One of the more bewildering things about menopause is how quickly familiar skin can begin behaving like someone else’s. A moisturiser you have used for years suddenly is not rich enough. Foundation settles into places it never used to. Your cheeks flush more easily, your neck feels dry and, just as you are adjusting to all of that, a spot appears on your chin with the timing and confidence of a teenager. These changes are real - and you can read more about them in one of my

Facial ageing is far more complex than the gradual appearance of lines and wrinkles. As we get older, we lose collagen and elastin, facial fat changes position and volume, the supporting structures beneath the skin alter and even the bones of the face gradually remodel. For women, hormonal changes during and after menopause can affect the skin too. Together, these changes can alter everything from the shape of our cheeks and jawline to the appearance of our eyes, mouth and ne

Longer, fuller lashes have become one of the beauty industry’s biggest obsessions, with many turning to growth serums. But while some products can genuinely improve lashes, others may carry risks you maybe completely unaware of. Before applying any products close to your eyelids, here are the key things I believe every consumer should bear in mind. As an Ophthalmic surgeon, I understand the appeal. Full lashes frame the eyes beautifully and create a fresher, more youthful a

As a Consultant Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgeon, I always notice when a patient stops talking about “looking tired” and starts describing something more specific. They tell me their eyelids feel heavy, that their makeup no longer sits properly or they are lifting their brows to see more clearly, particularly by the end of the day. This is often when we start talking about blepharoplasty surgery. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove e

We tend to notice our eyes only when something feels wrong – irritation, dryness, blurred vision, headaches at the end of the day. But eye health isn’t something that suddenly changes overnight. It’s shaped day by day, by habits we often don’t give a second thought. As an ophthalmologist, I see this pattern all the time. Many eye conditions don’t begin with pain or dramatic symptoms. They develop gradually, influenced by screen use, hormones, environment, general health and h

Mohs surgery is a technique that removes certain types of skin cancer – most commonly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – one layer at a time. After each layer is removed, it’s examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. This process repeats until no cancer cells are detected. Mohs surgery is incredibly effective (with cure rates up to 99% for BCC), and it’s particularly valuable in areas where every millimetre of tissue matters, such as

As a Consultant Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgeon, a large part of my NHS and private practice involves the diagnosis, removal and reconstruction of facial skin cancers – particularly those affecting the eyelids. I treat up to 100 cases every year, and each one underscores the importance of early detection and proper management. I see first-hand the impact skin cancer has; it can be both physically and emotionally distressing, especially when it affects su

We slather them on our faces and smooth them over our skin, but despite the slick branding and glowing promises, many everyday skincare and cosmetic products can contain ingredients that may be doing us - and the planet - more harm than good. It’s natural to assume that if something is being sold on the high street, it must be safe. But despite existing regulations, some potentially harmful ingredients can still find their way into products due to enforcement gaps and slower