Skin

Anti Wrinkle Injections

AviClear

Chemical Peels

Extractions

Facial Thread Vein Removal

HIFU

HydraFacial™

Laser Rejuvenation Treatment

LED Phototherapy

Mesotherapy

Microneedling

Plasma Shower

Plasma Surgical/ Lesion Removal

Polynucleotides

Profhilo Structura

Skin Boosters

Sweat Reduction

Skin Rejuvenation

Skin Tightening

Thames Skin Signature Facials

Vampire Facial

Face

Anti Wrinkle Injections

Dermal Fillers

Dermal Filler Removal

Electrolysis

Face Contouring

Facial Thread Vein Removal

HIFU

Juläine

Laser Hair Removal

Laser Rejuvenation Treatment

Lip Fillers

Microneedling

Non-Surgical Blepharoplasty

Non Surgical Rhinoplasty

Plasma Surgical/ Lesion Removal

PRP Dermal Fillers

Radiofrequency

Temple Lift

Thames Brow Lift

Thames Face Lift

Thames Neck Lift

Thames Skin Signature Facials

Thames Smile

Vampire Facial

Hair

Electrolysis

Eyelash Enhancement

Xxtralash

Keravive by HydraFacial™

Laser Hair Removal

Microneedling

Vampire Facial

Viviscal Professional

Body

Fat Dissolving Injections

Fat Reduction/ Muscle Sculpting

HIFU

Laser Hair Removal

Laser Rejuvenation Treatment

Minor Operations

Plasma Surgical/ Lesion Removal

Radiofrequency

Sclerotherapy

Sweat Reduction

Weight Management

Injectable Treatments Guide

Skin Concerns Guide

Brands

AviClear

Aqualyx

Calecim

Cryosthetics Cryoglobe

Cutera Excel HR Laser

Cutera Excel V+ Laser

Cutera Secret Pro

Cutera TruSculpt Flex

Cutera TruSculpt iD

Dermalux

DermaPen – DMP8

Dimagra Ketogenic Diet

Ellansé

Exosomes (EXO|E)

Eyelash enhancing serum

HIFU

HydraFacial

Hydrafacial PERK

InMode

Inmode Forma

Inmode Fractora

Juläine

Profhilo

Profhilo Structura

Plasma BT

Skinny pen injections

Skinade

The Skin Diary Skin Care Range

Teoxane Filler

Thermavein®

Vol U Lift

Totally Derma

Zo Festive Packs

Zo Peptide

ZO Skin Health

Skin

Acne

Acne Scarring

Actinic (Solar) Keratosis

Age Spots

Dark Circles

Dry Lips

Dry Skin

Eczema

Freckles

Hyperpigmentation

Keratosis Pilaris

Large Pores

Loose / Sagging Skin

Skin Tag

Melasma

Milia

Moles

Neck Wrinkles

Pigmentation

Psoriasis

Profhilo Structura

Rosacea / Facial Redness

Sebaceous Cysts

Scarring and Keloid Scarring

Sun Spots

Sweating

Warts & Verrucas

Wrinkles

Face

Crows Feet

Dark Circles

Double Chin

Eye bags

Facial Thread Veins

Facial Volume Loss

Forehead Lines

Frown Lines

Gummy Smile

Heavy Eye Lids

Jowls

Migraines

Marionette Lines

Misshapen Lips

Misshapen Nose

Nasolabial fold

Receding Chin

Sagging Wrinkly Neck Skin

Sunken Cheeks

Short Eye Lashes

Smokers Lines

Teeth Grinding

Unwanted Hair Growth

Weak Jawline

Hair

Hair Loss

Ingrown Hair

Scalp Sweating

Unwanted Hair Growth

Body

Ageing Hands

Body Fat

Cellulite

Hand Sweating

Lack Of Energy

Muscle Definition

Muscle Tension

Stretch Marks

Sweat Reduction

Thread Veins on Legs

Unwanted Hair Growth

Shop All

ZO Skin Health

Retinol and Blemish Complex

Exfoliating Cleanser

Gentle Cleanser

Hydrating Cleanser

Exfoliating Polish

Dual Action Scrub

Calming Toner

Complexion Renewal

Oil Control Pads

Instant Pore Refiner

Daily Power Defence

10% Vitamin C Serum

Exfoliation Accelerator 10%

Enzymatic Peel

Skin Health Brightalive

Retinol Skin Brightener 1%

Firming Serum

Growth Factor Serum

Wrinkle + Texture Repair Retinol 0.5%

Radical Night Repair 1%

Acne Control

Complexion Clearing Mask

Rozatrol™

Hydrating Cream

Renewal Crème

Recovery Crème

Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30

Daily Sheer SPF50

Smart Tone SPF50

Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Body Emulsion

Zo Growth Factor Eye Serum 15ml

Intense Eye Cream

Eye Brightening Repair Creme – Hydrafirm

Cellulite Control Cream

Private Patient Portal

The Patient Journey

Consultations

Patient Reviews

Wedding Preparation

Careers

Meet the Team

Dr Anna Hemming

The THAMES Philosophy

London Treatments

Pricing Brochure

Gift Vouchers

Thames Events

Online Bookings

Skin Concerns

This is your central resource for the main skin concerns we treat at Thames Skin Clinic, our award-winning, doctor-led medical aesthetic clinic in Twickenham.

