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Skin Aging and Cosmetic Concerns | Dermatology

Dermatology

Skin Aging and Cosmetic Concerns

Our dermatologists provide compassionate care and offer noninvasive cosmetic procedures that improve the look of your skin.

Medically reviewed by Jayne Joo, M.D. on Oct. 01, 2026.

A dermatologist examines age spots on a woman’s hand and arm.

Anti-Aging and Cosmetics Care for You

Our cosmetic dermatology clinic offers anti-aging and cosmetic treatments for all of these concerns and more. We understand how important it is to feel confident in your appearance. We use the latest proven therapies to help you look your best.

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Types of Cosmetic Skin Concerns

Cosmetic dermatology focuses on improving the appearance of your skin. Treatments can include anti-aging procedures to make your skin look younger. They can also include treating cosmetic conditions like acne, scars or unwanted hair.

Common cosmetic concerns include: 

  • Acne and rosacea
  • Age spots
  • Scars
  • Skin tags
  • Spider veins
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Unwanted hair
  • Wrinkles
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Symptoms of Aging Skin and Cosmetic Conditions

The signs of aging skin develop slowly over time. Other cosmetic conditions like scars may appear at any age after an injury. Your symptoms will vary based on your condition.

Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of aging skin and cosmetic conditions include:

  • Age spots
  • Dry skin
  • Facial or body hair in unwanted places
  • Less skin volume
  • Redness or pimples
  • Scars
  • Spider veins
  • Wrinkles
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Causes of Skin Aging and Cosmetic Concerns

The appearance of your skin depends on many factors. Age, environment, genetics and lifestyle habits all play a role.

Common causes of many skin concerns include: 

Age

Your skin goes through changes as you get older. Age causes it to lose collagen and elastin. It becomes thinner, drier and appears less smooth and supple. Wrinkles become more apparent with age.

Genetics

A family history of conditions like acne or cellulite (uneven fat deposits under the skin) can make you more likely to have them. Your genes can also cause excess or unwanted hair growth and spider veins.

Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations can cause your oil glands to produce more oil and clog your pores. Clogged pores lead to acne. Declining estrogen during menopause causes skin to lose collagen leading to thinning and sagging.

Injuries

We collect scars over the course of our lives from injuries to the skin or through surgical procedures. Some scars fade on their own over time, while others could benefit from treatment.

Smoking

Smoking makes your skin age faster, causing you to develop wrinkles and lose volume earlier. People who smoke also tend to get more wrinkles around the mouth and lips.

Sun Exposure

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are a major contributor to the signs of aging on your skin. Sun exposure leads to age spots, skin thinning and wrinkles from accelerated loss of collagen. It can also cause broken capillaries and spider veins to appear.

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Diagnosing Skin Aging and Cosmetic Concerns

Our dermatology specialists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating a variety of cosmetic and age-related skin conditions. Your dermatologist may examine your skin with a magnifying device. Magnifying the appearance of your skin helps determine whether your concerns are cosmetic or a sign of skin cancer. 

Cosmetic Procedures and Anti-Aging Treatments at UC Davis Health

We offer the latest anti-aging and noninvasive cosmetic treatments to improve the look and feel of your skin. Our dermatologists discuss your concerns with you and develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your needs. Our treatments include:

Botulinum Toxin Injection

More commonly known as Botox®, this injection temporarily relaxes your facial muscles around your eyes, mouth, forehead and neck. The result is smoother skin and a reduced appearance of wrinkles.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel removes the damaged outer layer of skin and reveals the healthy skin underneath. Chemical peels can help with acne, age spots and wrinkles.

Dermal Filler

Your dermatologist may inject a dermal filler into your face, hands or lips to give your skin a fuller appearance. Dermal fillers are made from natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid. They smooth lines and stimulate collagen production. Collagen increases your skin’s elasticity.

Laser Hair Removal

Your dermatologist directs a laser light beam to unwanted hair on your face or body. The laser destroys the hair follicle and helps slow or stop your hair from growing back.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

In this procedure, a laser device removes the top damaged layers of your skin. This process reveals fresh, healthy skin underneath. Laser resurfacing treats age spots, scars and wrinkles.

Sclerotherapy

This procedure treats spider veins. Your dermatologist injects a chemical mixture into your veins. Your blood vessels then shrink and become less visible.

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How to Prevent Signs of Aging

It’s possible to delay some signs of aging by protecting your skin as much as possible. Starting these healthy habits early may prolong your youthful appearance:

  • Avoid sunbathing and tanning beds
  • Exercise regularly to improve your circulation
  • Stop smoking
  • Wear sunglasses to protect the skin around your eyes and prevent wrinkles
  • Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day

Benefits of sunscreen use

24%Less skin aging seen in people who wear sunscreen daily

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine: Sunscreen and Prevention of Skin Aging

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U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and neonatology. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)

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