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Drs Maryam and Roddy McMillan

Common Skin Conditions

We all have little niggles we’d like to change to keep us looking and feeling incredible.

Whether it’s a line or wrinkle here and there, or a medical condition like sweating or acne, the specialist team at Ambra Aesthetic Clinic in Finchley have the compassion and understanding to help you.

Woman with acne

Acne is a common skin complaint that can affect the face, neck, chest and back.

woman with gummy smile

A gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, is a condition that describes too much gum tissue being exposed upon smiling.

Woman with tired skin

The tired appearance of dull, lacklustre skin can not only result from a lack of sleep, but can also be the conditions that arise from ageing, environmental conditions, stress levels and diet.

Skin Tags

Often found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, buttocks, eyelids or under the breasts, skin tags are small flesh-coloured growths.

man checking his wrinkles

As we age, lines and wrinkles can start to appear anywhere on the face and body.

Woman with Rosacea

Rosacea is a common long-term skin condition that affects the face.

Bare Skin On A Man's Back With Scattered Moles And Freckles

Pigmentation refers to the unique colouring of the skin and is determined by the production of Melanin - a substance that is found naturally in the body.

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Often found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, buttocks, eyelids or under the breasts, skin tags are small flesh-coloured growths.

woman sweating in gym

Excessive sweating is a common condition that can affect both men and women.

man with dry skin

Dull skin and dry skin often go hand-in-hand, and is predominantly caused by a lack of hydration to the skin.

Man with thinning hair

Hair loss is a normal everyday function that many of us don’t even notice, losing between 50 and 100 hairs a day as part of a healthy cycle that allows for new hair to grow through.

woman with sagging skin

A concern that is often associated with the ageing process, sagging skin is a condition that can be visible on the face and body, and is a result of a decline in collagen and elastin or can be attributed to weight loss.

Woman with thin lips

Thin lips is a condition used to describe lips that are lacking in a full appearance.

Varicose vein on leg

Thread veins are a common condition that can affect both men and women and are most likely to develop on the face, legs and back - and in some cases on the stomach after pregnancy.

Woman with acne

Acne and Scarring

Acne is a common skin complaint that can affect the face, neck, chest and back.

Appearing as spots and pimples, the causes of this inflammatory condition can often be either hormonal, or due to blockages in the pores from excess sebum and dead skin cells.

At various points in our lives the body experiences fluctuations in hormone levels, with adolescence and the menopause being two significant examples, causing outbreaks of whiteheads, blackheads or pus-filled pustules on the surface of the skin.

The appearance of acne is often an unwanted concern that can be viewed as unattractive, with particularly severe cases commonly affecting the emotional well-being of the sufferer, causing feelings of lost confidence and embarrassment.

Although very tempting, it is important to refrain from squeezing or picking the spots as it can exacerbate the condition and possibly lead to further inflammation or infection.

It is not unusual for people who have been affected by acne to also experience acne scarring. These are the marks that are left behind after an outbreak has caused damage to the skin, resulting in the development of a visibly dimpled effect, which may also be accompanied by some possible discolouration.

Scarring generally fades over time, but it is not always the case that it will completely eradicate, and the condition can sometimes be hard to conceal.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic, acne and acne scarring can be treated through Microneedling, subcision and TCA cross peel aimed at resurfacing the skin and restoring healthy properties to its structure. Deep cleansing and exfoliation can help to keep the skin in tip-top condition. We also recommend that you can maintain a good skincare regime at home with such as ZO- skinhealth and Obagi Medical range, to lessen the likelihood of further outbreaks.

Acne and Scarring

Lines and Wrinkles

As we age, lines and wrinkles can start to appear anywhere on the face and body.

Ageing and its effects can vary from person to person, and is often dependent on genetics. However, some lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption and a poor diet can all contribute to speeding up this natural process, as well as over exposure to the sun and muscle movements in the face.

Collagen and Elastin are two products that are found in the skin, and are the elements that help to keep the skin’s structure strong, soft and supple. The natural effects of ageing disrupt the effective production of collagen and elastin, and this results in the skin losing volume and elasticity, as well as essential moisturising properties.