Here, you’ll find clear, clinically informed guidance on rosacea, acne, wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage. This includes what causes them, how they affect the skin as well as the safe and effective treatment options available at our CQC-registered clinic. All of our injectables and laser treatments are carried out by medically qualified practitioners, using CE‑marked devices and evidence‑based protocols.

Explore our skin concern pages or book a consultation with Dr Anna Hemming for a personalised skin assessment and treatment plan.

Award-Winning Skin Clinic

Thames Skin Clinic is a CQC‑registered, doctor‑led medical aesthetic clinic in Twickenham, South West London. We treat patients from Richmond, Teddington, Kingston, Wimbledon, Chiswick and across London, Surrey and the UK.

Our clinic is led by , a nationally recognised, multi-award-winning medical doctor and former GP to Buckingham Palace. We specialise in natural skin restoration, treating concerns such as acne, rosacea, pigmentation, ageing skin, scarring, redness, skin laxity and overall skin health.

Dr Anna’s passion for skin began as a personal journey. Having experienced rosacea and difficult skin herself, she understands how skin concerns can affect confidence, comfort and wellbeing. This is one of the reasons she has dedicated her career to helping patients restore healthier, stronger and more resilient skin.

Her expertise has been recognised at the highest level of the medical aesthetics industry. Dr Anna was named Best Medical Practitioner (Doctor Category) at the Aesthetic Medicine Awards 2025 and Best Medical Practitioner (Doctor, Dentist or Surgeon) at the Aesthetics Awards 2026. She is also a Key Opinion Leader for Cutera and and an AviClear ambassador.

Acne

Understand the causes of acne, breakouts and acne scarring, and explore medical-grade skincare, AviClear, acne scarring treatments, microneedling and ZO Skin Health programmes for acne-prone skin.

Read More

Rosacea

Learn more about redness, flushing, visible vessels and sensitive skin, and how rosacea can be managed with skincare, lifestyle support and advanced laser treatments including Excel V+ and Laser Genesis where appropriate.

Read More

Ageing Skin, Lines & Wrinkles

Explore how fine lines, wrinkles, collagen loss, volume changes and skin laxity develop, and how we use natural, medically led treatment plans to restore skin quality and facial balance.

Read More

Pigmentation & Photodamage

Find out what causes pigmentation, melasma, uneven skin tone, sun damage and photodamage, and how we treat these concerns with skincare, peels, laser and tailored skin programmes.

Read More

What Are the Common Skin Concerns We See?

The skin is the body’s largest organ and our protective shield. Every day, it defends us against the environment, repairs damage, regulates hydration and adapts to internal and external changes.
Over time, ageing, genetics, hormones, sun exposure and lifestyle factors can all affect how the skin looks, feels and functions. At Thames Skin Clinic, we regularly assess and treat concerns including:

Some concerns appear on the surface of the skin, while others begin deeper within the dermis, blood vessels, pigment cells, sebaceous glands or underlying facial structures. Understanding the root cause is an essential part of how we assess and treat skin at Thames Skin Clinic.

Many skin concerns overlap. Redness may be rosacea, sensitivity, barrier damage or visible vessels. Pigmentation may be melasma, sun damage, post-inflammatory pigmentation or age-related changes. Breakouts may be acne, hormonal acne, rosacea-related spots or congestion.

At Thames Skin Clinic, we assess the skin medically before recommending treatment, so your plan is based on the cause of the concern rather than the visible symptom alone.

Ageing

As we age, our cells slow down, and fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, become less active. Collagen provides structure and firmness and elastin supports flexibility and bounce.

Over time, the epidermis becomes thinner, the skin barrier may become weaker and the skin gradually loses its ability to retain moisture. These changes contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, dullness, laxity and uneven skin tone.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors to to premature skin ageing and pigmentation.. Ultraviolet (UV) rays break down collagen and elastin, weaken the skin barrier and stimulate excess melanin production.

This can lead to pigmentation, uneven skin tone, redness, visible vessels, rough texture, fine lines and deeper wrinkles. Protecting the skin from UV exposure is one of the most important steps in any long-term skin health plan.

Genetics

Genetics influence how your skin behaves, reacts and ages. Your genetic makeup can affect oil production, sensitivity, pigmentation, collagen quality and your likelihood of developing conditions such as acne, rosacea or melasma.

Although genetics cannot be changed, the right treatment plan can help manage these concerns, strengthen the skin and reduce visible symptoms.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can have a direct impact on skin function, particularly oil production, inflammation, pigmentation and hydration.

Puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause can all trigger or worsen concerns such as acne, melasma, sensitivity, dryness and loss of skin firmness. For this reason, we always consider hormonal history as part of your consultation.

Lifestyle Influences

Our lifestyle choices, such as stress, sleep, nutrition, smoking, alcohol, exercise and skincare habits can all affect skin health.

Having poor sleep and high stress levels may increase inflammation, while smoking and excess alcohol can accelerate collagen breakdown and impair skin repair. This is all reflected in our skin.

A balanced and healthy lifestyle supports the skin barrier, improves resilience and helps treatment results last longer.

When To Seek Medical Advice for Moles, Lesions or Pigmentation

Some pigmentation concerns are cosmetic, such as sun damage, melasma or post-inflammatory pigmentation. However, any new, changing, bleeding, itching, irregular or unusual mole, mark or skin lesion should be medically assessed before cosmetic treatment is considered.

