Rejuvenation - Thames Valley Scar Clinic

At Thames Valley Scar Clinic, we recognise that age related skin change can have a significant effect on our well-being. The spectrum of change is variable and doesn’t necessarily correlate with the degree of concern to the patient. We think it’s important that all aspects of your concerns are explored and a multidisciplinary team approach is taken to your treatment. Here is some further information on the changes we see in skin as we age.

What are age related skin changes?

Age related skin change is a spectrum of changes that happen to us, and our skin as we get older. Most of these changes will happen to everyone, however the age at which these happen varies. In some people, the changes appear more severe, or are more widespread.

The reason for the variability in the development of these changes and the severity is multi-factoral. Genetics and your skin type play a significant part. However, other factors like your general health, and environmental factors such as sun exposure and smoking are equally important.

Age related skin changes explained by Thames valley Scar Clinic

What are the Key features?

Increasing pigmentation change with patches of hyperpigmentation, known as ‘brown’ or ‘sun’ spots
Development of benign lesions, for example seborrheic keratoses that are associated with an older age group
Pores and sweat glands decrease resulting in dry and dull skin
Development of superficial vascular lesions resulting in areas of redness or ‘spider naevi’ around the nose and cheeks
Collagen decreases and the dermal layer of skin atrophies. This gives a thinner, more ‘tissue paper’ like skin
Small lines and wrinkles develop and worsen as the dermis and fat atrophy. Certain areas, like around the eyes and mouth are more affected.
Normal fat, deep to the skin shrinks and can result in a hollowing and gaunt appearance
Loose skin, the most common area of concern, is around the upper eyelids and can cause not just appearance-related concerns but problems with vision due to the overhang into the eye line.

These changes are particularly significant in highly visible areas such as the face, hands, and neck/chest area (Decolletage)

Numerous Seborrheic Keratosis on the side of the face and scalp. The patient is irritated by them and hates the way they look.

An example of loose skin in both upper and lower lids, and wrinkles (or Rhytids) in forehead and peri-ocular area. Individual particularly concerned about upper lids as falls over eyelashes. A very common age related change.

Good example of pigmentation change in the decolletage area with numerous brown spots — Good example of age-related pigmentation change in the decolletage area with numerous brown spots on a background of overall change

A patient with a nose effected by lots of vascular changes. Small superficial vessels give a reddish and 'ruddy' appearance that he does not like. — A patient with a nose effected by lots of vascular changes. Small superficial vessels give a reddish and ‘ruddy’ appearance that he does not like.

What are the possible affects of age related skin change on well-being?

Some of the signs and symptoms of ageing can have a profound impact on our well-being and self-esteem. Simply acknowledging the changes in our bodies and realising that they are not the same as they were a few years ago can trigger feelings of low mood or anxiety in many individuals.

Our skin, the most visible organ of the body, serves as a powerful reminder of our internal well-being. It comes as no surprise that countless individuals seek rejuvenation techniques to elevate the quality of their skin.

What are the Treatment options for age related skin change (Rejuvenation)?

Lumenis M22 IPL
‘Photo Fabulous’ – a combination of IPL and light setting carbon Dioxide Laser (Lumenis M22 IPL and Lumenis Ultrapulse)
Full resurfacing procedure using Carbon Dioxide Laser (Lumenis Ultrapulse)
Laser Blepharoplasty – this is the removal of excessive skin in upper eyelids using the Lumenis Ultrapulse Carbon Dioxide Laser

Learn more about Lumenis Lasers…

Sara Atkins-Murray, Director, Thames Valley Scar Clinic

“Concerns about age-related skin change are not about vanity, they are about self-esteem. The importance of self-esteem shouldn’t be underestimated, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”

Sara Atkins-Murray, Operational Director