Often becoming deeper and more inset over time, lines and wrinkles can affect all areas of the upper, lower and mid-face, presenting themselves as: Crow’s feet, forehead lines, frown lines, lip lines and nasolabial and marionette folds.

The skin on the hands and neck (decolletage) is naturally thinner, and as ageing can bring about further thinning of the skin and a change in structure, they too can develop wrinkles.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic, we offer specially formulated treatments such as Dermal Fillers and Wrinkle Relaxing methods which can be used to soften the appearance of wrinkles. Dermal Fillers add volume to the skin, whereas wrinkle relaxing treatments ease muscle contractions.

Resurfacing and hydration of the skin to restore the skin’s healthy properties, can be achieved through treatments such as Profhilo.

Man checking wrinkles
Lines & Wrinkles
Woman Using Roll on deodorant

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating is a common condition that can affect both men and women.

It is most frequently seen in the armpits, but can also occur on the hands and feet. Also known as Hyperhidrosis, this concern is the result of overactive sweat glands and can often be associated with adolescence, stress and anxiety, polycystic ovaries and overactive thyroid glands.

Sweating occurs as a natural response to particular circumstances, including physical activity and exercise, warm weather conditions and feelings of nervousness, stress and anger. However, when affected by Hyperhidrosis you will sweat more than is usually expected and the

noticeable wet patches on your clothing can cause feelings of embarrassment, impacting on daily life – work and relationships.

It is not uncommon for excessive sweating to begin in childhood, and the sweating can occur all over the body or in localised areas. There may be an underlying cause for your Hyperhidrosis, or it may happen for no apparent reason at all, a Doctor will be able to investigate this for you.

Excessive Sweating

Sagging Skin

A concern that is often associated with the ageing process, sagging skin is a condition that can be visible on the face and body, and is a result of a decline in collagen and elastin or can be attributed to weight loss.

Smooth skin that has the ability to bounce back, is a trait possessed by a more youthful complexion, as the skin contains healthy amounts of collagen and elastin contained within its structure.

As we get older the levels of these two components begin to decrease and their production becomes less efficient, giving way to skin that becomes weakened and less supported – thus it begins to sag.

The natural process of ageing is something that everyone will experience, and the presenting conditions can differ from one person to another, to varying degrees. As part of this process, sagging skin can be a factor determined by our individual genetics, with lifestyle choices and weight loss being other influences to consider.

Overexposure to the sun (and its harmful UV rays), smoking, alcohol consumption and poor diet, can all play a part in accelerating the rate at which ageing effects take hold. With this in mind, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, ensuring good levels of hydration and a careful skincare regime (including the daily use of a suitable SPF) can help to uphold healthy, tight skin.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic, Profhilo, Dermal Fillers, Microneedling and other specially formulated treatments can help to reduce the appearance of sagging skin. By improving this condition, commonly affecting areas around the cheeks, jawline and eyes, a more youthful look can be achieved.

woman with sagging skin
Sagging Skin
woman with gummy smile

Gummy Smile

A gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, is a condition that describes too much gum tissue being exposed upon smiling.

There are varying degrees of this condition, from person to person, with gum smile severity ranging from mild to moderate to severe.

A mild gum smile sees between 2 and 4 mls of exposed gum tissue, moderate gum smile reveals between 4 and 6 mls of gum tissue, and a severe gum smile displays more than 6 mls of gum tissue when smiling.

The causes of a gummy smile can vary, including: possessing large gums (gingival hypertrophy), a short upper lip, small teeth, a hyperactive upper lip, an overgrowth of the upper jaw causing bulging gums, or worn down teeth compromising the proportionate balance between the teeth and gums.

These factors are all associated with dental aesthetics and what can determine the ‘perfect smile’, with genetics being the main cause for this common complaint.

 

A person who possesses a gummy smile can often feel that it is unattractive, causing feelings of self-consciousness when smiling and laughing.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic a gummy smile can be treated using a specially formulated treatment. This procedure sees the muscle that controls the top lip being treated, resulting in the lip contracting less and thus revealing a smaller amount of the gum.

