There are two main processes that affect skin ageing:

• Intrinsic ageing – your individual genetic programming which is beyond your control
• Extrinsic ageing – the result of external factors such as smoking, pollution, poor nutrition and sun exposure.  These are things that can be changed.

There are three easy steps that you can follow to prevent the signs of ageing:

1. Sun protection
2. Use of antioxidants
3. Use of retinoids.

Sun damage occurs when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate into the skin and damage the cells. You cannot feel this happening, and it can occur even when the sun does not feel very hot.

Sun damage (from the sun or use of sunbeds) increases the risk of skin cancer and speeds up the skin’s natural ageing process. It is important that you protect your skin and make sure that you don’t burn.

Sun exposure accelerates the ageing process by causing:

• a breakdown of collagen  (the supporting structure of the skin)
• a breakdown of elastin (which gives the skin its resilience and bounce)
• loss of hyaluronic acid (which holds water and gives the skin its volume)
• damage to the DNA (which can cause cells to go awry, leading to cancer)

Some sensible suggestions to protect yourself from the sun include:

• avoid spending time in the sun when it is at its strongest (11 am till 3pm in the UK)
• cover up with clothes and wear a sun hat
• apply sun screen liberally to exposed skin
• use a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or more on a daily basis
• re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours when in the sun

Antioxidants help prevent the breakdown of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. These are 3 important structural components that naturally decrease with age.

Antioxidants are available in certain food sources and some anti-ageing topical skin care products.

Most vegetables and many fruits contain antioxidants. Green tea is a powerful antioxidant as are blueberries, tomatoes, basil, spinach, turnips, broccoli, leeks, corn, pears, egg yolk and oranges.

At ESS Clinic ,we would recommend that you use a skin care product that contains an antioxidant at least once daily. When used consistently, antioxidants are likely to prevent  extrinsic ageing.

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and may limit oil production, reduce skin oiliness, and prevent acne and pigmentation. Retinoids improve visible wrinkles and dark spots. They are available in various strengths of serums that you can apply to your face and neck.

At ESS Clinic, we suggest that you start retinoid use slowly and sparingly, using the lowest strength available.  It may take weeks of use before you can tolerate Retinoids without experiencing some redness and flaking; however, the long-term benefits are worth it.  Retinoids need to be used with care, and we suggest that before starting this treatment you discuss this with one of our team at the ESS Clinic, who can provide you with written instructions on the best way to use these products.

There are several causes of skin pigmentation. At ESS Clinic, we focus our attention on the two main causes:

Melasma

Melasma consists of light or dark brown patches on the face. It is more common in pregnant women or those taking birth control pills that contain oestrogen. It is also commonly seen in darker skinned people, such as Asians, Afrocarribeans and Mediterraneans. This condition can be stressful and in severe cases disfiguring. Melasma is difficult to cure but can be controlled with the right skin care products and procedures such as medical chemical peels.

Sun spots

Sun spots are also known as solar lentigo. They are caused by sun exposure and sunburn. They are completely preventable with sun avoidance and sun protection. Sun spots appear as flat brown areas on the surface of the skin which has been exposed to the sun, most commonly on the face, hands and arms. Solar lentigo often contributes to the appearance of ageing as much as wrinkles do. Sun spots can be treated with specific skin care products and procedures.

These two conditions can be prevented and treated with skin care products and procedures.