-inflammatory ingredients are utilised to calm irritated skin and ingredients such as azelaic acid help to protect the skin from the demodex mite, which is now thought to be the trigger factor behind the exacerbation of rosacea.

Clients prone to facial dermatitis will find Elan’s DermaActive DermaCalm Treatment Facial beneficial. And for those with ageing skin a combination of prescription strength retinoic acid and stem cells help stimulate collagen production and boost the skin’s repair processes.

Longer lasting effects

Each medical grade facial is designed to kick-start your home care regime, which may include prescription only medications, so clients do not have to return every few weeks for another treatment. Treatment will continue at home, resulting in photographic improvements in your skin within 6 -12 weeks!

Dermatology consultation with Sue Ibrahim

Clients will require a full dermatology consultation with Sue Ibrahim prior to a medical grade facial as they contain medical elements that can only be prescribed following a face-to face-consultation.

Special summer offer

For your £10 discount, please quote Elan Summer Facial. Please call our Rayleigh skin clinic on 01268 770660 to book. Hurry – offer ends 30.9.17.

Great Essex location

Our Essex medical clinic is situated in Rayleigh, a lovely a market town about 32 miles east of central London, located between Chelmsford, Hockley, Canvey, Rochford and Southend. Elan Medical Skin Clinic can be found on the High Street and if you’re looking for parking, the nearest car parks are in Bellingham Lane, the Market car park in Hockley Road, Websters Way and Castle Road. So, if you’re in the area, pop in and meet our welcoming team. Until then, check out our website for lots more information.

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Age Spots can be removed using Plasma Soft surgery

Causes of age spots

The ageing process is the main reason hence the name. But they also occur from years of exposure to direct sunlight, often as a result of sunbathing or heavy use of sunbeds. Constant exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays changes the colour of skin, turning it to a light or dark brown colour.

This is fine when you are young but as you get older your skin is less effective at regeneration as a result of sun exposure which leads to the formation of age spots. Plus your skin is thinner and more fragile as you age which increases this risk.

Genetics also plays a part. If your parents or a close family member has age spots then you will have inherited this condition.

Apart from genetic factors; if you have fair skin or are a keen sun worshipper then you are more likely to develop this condition. But statistically, anyone can get age spots.

Age spots do not determine your age: what they are is the consequences of years of exposure to the sun, i.e. tanning. So think carefully the next time you decide to bag some rays whilst on holiday.

Symptoms of age spots

These spots are flat, oval shaped objects which are brown, black or even grey in colour. They vary in size and develop in areas which are most exposed to the sun, e.g. hands. They develop on the arms, shoulders, back, chest and neck as single spots or in groups. They are diagnosed during a dermatology consultation using an instrument called a dermatoscope. There are other skin conditions which display symptoms that are very similar to age spots. These include seborrheic keratosis (benign skin growths) and moles. But an examination will rule these out.

Treatment for age spots

These are often an inevitable part of growing older but if you find these unsightly to live with then there are remedies for dealing with these spots. One of the most revolutionary ways of removing these spots is by a dermatology procedure called Plasma Soft Surgery. 

Can you prevent age spots?

If there is a genetic tendency then no but many cases are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. So reduce your exposure and use a suncream with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Wear a hat and loose, long sleeved tops and trousers to protect your skin from the sun.

Think pale and interesting rather than bronzed and beautiful.

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The DermaActives hyperpigmentation programme from Elan Medical Skin Clinics

During the summer months, keep an eye out for patches of darker-than-normal skin that can develop on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, chin and jaw, and sometimes the neck and forearms.

London skin expert, Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Rayleigh, Essex explains that the condition is called melasma and it’s a common skin complaint that affects women and men.

Melasma is when brown or greyish pigmentation appears on the face, the exact cause of which is not known. But rest assured that it is not contagious, not due to an allergy and is not cancerous. It is not itchy or sore, so if you have a raised rash that is, please seek further advice immediately.

Melasma is more noticeable in the summer and often improves during the winter. Several factors can contribute to the skin disorder, such as pregnancy, hormonal drugs such as the pill, medical conditions that affect hormone levels, the use of sunbeds and exposure to the sun.

Although the condition is harmless, it can be upsetting and can affect people’s quality of life. If you would like to talk to an nurse consultant in dermatology about what can be done to help, look no further than Sue Ibrahim, who has more than 30 years of experience in skin conditions.

How can Elan Medical Skin Clinic help?