The effects of successfully treating a gummy smile can be life changing, allowing you to be able to smile and laugh with confidence.

Gummy Smile

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common long-term skin condition that affects the face.

Visible redness is the most prominent symptom associated with Rosacea, and the face may sting upon washing – even if only water is used.

Other symptoms can include: small bumps on the skin that are red or pink in colour (or even filled with pus), burst blood vessels (known as spider or thread veins), dry skin thickened skin and possible discolouration.

Affecting areas such as the chin, forehead and cheeks, Rosacea can often see symptoms come and go, with fluctuations in severity. However, if left untreated, the affected person may find that this condition causes a permanent redness to the face.


This condition is most likely to affect women, but if experienced by a man, the symptoms can be quite severe and it is less noticeable for people who have a darker complexion.

Although the causes of Rosacea are not necessarily known, it is thought that alcohol consumption, eating spicy foods, eating cheese, drinking caffeinated and other hot drinks, exercise, exposure to hot conditions and stress can all act to trigger the symptoms.

When affected by Rosacea, the visible symptoms can be quite noticeable, leading to feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness. This may encourage the need to conceal the condition, using cosmetics to cover over the redness.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic we use a variety of products and Dermalux LED Therapy as effective treatments to successfully settle the symptoms of Rosacea. This can help to improve the affected person’s overall appearance and restore any lost confidence.

Woman with rosacea
Rosacea
man with dry skin

Dull, Dry Skin

Dull skin and dry skin often go hand-in-hand, and is predominantly caused by a lack of hydration to the skin.

These conditions can affect both the body and the face, with dryness presenting over the entire body or just in localised patches. There may be medical reasons for the skin becoming dry, such as Eczema or Psoriasis, but it is a concern that can affect anybody at any time.


Dry skin can be a common concern related to the process of ageing, as the functioning of the body becomes less effective as we get older. Collagen is a substance that is naturally present in the skin, with one of its jobs being to help aid moisturisation of the skin.

Due to the decline in the production of this product (a direct result of ageing), dead skin cells can start to build up, contributing to the skin’s appearance becoming dull.

Certain lifestyle activities such as smoking, consuming alcohol, eating a poor diet and neglecting to take regular exercise can all affect the hydration of the skin and the body as a whole. It is important to maintain a healthy level of hydration, drinking plenty of fluids every day, as a well hydrated body means well hydrated skin.

For healthy, glowing skin, that is youthfully moist and supple, daily cleansing and exfoliation is required. However, when using creams to help with moisturising, it is important not to overdo it and cause a counterintuitive effect.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic we use our bespoke facials and hydrafacial as successful treatments that leave the skin looking radiant and smooth.

Dull Dry Skin

Thin Lips

Thin lips is a condition used to describe lips that are lacking in a full appearance.

It is widely accepted that the ‘perfect proportions’ for the lips is 2 thirds bottom lip to 1 third top lip. However, as with all our features, the size and volume of the lips is unique to each and every person, with the perception that they are too thin being one of personal preference.

Treating thin lips has become a very popular procedure, frequently requested throughout the world, with both men and women seeking to enhance their lips and possess the perfect pout.

Determining the way we look, inherited genes will be the dominant reason for having thin lips, with ageing being a factor that causes the full lips from our youth becoming thinner in appearance as we age.

Lost volume in the facial features can be a result of lost collagen and elastin in the skin, a natural progression that causes weakened skin and its supporting muscles.

As well as lacking in volume, thin lips can alter the balance with the rest of the features, causing the face to look disproportionate.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic we treat thin lips by using Dermal Fillers for lip enhancement, as the lips require a more gentle approach than that of other areas of the face. The use of fillers can add volume for a fuller appearance to one or both of the lips.

When the appearance of a specific feature, such as the lips, has been enhanced it can leave you feeling happier and more confident.

Woman with thin lips
Thin Lips
Woman with tired skin

Tired Skin

The tired appearance of dull, lacklustre skin can not only result from a lack of sleep, but can also be the conditions that arise from ageing, environmental conditions, stress levels and diet.