At Thames Skin Clinic, patient safety comes first. Dr Anna Hemming is a medical doctor and former GP, and offers medical skin lesion and mole assessments, including mole checks and lesion removals where appropriate. If a lesion requires further investigation, dermatology referral or histology, this will be discussed as part of your assessment.

How We Treat Skin Concerns at Thames Skin Clinic

At Thames Skin Clinic, we treat skin concerns through medical assessment, skin restoration and carefully planned combination treatments, rather than isolated procedures.

Your treatment plan may include:

Some patients need a simple plan focused on one concern. Others may benefit from a more structured skin restoration journey, combining skincare, laser, injectable, regenerative and maintenance treatments over time.
The aim is always to improve skin health, restore confidence and achieve natural-looking results.

Acne Concerns

Thames Skin Clinic is a CQC‑registered, doctor‑led medical aesthetic clinic in Twickenham, South West London. We treat patients from Richmond, Teddington, Kingston, Wimbledon, Chiswick and across London and Surrey.

We are a leading acne clinic in Twickenham using AviClear laser, medical skincare and scar treatments.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the hair follicles and oil glands, causing blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots. In more severe cases, It causes deep painful cysts that, if left untreated, can result in long-term scarring.

Acne rarely looks the same for everyone. Your breakouts might cluster on the chin and jaw, flare without warning in your 30s, run deep and painful or keep coming back despite everything you’ve tried. For many people, it’s not just the skin that’s affected; it’s confidence and how you feel day to day.

As an award-winning doctor-led clinic that specialises in , we look at what’s driving it beneath the surface. We often see patients of all ages for acne, ranging from teenagers to adults. Using , bespoke skincare plans and scar treatments, we treat acne at every stage.

Hormonal

Breakouts on the chin and jawline that track your cycle in women or are linked to hormonal changes and stress in men

Adult Acne

Adult acne in your 30s and 40s is more common than most people realise. It is a multifactorial condition.

Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is a more severe form of acne. It’s deep, swollen, red and painful breakouts beneath the skin that are tender to touch.

Teen Acne

Teen acne is driven largely by surging hormone levels during puberty. Teen acne often affects the face, chest and back. Having treatment early reduces the risk of long-term

Persistent Acne

Acne that keeps coming back despite creams, antibiotics or previous treatments. If nothing has lasted, the root cause of your oil gland overactivity hasn’t been properly addressed yet.

Acne Scarring

Pitting, textural changes and dark marks left behind once acne clears. Scarring and active acne are different problems that need different treatments, but we manage both as part of one plan.

Most acne starts in the sebaceous glands (the skin’s oil-producing glands), which are sensitive to normal hormone levels. Hormone fluctuations cause these glands to produce excess oil, which blocks your pores. The result is the blackheads, whiteheads and congestion that we see in acne.

Bacterial multiplying within blocked pores is what causes inflammation, producing the deeper, painful lesions that many people with cystic acne know well. Left untreated or inadequately treated, these deeper breakouts can damage the collagen beneath the skin, leaving behind the pitting and dark marks we see in .

Acne rarely has a single cause, which is why the same prescription cream or oral acne medications can work for one person and do nothing for another.

If you’re searching for a hormonal acne clinic near Twickenham or South West London, we can help. We regularly treat adult acne and hormonally driven breakouts at our medical skin clinic.

Oil Gland Overactivity

The sebaceous glands are over-sensitive to normal hormone levels, producing excess oil that blocks pores and creates the conditions for breakouts. Bacteria multiply within this build-up of oil, leading to inflammation and the formation of red, swollen or pus-filled spots, commonly known as pustules.

Hormonal Fluctuation

Androgens stimulate oil production, which explains why acne breakouts along the chin, cheeks and jawline flare up before the menstrual cycle, worsen under stress or appear for the first time in the 30s. External triggers like diet, friction and certain medications layer on top of this hormonal foundation.

Inflammation and Scarring

When bacteria multiply within blocked pores, inflammation develops, leading to the red, painful spots of cystic acne. Deeper lesions damage collagen over time, leaving pitting and dark marks. Active acne and scarring are different stages of the same problem and are treated in sequence.

FAQs

Your acne is likely hormonal if it clusters along the chin and jawline, flares predictably before your period and produces cyst-like, painful spots rather than surface blackheads.

The underlying cause of hormonal acne is androgen sensitivity. Most women with hormonal acne have skin that reacts to normal testosterone levels, which is why standard spot treatments rarely work. They address the surface, not the trigger. Hormonal acne can also return after Roaccutane and often doesn’t respond fully to topicals or antibiotics alone. Triggers include coming off the pill, perimenopause, stress and conditions like PCOS.

At Thames Skin Clinic, Dr Anna Hemming is experienced in identifying and treating acne in Twickenham with a hormonal root cause. If your acne is accompanied by irregular periods or excess hair growth, we factor this into your plan from your very first consultation.

For hormonal and PCOS-related acne, a combination of AviClear, medical-grade skincare and targeted in-clinic treatments can deliver lasting improvement even when other approaches have failed.

Yes. in their 30s and 40s, and it is extremely common, with around 15 to 20% of adults aged between 25 and 40 experiencing it. There is a higher rate in women due to hormonal fluctuations.

