Reporter goes under the microscope for revealing skin test

Reporter ABIGAIL WOODCOCK goes under the microscope to see how much sun exposure she has had.

WE ALL know the camera adds 10 pounds.

But perhaps what a normal snapshot does not show is what our skin really looks like.

I’ve never been one for high factored sun cream, believing the myth that the higher the slap, the lower the tan.

So when I was offered a free skin analysis session by Trueskin Advanced Skin Clinics in Greenhithe’s Bluewater Shopping Centre, I was more than a little intrigued.

The process involved having my face scanned by a skin analyser.

I rested my chin in front of the machine, not unlike one you might get at an optician, and a UV camera took a snapshot of my face.

The machine analyses 2mm below the skin’s surface to see what the naked eye cannot.

It captures any sun damage, lines and wrinkles, as well as acne, scarring and pigmentation- a condition where some patches of skin turn darker in colour than others.

I was mortified at the results.

Redness and sensitivity

This photo shows the redness to my face caused by damage from the environment, such as sun burn or dehydration brought on by things such as central heating which dries out the skin.

Wrinkles

Fifty emerging lines, 13 fine lines and two deep lines are shown in this photo. It resulted in a 70 per cent skin smoothness rating, with 100 per cent being the least smooth. Apparently the average is 40 per cent.

Pigmentation

This photo shows I have 315 age spots, blemishes or pigmentation on my skin, with 36 per cent of my face affected.

Enlarged pore count

The pore count reveals 1,284 enlarged pores on my face, perhaps blocked by bacteria.

Aged skin

This is what my face could look like if I leave it untreated and continue to expose my skin to harmful factors.

Perfect skin

A perfect picture of what my skin could look like once it has been treated with hydrating facials and intense age repair peel.

TRUESKIN Advanced Skin Clinics offers free consultations and skin analysis upon request.

Area manager Lisa Pellizzom said: "The camera doesn’t lie so that’s why we hold these consultations and advise on what the best treatment is to protect the skin.

"We’re also working with the British Skin Foundation to raise awareness of how to take care in the sun."

For more information, visit trueskin.co.uk

What the doctor says

GP AND Bexley clinical commissioning group chairman, Dr Howard Stoate said: “The skin is the largest organ of the body. It protects you, heals itself and lasts a lifetime so it’s important to look after.

“During the warmer weather it’s important not to over-expose yourself to harmful sunrays.

“Strong evidence also links smoking to ageing of the skin, and it's one of the main environmental factors in premature skin ageing.

“Drinking alcohol can dehydrate your body and skin, leaving it looking older and tired.

“It’s important to keep your body hydrated with plenty of water to avoid drying out your skin. “