Drinking plenty of water every day is vital for ensuring your general well-being, and your skin too. Failing to maintain good hydration levels can impact on the effective functioning of the body and the skin, breaking down its protective barrier and losing its youthful dewy look.

When the protective barrier is compromised the skin can become vulnerable to environmental aggressors, damaging the collagen and accelerating the signs of ageing.

Feeling stressed causes the body to produce Cortisol, a hormone that can contribute to the breaking down of collagen and elastin, reducing facial volume and radiancy of the skin.

As well as maintaining adequate hydration within the body, it is important to eat a healthy balanced diet too. Not only will your body stay in tip-top condition, but so will your skin, helping to retain a more youthful appearance and stop the effects of ageing from developing prematurely.

By regularly cleansing and exfoliating your skin, dead skin cells can be removed, allowing for healthy skin cells to regenerate effectively and maintain the skin’s plump and dewy look.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic giving the skin a boost can be achieved through a range of treatments which will leave the skin looking and feeling more youthful and radiant giving you back the glowing complexion you once had.

Tired Skin

Pigmentation

Pigmentation refers to the unique colouring of the skin and is determined by the production of Melanin – a substance that is found naturally in the body.

Issues related to a discolouration of the skin can affect a variety of areas on the face or body, with a number of causes.

This common concern can be seen in two different forms: Hyperpigmentation occurs when too much Melanin has been produced. Most frequently seen affecting the face, hands, chest, neck and shoulders; Hyperpigmentation is often a result from hormonal changes, trauma to the skin or exposure to the sun. Usually taking on the form of age spots or freckles, this condition is likely to be of no harm to the affected person, with adults in their 30’s or 40’s being common candidates.

Hypopigmentation is a result of too little Melanin being produced, causing the skin to become lighter in appearance. This condition may take the form of small localised patches on the face or body, or cover larger areas. This concern is most likely to be caused by our inherited genes, with environmental conditions and trauma to the skin being other contributors.

Pigmentation can be a very visual condition, causing embarrassment to the affected person.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic medical grade skin care products and chemical peels can be used as effective treatments to help improve Pigmentation issues on both the face and body. We have a variety of treatments available at the clinic, including Lumecca IPL treatment and Obagi products we highly recommend as part of an ongoing skincare programme. When pigmentation issues are successfully addressed, any lost confidence can be restored leaving you with a complexion that looks more even and balanced.

Bare Skin On A Man's Back With Scattered Moles And Freckles
Pigmentation
Man with thinning hair

Hair Loss

Hair loss is a normal everyday function that many of us don’t even notice, losing between 50 and 100 hairs a day as part of a healthy cycle that allows for new hair to grow through.

Losing some hair is not something that we should usually worry about, but it may be worth some medical investigation if the loss is quite significant.

Both males and females can be affected by ‘Pattern baldness’, a permanent type of hair loss that is most likely to run in the family. However, some excessive hair loss can be as a result from stress, hormonal changes (as with pregnancy, adolescence and menopause), weight loss, iron deficiency or an underlying medical condition.

The hair can come out in clumps or may even go unnoticed, leaving behind a noticeable bald patch.

Losing one’s hair can have a huge impact on the affected person’s well-being, as the hair can be a big part of our physical appearance and creating a personal image. Many people experiencing hair loss find ways to hide the condition, using hats or hairstyles to mask the condition so it goes unnoticed.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy can be used to help with producing a healthy growth cycle of the hair. By using the body’s own proteins, the follicles can be stimulated, encouraging the growth of new hair in the affected areas.

Hair Loss

Thread Veins

Thread veins are a common condition that can affect both men and women and are most likely to develop on the face, legs and back – and in some cases on the stomach after pregnancy.

‘Spider veins’, ‘surface veins’ and ‘venous flares’ are other frequent references for this concern, which appear as thin red or purple veins.

They are the result of broken blood vessels that have become dilated and visible in the superficial layer of the skin (dermis).