Teen acne is mainly driven by puberty and tends to appear across the T-zone, forehead, nose and chin. Adult acne is often seen on the lower part of the face, particularly along the jawline, chin and neck, and spots are often inflamed and cystic. Acne breakouts in adults are influenced by stress, lifestyle, skincare habits and hormonal shifts.

Yes. Roaccutane is an oral acne treatment often used for cystic acne. The best alternative is AviClear, an FDA-approved laser treatment that uses laser energy to suppress oil production. The main benefit of AviClear is that this treatment has no prescriptions, blood tests or systemic side effects.
< is our Roaccutane alternative because it is:

AviClear delivers longer-lasting results than Roaccutane as improvements are maintained for over two years.

Yes. At Thames Skin, treating both active acne and within one personalised plan is exactly how we work. Active acne and scarring are different stages of the same problem.

Active acne needs to be controlled first because ongoing breakouts can create new scars while older ones are being treated. Once active acne is stabilised, we can begin scar treatments.

For active acne, Thames Skin offers AviClear, active acne plans, HydraRadiance and Obagi Blue Peel Radiance. For scarring and redness left by spots, we offer acne scar laser and microneedling in Twickenham. This includes , , Laser Genesis and .

All of our acne treatments in Twickenham and South West London are customised to your skin health.

Acne Awareness Month 2026

Posted on June 16th, 2026

June is Acne Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding acne and helping people understand their treatment…

What Is AviClear? A Complete Guide

Posted on June 16th, 2026

AviClear is the most significant development in acne treatment in over four decades.  For patients who have tried topical creams,…

Are Your Skincare Products Causing Acne? Ingredients to Avoid

Posted on June 8th, 2026

Could your skincare routine be making acne worse? In some cases, yes. Certain ingredients can irritate the skin barrier, clog…

What’s the Difference Between Teen Acne and Hormonal Acne in Adults?

Posted on May 22nd, 2026

Teen acne during puberty is driven by the surge of hormones during teenage years, typically appearing on the forehead, nose…

Rosacea Concerns

Thames Skin Clinic is a CQC‑registered, doctor‑led medical aesthetic clinic in Twickenham, South West London. We treat patients from Richmond, Teddington, Kingston, Wimbledon, Chiswick and across London and Surrey.

We provide rosacea treatment in Twickenham and South West London, combining Excel V+ vascular laser with medical skincare.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often shows up as persistent redness, flushing and visible thread veins, usually across the cheeks and nose. Rosacea is a pattern, not just a reaction. Maybe your face flushes at the smallest thing, you’ve been treating spots that appear like acne, or your skin reacts to almost everything.

At Thames Skin Clinic, rosacea is one of our core specialisms. Dr Anna Hemming has managed rosacea personally and clinically for over two decades. We assess your skin type, your triggers and your rosacea phenotype before putting together a personalised treatment plan. Papulopustular, vascular and phymatous rosacea are each driven differently, and each type needs a different plan.

The best treatments include for thread veins and for persistent redness, AviClear for oily breakout-type rosacea and exosome therapy for the most reactive skin. We have a pathway for all types of rosacea. Find out which one is yours.

Which Type of Rosacea is Yours?

Flushing & redness

Your face flushes easily, which is a symptom pattern of vascular rosacea. Maybe it’s after a glass of wine, a hot shower or stepping outside. The redness doesn’t always settle, and it seems to be staying longer each time.

Spots that aren’t acne

(Papulopustular rosacea)
Papulopustular rosacea is acne-like bumps that often appear in clusters. You might have been treating it like acne, but nothing works, or it gets worse. The bumps are red, they burn rather than itch, and there are no blackheads. This is papulopustular rosacea.

Thread veins and vessels

You can see the vessels on your cheeks and nose. They’ve been there a while, and no skincare makes a difference. Laser is the only thing that treats these effectively.

Reactive, sensitive skin

(vascular rosacea)
Persistent redness, flushing and visible dilated blood vessels across the cheeks and nose. Your skin reacts to almost everything. Products that work for others sting or flush you. You’ve been labelled ‘sensitive,’ but nothing has actually helped you manage it. This is vascular rosacea.

Menopause-triggered

Your skin was fine for years. Then in your 40s or 50s, during perimenopause or menopause, you’ve started noticing persistent redness and flushing that doesn’t settle. Hormonal changes are one of the most common rosacea triggers.

Phymatous rosacea

Skin thickening and texture changes, most commonly affecting the nose in more advanced cases.

The exact cause of rosacea isn’t fully understood, but it appears to result from a combination of genetics and environmental triggers.

The immune system overreacts to certain triggers, which causes the blood vessels in the face to swell and become more visible. , including:

For some people, rosacea presents as a constant background redness. For others, it comes and goes in flare-ups, sometimes alongside sensitivity, dryness or acne-like breakouts. It can feel unpredictable.

We provide rosacea treatment in Twickenham and for these types of rosacea, supporting patients with persistent redness and sensitive skin. If you think your rosacea is linked to your perimenopause or menopause or need a skincare routine for rosacea-prone skin, book a consultation with Thames Skin Clinic.

Vascular overreactivity

In rosacea, the small blood vessels in the face overreact to everyday triggers, such as heat, , alcohol and stress, causing them to dilate more than they should and stay dilated. Over time, this repeated flushing leads to permanently visible redness and, in some cases, broken thread veins that won’t resolve on their own.