Sue, our award-winning nurse consultant in dermatology uses a highly effective treatment programme to reduce the signs of photodamage and ageing that result in fine lines, age spots, skin laxity, an uneven, dull complexion and hyperpigmentation.

The DermaActive Hyperpigmentation Programme of 5 products contains highly effective ingredients that will help lighten the hyper-pigmented patches in the upper layers of your face and neck. This programme can be purchased on our website and contains DermaActive Cleanser, DermaActive Exfoliator, DermaActive Serum, DermaActive Cream and DermaProtect Day Cream with SPF 50.

The DermaActive Melasma Programme contains prescription only creams that help clear pigmentation in the deeper layers of the skin. These creams also inhibit the production of pigment in pigment-producing cells. Due to the prescription only element, this system can only be purchased following a face-to-face skin consultation.

Here’s a testimonial from one of our clients:

“I just wanted to say that I have been using Elan Medical Skin Clinic’s DermaActive range religiously for over 6 months now. My skin has never been so clear, healthy looking and blemish free. Initially I saw Sue for my Melasma but since solving this problem for me I have continued to use the DermaActive range morning and night, which have given me amazing results. I also use their pressed mineral foundation, which is the best I have ever used. Over the years I have spent hundreds of pounds on creams, lotions and potions – none of which ever did any good. The DermaActive range is effective and I will now use nothing else on my skin. Thank you Sue.”

Skin affected by melasma darkens more than the surrounding skin with exposure to sunlight, so sun-avoidance and sun-protection are important. The most important thing you can do if you have melasma is to protect your skin from sunlight exposure. It is also important to avoid the use of sunbeds.

Not sure if you have melasma? Why not complete our online Skin Assessment? You are welcome to contact us for more information or to book a dermatology consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.

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These flat, brown, gray or black spots are areas of sun-damaged skin found predominantly on sun-exposed parts of the body. These include the backs of the hands and forearms, the face, ears and lips, the scalp in balding men and the lower legs in women, says Essex nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh and central London.

They are not contagious and are usually harmless but there is a very small risk of some sun spots developing into to a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Seek professional help if you’re worried

If you have any doubts, visit Sue at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Essex or London for a professional diagnosis. If there’s nothing to worry about she will happily let you know. However, if she is concerned, she will remove a small amount of skin (biopsy) and send it away for further analysis.

How do we get age spots?

Age spots are caused by an excess production of melanin or skin pigment. People of any age, sex or race can develop them, especially if they have had excessive sun exposure over many years from sunbathing, sunbed use and outdoor work or recreational activities. They are more common in older people. Fair-skinned, blue-eyed, red- or blonde-haired people, who burn easily but tan poorly, are at particular risk.

How can we avoid them?

You can’t always prevent age spots but you can reduce your chances of getting them by avoiding the sun between 10am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are most intense.

We would also strongly advise wearing a sunscreen every day. It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least SPF30. Please remember to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it regularly, more often if swimming or sweating.

You can also protect your skin from UV rays by wearing protective clothing such as hats, long trousers, and long-sleeved shirts. UV-blocking clothes with an ultraviolet protection are also available. Avoiding sunbeds would also be advised.

Self-examination is also important to check if an age spot has started to bleed, itch or thicken. If you notice any of these things, please contact us immediately.

What can I do if I have sun spots already?

Elan Medical Skin Clinics can provide a range of treatments to help improve the appearance of sun spots, including cryotherapy, which freezes them with liquid nitrogen. This is an effective treatment that does not normally leave a scar, but it can be painful.

Cosmetic radiowave surgery is also effective. We use the latest advanced radio-wave technology, which is carried out under local anaesthetic and takes fifteen to twenty minutes. No stitches are required and scarring is minimal. It is normally possible to return to work immediately following the procedure.

Adequate sun protection is essential all year round and this will help prevent new sun spots from developing. We have a range of DermaActive products that have been specially formulated for sun damaged skin, such as our DermaProtect Day cream with SPF50, pressed mineral foundation that will help conceal age spots and our DermaRepair Programme that is ideal for ageing or sun damaged skin.

We have also devised a dermatology system containing prescription only products that are able to produce radical changes. Results start to appear around 6 weeks into the programme, although it can take up to 16 weeks for the full effects to be seen.

For more information please visit the British Association of Dermatologists, which also provides a range of patient information leaflets. Click here for more about actinic keratoses.

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