Around 80% of adults develop thread veins which may appear as a lone strand or as a cluster, much like the appearance of a spider’s web. Stress or trauma to the skin is most likely to be the cause, as is exposure to the sun and the condition Rosacea – a characteristic that is symptomatic of this skin condition and often sees thread veins appear on the cheeks, nose and occasionally the chin.

This condition is usually found to be harmless, but may grow in size and volume as time passes. For thread veins that develop through Rosacea, their presence can become permanent if the concern is left untreated.

Thread veins can cause the affected person to feel some degree of embarrassment or self-consciousness at their appearance, especially if they are particularly noticeable to others.

At Ambra Aesthetic Clinic the appearance of thread veins can be reduced through the use of Obagi medical grade skin products, which help to restore a healthy condition to the skin, as well as Thermavein – a treatment that uses a thermo-coagulation device to remove the thread vein(s).

A bespoke treatment plan can achieve successful results in helping to erase the appearance of thread veins. You can regain any lost confidence when your skin can once again look clear and evenly toned.

Varicose vein on leg
Thread Veins
Skin Tags

Skin Tags

Often found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, buttocks, eyelids or under the breasts, skin tags are small flesh-coloured growths that look a little like a wart.

Both men and women can develop these soft but knobbly irregularities, that tend to appear where there is a fold or crease in the skin.

A combination of collagen fibres and blood vessels wrapped in skin tissue, make up a skin tag, which is not often found to be harmful or cause any pain. The reasons for developing a skin tag is generally unknown, but associations with hormone changes have been linked, as they commonly appear in pregnant women.

Although the affected person may not feel any associated pain, a skin tag can be the cause of some discomfort. As they hang off the skin’s surface, its location can lead to items of clothing or jewellery catching on the skin tag, which may result in bleeding.

The development of a skin tag can cause some feelings of self-consciousness if the affected person is unhappy with its appearance, especially if it is in a particularly noticeable location.


In some cases a skin tag may fall off on its own, if the surrounding tissue becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply. However, it is not recommended that a person should attempt to remove a skin tag without seeking medical advice first.

Ambra Aesthetic Clinic can perform safe and effective removal through Cryotherapy – a treatment that freezes the cells to block the supply of blood, enabling the skin tag to fall off.

This procedure can help to restore lost confidence when the surface of the skin is returned to an even texture, with no visible irregularities.

Skin Tags

Excess Hair

Hair grows all over the body (with the exception of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and lips), varying in density depending on the area. You may feel that you have excess hair if its growth is particularly noticeable, or thicker in volume than you would prefer.

 

As mentioned, hair grows all over the face and body which is normal as hair has a number of jobs. It provides a protective layer over the skin, which is why you’ll find thicker hair growing on the head and other more sensitive areas. Hair can also help to keep the body warm, and the follicles are essential in regulating the production of sweat and oil. Hair can also help to enhance our sense of touch.

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Nowadays, your hair can be what identifies you, and can be used as a way to express your unique appearance. Head hair is easy to grow and style as preferred, and maintaining a full head of hair can be important. However, some body hair can be unwanted or even considered as unhygienic, depending on where it is. Women will typically want to remove hair on their legs, under arms and around the bikini line, as well as on the face if hair growth is particularly noticeable. This can commonly occur in women who have South Asian, Middle-Eastern or Mediterranean heritage.

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Facial hair and dense body hair is often more acceptable for a man, however, more and more men also look to enhance their grooming. This has led to a rise in male patients also looking to remove unwanted hair from their chest, back, buttocks and around the genitals. Those who are particularly interested in athletic sports will also consider hair removal on the body to help enhance their performance and make their body more streamlined.

 

Many men and women look to remove hair from the body, whether they choose to shave, wax or attend a clinic / salon for an in-office hair removal treatment. Whichever method is used, the aim is to achieve smooth, hair-free skin.

At Ambra Clinic we use Candela Gentlemax Pro Plus laser as a safe and effective treatment for reducing unwanted / excess hair, with long-term results.

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ExcessHair
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Contact Ambra Aesthetic Clinic on

020 8446 2761
beautiful woman with curly hair
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