Inflammatory response

In papulopustular rosacea, chronic inflammation produces bumps and pustules that look like acne but behave differently. They burn rather than itch, have no blackheads and don’t respond to acne treatments. Using the wrong products, particularly acids or benzoyl peroxide, strips the barrier and significantly worsens inflammation.

Barrier dysfunction & triggers

Rosacea-prone skin has a weakened barrier, which makes it more reactive to products, temperature, food, stress and UV. Identifying and managing personal triggers is a core part of any rosacea plan. At Thames Skin, trigger mapping is part of your first consultation.

FAQs

Sensitive skin reacts when the barrier is disrupted, then settles. Redness caused by rosacea has a pattern. It is persistent redness across the cheeks and nose, flushing that takes longer to resolve each time and often visible thread veins. If your redness is becoming more constant rather than occasional, rosacea is the more likely explanation. A proper skin assessment is the only way to be certain because treating rosacea as sensitivity isn’t effective.

Yes. Visible thread veins and persistent redness don’t respond to skincare alone – but they respond well to vascular lasers. At Thames Skin, we use the , a medically regulated laser that targets the blood vessels causing redness without damaging surrounding skin. A course of three sessions, spaced one month apart, produces a significant visible reduction in most patients, with Laser Genesis used for ongoing maintenance.

Yes. This is exactly the type of rosacea Thames Skin sees most. Highly reactive rosacea needs a different starting point: a desensitisation phase that calms the inflammatory response and rebuilds the skin barrier before any active treatment begins. This typically involves plant-derived exosomes, a gentle and a structured plan.

Yes. onset or worsening in women over 45. Oestrogen decline affects the skin’s vascular tone and barrier function, making blood vessels more reactive and the skin more susceptible to flushing. At Thames Skin, we factor hormonal context into every rosacea consultation we have at our Twickenham-based skin clinic. This is particularly important for patients who’ve noticed symptoms developing alongside other menopausal changes.

How Laser Treatments Work for Rosacea and Facial Redness

Posted on May 21st, 2026

Persistent facial redness and broken blood vessels can both be linked to a skin condition called rosacea. Rosacea affects an…

Can Sun Exposure Cause Rosacea? What You Need to Know

Posted on March 13th, 2026

One of the most common triggers for rosacea flare-ups is sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can make blood vessels in…

Does Menopause or Hormonal Change Trigger Rosacea?

Posted on March 4th, 2026

There is a link between menopause and rosacea due to the hormonal changes that take place, which can make the…

Common Causes and Triggers of Rosacea, And How to Reduce Flare-Ups

Posted on February 19th, 2026

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that involves recurring skin changes on the face. Many people ask what causes rosacea…

Ageing Skin, Lines & Wrinkles Concerns

Thames Skin Clinic is a CQC‑registered, doctor‑led medical aesthetic clinic in Twickenham, South West London. We treat patients from Richmond, Teddington, Kingston, Wimbledon, Chiswick and across London and Surrey.

For wrinkles and facial ageing, we offer anti‑wrinkle injections and regenerative injectables to patients across Twickenham, Richmond and wider London.

The process of our skin ageing is gradual. You may first notice fine lines that deepen when you smile but won’t quite fade anymore or a dullness that skincare isn’t shifting. At Thames Skin Clinic, we approach skin ageing the same way we approach every skin concern by diagnosis before recommendation. Facial ageing has three distinct components: changes in the skin surface itself, loss of volume in the fat and structural layers beneath and tissue laxity. Each needs a different response.

We have a suite of treatment options to address wrinkles and fine lines at our Twickenham skin clinic. This includes

Our results speak for themselves. Our founder, Dr Anna Hemming, has been recognised for Best Injectable Results at the Aesthetics Awards 2025. She was also named Best Medical Practitioner at the Aesthetic Medicine Awards 2025 and Best Medical Practitioner (Doctor, Dentist or Surgeon) at the Aesthetics Awards 2026. These accolades reflect our commitment to safe and natural-looking injectable treatments.

Which Type of Wrinkle is Yours?

Expression lines

These are forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet. The lines around your eyes or between your brows show more at rest now, not just when you’re animated.

Sun damage lines

These are surface texture, pigmentation and finer lines. Your skin has a rougher texture, uneven tone and fine lines that feel accelerated, particularly on areas that get the most sun.

Crepey skin

These are around the neck, décolletage, under-eye and inner arms. The skin on your neck, chest or under eyes has taken on a thin, papery quality that no moisturiser seems to reach.

Volume-related lines

These are nasolabial folds, marionette lines and hollowed cheeks. The lines running from your nose to the corners of your mouth or the hollowing under your eyes are about the structural volume loss beneath it.

As we get older, our skin loses collagen and elastin becomes less flexible, reducing the skin’s ability to bounce back. Fibroblast cells, which are responsible for producing collagen, become less effective, meaning the skin cannot repair itself as efficiently. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles begin to form, and the overall structure of the skin becomes less firm and more fragile.

When the skin barrier is compromised, external environmental factors can have a greater impact on the skin, including:

These factors accelerate the ageing process and further contribute to the formation of wrinkles.

