As we age, our bodies go through natural changes – producing different levels of specific molecules, cells and tissues that either naturally occur in, or develop in the body over time.
Like the rest of the body, facial skin (which is usually more delicate than the skin on other areas of the body) goes through changes. These changes can be accelerated by other factors – some of them we might have no control over, like genetics; and some which are as a result of lifestyle choices, such as exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, smoking, or using vaping devices.
For almost all skin types, UV exposure will cause concentrated areas of increased melanin production known as age spots. Age spots are especially common in people over 50, but they can occur in younger people as a result of sun exposure.
Small red veins on the face — also known as thread veins, spider veins, or telangiectasia — are tiny dilated blood vessels visible just beneath the skin’s surface. They often appear on the nose, cheeks, and chin, but can also affect the neck, chest, and legs.
Ageing
While facial ageing is inevitable, the visible effects can often be greatly reduced, and for many people, even reversed, through advancements in the medical aesthetic treatment of the skin – and there are no practitioners better qualified to offer specialised treatment for ageing skin than dermatologists.
Signs of Ageing
Freckles and Age Spots
Both freckles and age spots are caused by pigmentation in the skin called melanin.
The Ageing Face
As we age, our bodies go through natural changes – producing different levels of specific molecules, cells and tissues that either naturally occur in, or develop in the body over time.
Small Red Veins
While harmless, fine red or purple lines can make the skin appear flushed or uneven and may worsen over time.
Related Specialists at Derma
Your consultation
Your free consultation is with Aleesa or Sandra from our nursing team. If you have a skin condition that needs a diagnosis, or a spot or mark that could be a skin lesion, you will see one of our consultant dermatologists first.
Aleesa Dela Vega
Dermatology Nurse
Dermatology nurse with experience in respiratory and intensive care, known for her caring approach.
Sandra Marcikic
Healthcare Assistant
Supports our patients and clinicians in clinic, drawing on her medical background.
Dr Sanju Arianayagam
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Leads the specialist photosensitivity clinic in Oxford.
Dr Rima Clayton
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologyPaediatric dermatologySkin surgery
Founder of Derma Reading, seeing adults and children, with a particular interest in skin cancer and skin surgery.
Dr Sabrina Khan
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interest in vulval dermatology, and lead for the Oxford NHS vulval service.
Dr Inge Kreuser-Genis
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologyPaediatric dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interests in paediatric and vulval dermatology.
Dr Rakesh Patalay
Consultant Dermatologist
Skin surgery
Specialises in skin cancer, Mohs surgery, laser treatment and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr Isabelle Vandormael
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Particular interest in lasers and cosmetic dermatology.
Your treatment
Your treatment sessions are carried out by our nursing team.
Aleesa Dela Vega
Dermatology Nurse
Dermatology nurse with experience in respiratory and intensive care, known for her caring approach.
Sandra Marcikic
Healthcare Assistant
Supports our patients and clinicians in clinic, drawing on her medical background.