‘Good skin doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by appointment.’ I’m not sure who came up with this phrase but I can honestly say that it’s true! I have found that many of my clients who seek injectables to fix their fine lines and wrinkles don’t recognise that their skin is in crisis! Read on to discover whether your skin is in need of my help.

Early intervention is critical if you’re going to avoid premature ageing. Although some might say that premature ageing is inevitable, I believe this isn’t necessarily true. Recent findings show that the environment plays a huge role in how our skin ages. Epigenetics – the study of how our genes react with our environment – means that, if you look after your skin, you might not look like you’re long in the tooth when you’re over 50! 

So how do you know if your skin is in trouble and showing the early signs of damage and disease? Here are five signs to help you recognise that you’re in trouble.

1 – You’ve Got Sunspots

Sun damage can cause some cells in the skin to go rogue. Melanocytes are the cells that colour your skin and are easily damaged by UVA, UVB and visible light. When they ‘go rogue’, excessive pigment is released into the skin, causing dark spots and uneven skin tone. 

So if you’re starting to see dark spots, BEWARE – you may have caused damage and it’s starting to show!

2 – Your Skin Is Feeling Dull And Dry

Using harsh, damaging detergents or double cleansing will dry the skin and make it susceptible to pollution. Stripping it of its protective layer is not what you want to do if you want healthy skin. The surface is covered by a fatty layer, called the lipid barrier. This layer functions to protect your skin from environmental onslaughts, like pollution, whilst simultaneously preventing moisture from being sapped by dry air. If you disrupt this barrier, you will experience skin problems, like dehydration and premature ageing, and your cells won’t function normally, leaving you vulnerable to skin damage.

3 – Fine Lines And Wrinkles Are Showing

Fine lines and wrinkles are a sign that your skin is losing elasticity. Elasticity is the ability of the skin to rebound after a mechanical force is applied to it. A good test to do on yourself is to lightly pinch the skin under the eye and see how quickly it returns to shape. This is commonly known as the ‘snap test’ by us clinicians. If the skin doesn’t rebound within a few seconds, it means you’re already losing elastic properties.

4 – You Can See Broken Capillaries

These usually first appear around the nose and cheeks, and are a sure sign that your skin is deficient in elastin, the fibre that keeps our skin in shape. As mentioned before, elasticity gives our skin the ability to rebound. It’s the same with our blood vessels – if they lose elasticity, they can’t return to shape and become dilated and visible on the surface of the skin. This means that, if you’re seeing broken vessels on your face, then you need to take action if you don’t want to look like a beet in your old age!

5 – Your Pores Are Enlarged

Large, open pores are more common than you think. Many women ignore them and plaster over the top with makeup. However, enlarged pores are a warning sign that the skin is suffering. Excess sebum and bacteria irritate the pores and cause inflammation, which damages the surrounding area, depleting elastin and collagen, allowing the opening of the pore to dilate. Makeup further inflames the situation, so simply covering pores isn’t a good option. What you need to do is pay attention to what your skin is telling you and come to its rescue!

What To Do If You’re Seeing These Signs

So, now you know the signs, what can you do? My recommendation is to see someone like myself or Su to give you good, honest advice on how to manage it. Yes, you’re going to see changes happening to the skin as the years pass by, but some can be avoided, or at least minimised! Our wide range of treatments at No4 Clinic can help you to age positively and look your best! 

If you’re ready to take the first step towards beautiful skin, simply book your online consultation! For more tips, tricks and advice, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. My live streams on Facebook are not to be missed!