All injectable and laser treatments at Thames Skin Clinic are carried out by medically qualified practitioners, using CE-marked devices and evidence-based protocols. Injectable treatments at Thames Skin Clinic include a short consultation and treatment within the same appointment, so there’s no need for a separate pre-consultation visit. If you’d prefer to take more time to explore your options and discuss what’s right for you, we also offer a full . After a consultation we can put together a personalised treatment plan to address wrinkles and any other skin concerns you have.

Collagen + elastin loss

From our mid-20s, the fibroblast cells responsible for producing collagen become progressively less active. Collagen (the protein that gives skin its structure and firmness) breaks down faster than it’s replaced. Elastin, which allows skin to spring back after movement, loses its flexibility. The result is skin that no longer bounces back and lines that stay rather than fade. This is the foundational cause beneath almost all other ageing changes.

Repetitive facial movement

Every time you squint, frown, smile or raise your brows, the underlying muscles contract and fold the skin above them. As collagen declines, these folds gradually etch themselves into the skin and become visible at rest as well. These are the types of wrinkles most effectively addressed by , which relax the muscles rather than adding volume to erase the wrinkle.

Sun damage

UV radiation is the single biggest external cause of premature skin ageing. UV breaks down collagen and elastin at a cellular level and causes the uneven pigmentation and rough texture that compound the appearance of lines. Medical-grade SPFs and biostimulators that stimulate collagen are treatments used to address this.

Lifestyle

Smoking restricts blood flow to the skin, dramatically reducing the oxygen and nutrients that support collagen production. Smokers show accelerated skin ageing and more pronounced lines, particularly around the mouth. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which breaks down collagen and impairs the skin’s ability to repair. Poor or inadequate sleep is when the skin does the majority of its cellular repair work. Therefore, consistently disrupted sleep means consistently disrupted regeneration.

Skin dehydration

When the skin is dehydrated, cells become less plump and more compressed and fine lines appear more pronounced. Dehydration also compromises the skin barrier, allowing environmental damage to penetrate more easily and accelerating the ageing process from the outside in. Hydration at the dermal level, through treatments such as Profhilo as well as the right skincare, improves the appearance of fine lines and skin quality overall.

Regenerative injectables can be used alongside both anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers to reduce wrinkles and overall skin quality.

FAQs

will not make you look frozen if they are administered by a qualified medical professional. At Thames Skin Clinic in Twickenham, anti-wrinkle injections are always administered conservatively and after thorough discussion about how much movement you want to retain. The goal is lines that are softened, not a face that’s stopped moving. Dr Anna has been described as a goddess with a needle’ specifically because her results are consistently natural.

There isn’t one right age to start anti-ageing treatments but earlier is genuinely more effective. Preventative anti-ageing treatments in the late 20s and 30s focus on maintaining collagen, hydration and skin barrier health. Profhilo and medical-grade skincare plans with retinol at this stage give the skin a foundation that slows visible ageing measurably. A consultation with our skin experts at Thames Skin Clinic in Twickenham can help you address any specific skin concerns you have right now.

Yes, wrinkles around the mouth and cheeks can be improved, but the approach matters. Nasolabial folds and marionette lines are largely driven by volume loss in the fat pads beneath the cheeks rather than by the skin surface itself. Treating them with surface filler alone often creates an overfilled appearance.

The more effective approach is to restore volume at the right depth, lifting the structural foundation so the lines soften naturally. At Thames Skin Clinic, we use and carefully placed to do this without altering the character of your face. Dr Anna played a key role in Profhilo Structura’s UK study programme, making Thames Skin Clinic one of the most experienced practices with this treatment in the country.

The best treatment for forehead wrinkles in your 30s is small amounts of anti-wrinkle injections to target dynamic wrinkles. We often combine this with a medical-grade skincare plan and microneedling to support collagen production and maintain skin quality.

In your 50s, forehead wrinkle treatment shifts towards restoration and addressing deeper, static wrinkles alongside volume loss. The best options for forehead lines at this stage include anti-wrinkle injections, Profhilo Structura and CO₂ laser for skin tightening.

Yes, combining injectables and skin treatments is where the best results come from. Injectables and skin treatments work at different levels. Anti-wrinkle injections address muscle movement, fillers restore structural volume, and skin treatments like , and medical-grade skincare improve the quality of the skin itself. Used together in the right sequence, they complement each other.

Pigmentation & Photodamage Concerns

Thames Skin Clinic is a CQC‑registered, doctor‑led medical aesthetic clinic in Twickenham, South West London. We treat patients from Richmond, Teddington, Kingston, Wimbledon, Chiswick and across London and Surrey.

We are a specialist centre for pigmentation treatment in Twickenham, including melasma and hyperpigmentation in skin of colour.

Pigmentation looks different on everyone, such as brown spots or patches across your cheeks, dark marks left behind after spots or inflammation or a general unevenness across your skin.

At Thames Skin Clinic, pigmentation is another one of our specialisms. , , and each respond to different treatments and different sequences. The depth of the pigment, whether it sits in the epidermis or deeper in the dermis, determines everything about how it should be approached.

Pigmentation can be treated with for sun spots, chemical peel programmes for melasma and medical-grade brightening plans. Daily SPF 50 is also essential for maintaining results and preventing pigmentation returning or worsening.

