How to Tell the Difference Between Healthy Ageing and Sun Damaged Skin

Ageing is a natural process, and with it come changes in our skin. Fine lines, a little laxity, and gradual thinning are all part of healthy ageing. But sometimes, what we think of as “just getting older” can actually be signs of skin damage — often caused by sun exposure, lifestyle factors, or underlying skin conditions.

At The Medical Skin Clinic, we help patients understand the difference, so you can make informed decisions about protecting and treating your skin.

What is Healthy Ageing?

Healthy ageing of the skin is mostly influenced by genetics, hormones, and time. Common features include:

• Fine expression lines – faint creases around the eyes or mouth, especially when smiling or laughing.

• Gradual loss of elasticity – skin may feel less firm over the years, with a gentle softening of contours.

• Thinning of the skin – due to reduced collagen and elastin production.

• Subtle dryness – natural oil production decreases with age.

These are normal, expected changes and often happen evenly across the face.

Signs of Sun Damaged Skin

Skin damage, on the other hand, tends to create more uneven changes, and often appears earlier than expected. Look out for:

• Deep lines and wrinkles – especially when present at rest, not just with facial expression.

• Pigmentation changes – such as age spots, sun spots, or uneven tone.

• Broken capillaries – often caused by sun exposure or skin trauma.

• Rough texture – a leathery feel or enlarged pores, often linked to UV damage.

• Sagging in specific areas – accelerated by smoking, stress, or poor lifestyle habits.

Damage is largely preventable and treatable — and catching it early makes a big difference.

Sun damaged skin will show signs of photo-ageing whilst healthy skin will age better

Skin Changes in Peri- and Post-Menopause

For women, the hormonal shifts around menopause play a major role in how the skin ages. Declining oestrogen levels can accelerate changes and make skin more vulnerable to damage. Common issues include:

• Increased dryness and sensitivity – skin may feel more fragile and prone to irritation.

• Accelerated collagen loss – leading to thinning, fine lines, and reduced elasticity.

• Changes in pigmentation – such as melasma or uneven tone.

• Delayed healing – cuts, grazes, or acne breakouts may take longer to resolve.

• Loss of plumpness – a hollowing effect in areas like the cheeks and under-eyes.

These changes can feel sudden and distressing, but with the right support, skin can be restored to better balance and health.

How to Protect Your Skin

Even if you’ve already noticed changes, there are steps you can take to protect your skin moving forward:

• SPF every day – ultraviolet damage is the single biggest cause of premature ageing.

• Medical-grade skincare – products like ZO and Obagi can help repair damage at a cellular level.

• Healthy lifestyle – nutrition, sleep, and stress management all show up on your skin.

• Tailored support during menopause – working with specialists who understand the impact of hormones on skin can make a real difference.

Protecting skin from the sun, supports production of hyaluronic acid, elastin, collagen and key proteins in the skin.

Treatments at The Medical Skin Clinic

We offer a range of safe, evidence-based treatments to support healthy ageing and address damage, including:

• Skin boosters (e.g. Profhilo, Polynucleotides) – to restore hydration and elasticity.

• Dermal fillers – to gently replace lost volume.

• Anti-wrinkle injections – to soften deeper lines.

• Prescription skincare – tailored to your needs for pigment, texture, and long-term skin health.

• Specialist menopause skincare advice – to help restore comfort, hydration, and resilience.

• Mole checks and dermatology clinics - available from MedHub, our Medical divsion.

  
  

And importantly, if we suspect any lesion is concerning, we will refer you to the NHS or onward specialists. We always send every specimen removed to histology, ensuring gold-standard patient safety.

Final Thoughts

Healthy ageing is something to embrace — it reflects your story, your experiences, and your life. But if changes feel out of sync with your age, or you’d like advice on how best to look after your skin, we’re here to help.

✨ Book a consultation today and let’s create a treatment and skincare plan tailored to you.