Pigmentation occurs when melanocytes in the skin produce excess melanin, which is then distributed unevenly across the epidermis. This can lead to dark spots, patches and an overall uneven complexion. Sun exposure is one of the key triggers for this process, as UV and visible light stimulate melanocyte activity, causing . This is why proper sun protection and daily SPF are essential.

In deeper skin tones the wrong treatment of laser settings can make hyperpigmentation worse. At Thames Skin Clinic, our hyperpigmentation treatments in Twickenham are tailored according to the Fitzpatrick skin type.
We adapt both lasers and peels for darker skin tones, choosing Excel V+, and topicals specifically for darker skin. We assess skin tone in depth and if a treatment isn’t appropriate for your skin tone, we will tell you and recommend what is.

Struggling with uneven skin tone or dark patches? Our medical skin clinic in Twickenham specialises in hyperpigmentation treatment, including . Book a consultation today and we can assess whether your pigmentation is sun-related, hormonal or post-inflammatory.

UV & sun damage

UV exposure triggers melanocytes to overproduce melanin as a defence response. This creates the dark spots and sun damage most people recognise. When we talk about sun protection, it is not just about UVA and UVB rays. These are well known for causing skin damage, but there are also other forms of light that contribute to pigmentation, including harmful blue light (HEV) and infrared radiation. covering all four light spectrums, reapplied daily, is incorporated into every pigmentation plan at Thames Skin Clinic.

Hormonal fluctuation

Oestrogen and progesterone sensitise melanocytes to UV stimulation, dramatically increasing melanin production in hormonally active skin. This is why melasma appears or worsens during pregnancy, when taking the contraceptive pill, and during perimenopause and menopause. Managing melasma requires a combination of topical brightening actives, in-clinic treatments and consistent daily SPF.

Post-inflammatory response

When skin experiences inflammation from acne, spots, rosacea, injury or even an aggressive treatment, the healing process can trigger localised melanin overproduction. This leaves a dark mark where the inflammation was. This is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It is more common and more pronounced in medium-to-darker skin tones due to naturally higher melanocyte activity.

FAQs

can be significantly improved and kept controlled, but it requires ongoing management. Treatments can suppress melanin production and remove existing pigment, while daily broad-spectrum SPF prevents restimulation. For melasma treatment at Thames Skin Clinic, we combine the brightening plan with a series of chemical peels and with laser therapies where appropriate.

Yes, laser treatment is safe for darker skin tones with the right assessment and the right technology. Laser pigmentation treatment on darker skin tones requires a practitioner who understands Fitzpatrick skin typing and selects wavelengths and settings accordingly. At Thames Skin Clinic, we assess skin tone before every laser treatment in Twickenham. Our uses two clinically proven wavelengths with smart sapphire cooling, which allows safe treatment across a wide range of skin types. If a laser isn’t appropriate for your skin tone or pigmentation type, we’ll tell you and recommend what is.

To fade dark marks left behind by acne, first, if any active acne or inflammation is still present, that needs to be treated first. Treating this type of pigmentation while acne is still active risks worsening pigmentation. Once settled, a combination of topical brightening agents (retinol and brightening serums), gentle and, in some cases, lasers can progressively fade existing marks. At Thames Skin Clinic, we treat both active acne and post-acne pigmentation as part of one plan.

Pigmentation can be treated in the summer, but higher UV levels increase the risk of worsening existing pigmentation. If you do proceed during the summer months, daily use of a high-factor SPF is essential, and it should be reapplied more than once throughout the day.

Winter is the ideal time to treat pigmentation. Reduced UV exposure means treatments are less likely to trigger further discolouration. The lower sun intensity allows for more intensive procedures, such as lasers, chemical peels and , to work more effectively.

What To Expect at Your Consultation

Whether you are concerned about acne, rosacea, wrinkles, pigmentation or sun damage, every consultation at Thames Skin Clinic begins with a detailed assessment of your skin.

All skin treatments and consultations at Thames Skin Clinic are carried out by medically qualified practitioners in a CQC-registered clinic, using CE-marked devices and evidence-based protocols.

For skin concern consultations, your appointment will include:

A detailed skin and health assessment.

We review your medical history, skin history, current skincare, previous treatments and any concerns you would like to improve. For conditions such as acne, rosacea and pigmentation, we also assess the type, severity and possible triggers.

Where appropriate, your assessment may include skin imaging, mole or lesion assessment, review of lifestyle factors and discussion of any medical conditions or medications that may influence your skin.

A personalised treatment plan.

Based on your assessment, Dr Anna Hemming will explain which treatments may be appropriate for your skin, why they are recommended and in what order they should be carried out.
Some concerns may respond well to a single treatment approach, while others, such as melasma, cystic acne, scarring, skin laxity or rosacea, often require a carefully sequenced combination plan.

Clear information before any treatment begins.

Before any treatment begins, we explain how it works, what results to expect, the likely timeline, possible side effects, downtime and aftercare.
For acne, rosacea and pigmentation, we also discuss lifestyle factors, triggers and homecare, as results are often strongest when the underlying causes are managed alongside in-clinic treatments.

Real Patient Results

Every skin journey is different. During your consultation, we can show relevant before-and-after examples for concerns such as acne, rosacea, pigmentation, skin texture, scarring and skin ageing.

Where suitable, we may also direct you to relevant case studies or treatment examples so you can understand how different treatment plans work over time.

 

Our approach is guided by the THAMES Philosophy, created by Dr Anna Hemming to ensure every patient receives a thoughtful, medically led and personalised treatment plan.

at Thames Skin Clinic today in Twickenham.

T — Thorough Consultation
We take time to understand your skin concerns, medical history, previous treatments, skincare routine, lifestyle factors and treatment goals.
H — Holistic Approach
We look at the whole picture, not just the visible concern. Skin health can be affected by hormones, stress, sleep, nutrition, sun exposure, ageing, medication and underlying skin conditions.
A — Assessment
Your skin is carefully assessed before any treatment is recommended. This allows us to understand what is happening at the surface and what may be driving the concern beneath the skin.
M — Medical Treatments
Where treatment is appropriate, we recommend evidence-based medical aesthetic treatments, prescription skincare where suitable, medical-grade skincare and advanced device-led procedures.
E — Expectations Discussed
We explain what each treatment can and cannot achieve, how many sessions may be needed, expected timelines, downtime, aftercare, risks and maintenance.
S — Safety
Patient safety is central to every treatment plan. Treatments are carried out in a CQC-registered, doctor-led clinic using evidence-based protocols and safe, regulated technologies, including CE-marked, UKCA-marked and/or FDA-cleared devices where applicable.

Please consent to providing your above data to us in accordance with our .

Getting To The Clinic

Clinic Address

Thames Skin Clinic 1-3 Baylis Mews Twickenham TW1 3HQ. Please call to speak directly to a team member.

By Train

Thames Skin Clinic is conveniently located in Twickenham, with excellent rail connections from across the UK. The nearest station is Twickenham Train Station, just a 5 minute walk from the clinic. Direct South Western Railway services run from London Waterloo (20-25 mins), Clapham Junction (10-15 mins) and Richmond (5 mins).

From the North, Midlands and Wales, travel via London Euston or Paddington before connecting at Waterloo. From the South and West, change at Reading, Clapham Junction, or Woking. If arriving from the East, transfer to Liverpool Street.

By Car

Thames Skin Clinic is located in Twickenham and is easily accessible by car from London and surrounding areas, including Richmond, Teddington, St Margarets, Kingston, Wimbledon, Chiswick, South West London and Surrey.
.

From Central London – Take the A4 or A316 towards Richmond, then follow the A310 into Twickenham.

From the M25 – Exit at Junction 12 (M3), continue on the M3/A316, then take the turnoff towards Twickenham town centre.

From the South and West – Use the M3, M4, or A3, connecting to the A316 into Twickenham.

Parking

Free parking on site with disabled parking available.
Public Car Parks: The nearest public car park is Arragon Road Multi-Storey (TW1 3NG), just a short walk from the clinic.

The best treatment depends on the cause of your concern, your skin type, your medical history and your treatment goals. Many skin concerns look similar on the surface but have different underlying causes. This is why we recommend a consultation before deciding on treatment.

Yes. Many patients have more than one concern, such as acne with pigmentation, rosacea with sensitivity, or wrinkles with skin laxity. Your treatment plan may be designed to address several concerns in a careful sequence.

In many cases, preparing the skin with medical-grade skincare can improve skin health, reduce sensitivity and support better treatment outcomes. This is particularly important for concerns such as pigmentation, melasma, acne, rosacea and barrier weakness.

Some skin concerns can be significantly improved, but many require ongoing management. Acne, rosacea and pigmentation can be influenced by genetics, hormones, inflammation, sun exposure and lifestyle factors. The aim is to control symptoms, improve skin health and reduce flare-ups or recurrence.

This depends on the concern being treated and the type of treatment recommended. Some treatments may give visible improvement within weeks, while concerns such as acne, pigmentation, scarring, rosacea and collagen loss often require a longer treatment plan with maintenance.

Many treatments can be safely used on darker skin tones when they are selected and performed correctly. At Thames Skin Clinic, your skin type, pigmentation risk and medical history are assessed before treatment. Some lasers, skincare ingredients or resurfacing treatments may need to be adapted to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Pigmentation is a broad term for areas of increased colour in the skin. It may be caused by sun damage, inflammation, acne marks, hormonal changes or ageing. Melasma is a specific type of pigmentation that is often hormonally influenced and can be triggered or worsened by sun exposure, heat and inflammation. Melasma usually requires careful long-term management.

Yes. A consultation allows us to assess your skin properly, identify the likely cause of your concern and recommend the safest and most effective treatment plan. This helps avoid unsuitable treatments and ensures your plan is personalised to your skin.

If you are unsure what your skin needs, the best place to start is with a consultation.
Book your doctor-led skin consultation at Thames Skin Clinic in Twickenham and receive a personalised plan designed to restore healthier, stronger and more confident skin.

Written and medically reviewed by Dr Anna Hemming, MBChB BSc DFFP – Best Medical Practitioner UK 2026

Monday – 09:30-16:30
Tuesday – 09:00-17:30
Wednesday – 09:00-19:30
Thursday – 09:30-17.30
Friday – 09:00-17:30
Saturday – 09:00-16:30 by appointment

Thames Skin Clinic
Baylis Mews,
Twickenham TW1 3HQ

Telephone
Email

Copyright © 2026 Thames Skin Clinic. All rights reserved.

Make an enquiry

Please consent to providing your above data to us in accordance with our .