Photoaging: How To Treat And Preserve Younger-Looking Skin
10 Jul, 2023
As we age, wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation are a few of the common skin problems that appear. While we like to blame it on ageing, the main culprit is photoaging, or skin damage caused by exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light. Photoaging, which is responsible for 90% of visible skin changes, is a direct result of cumulative sun damage you've been exposed to throughout your life.
Because light is always present around us, sun damage is a year-round concern for healthy skin. Photoaging speeds up the process of chronological skin ageing, but the good news is that it is entirely preventable.
What are the signs and symptoms of photoaging?
Photoaging symptoms include:
- Dark spots
- Wrinkles
- Easy bruising
- Drooping skin
- Broken blood vessels
- Mottled pigmentation
- Leathery texture to the skin
- A yellowish tint to the skin
- Favre-Racouchot syndrome
How can I prevent photoaging?
While ageing is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to prevent photoaging, like:
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours, which are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Avoid tanning beds.
- Put on broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face.
- When possible, sit under umbrellas or in the shade.
- Keep an eye on the UV index and avoid exposure when it is high.
- Wear protective clothing, such as loose-fitting SPF-rated clothing.
How photoaging can be treated?
If photoaging has already occurred, several treatments are available to help lessen its effects.
Topical treatments include:
- AHAs: these are chemical exfoliants that assist in the removal of the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin beneath.
- Retinoid: these are vitamin A derivatives and are among the most effective photoaging topical treatments.
- Antioxidants: vitamins C and E, can aid in the protection of the skin from free radical damage, making them an essential component of any anti-ageing skin care regimen.
Non-invasive procedures include:
- Chemical peels, microneedling, and microdermabrasion: these can be used to remove the damaged skin's top layer, promoting cell turnover and revealing smoother, clearer skin underneath.
- Laser and light therapies: such as PDL and PDT, can be used to improve skin texture and tone, stimulate the collagen production, and decrease the appearance of age spots and fine lines.
How frequently will I require the treatment?
Prevention may be all that is required for younger patients. Following the skincare regimen can help you reverse past damage and prevent future damage.
Sometimes a more aggressive approach is needed with patients who show more signs of ageing. The precise course and frequency of treatment is determined by the amount of downtime you are willing to tolerate, and your motivation to eliminate the signs of photoaging.
What can I do now to avoid future photoaging?
Prevention is always preferable to treatment. We all know that being in the sun is unavoidable, especially if you enjoy being outside or live in an area with high UV rays. Simply be cautious. Wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing when spending time in the sun. The best way to treat sun-damaged skin is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
A Word From the best dermatologists in Ghaziabad
To keep your skin looking young and healthy, you must be careful while you are out in the sun. Prolonged sun exposure can cause photoaging, which appears as skin damage. While photoaging cannot be completely reversed, if you have had excessive sun exposure in the past and have signs of photoaging, treatment can reduce the appearance of skin damage. Finally, keep in mind that sun exposure not only causes wrinkling but also increases your risk of skin cancer.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Megha Modi at Twachaa - The Skin & Laser Clinic, if you are exhibiting signs of photoaging as a result of prolonged sun exposure or if some signs of premature ageing may be precancerous.
Categories: Photoaging
Tags: Dermatologist In Ghaziabad, Photoaging, Photoaging Treatment In Ghaziabad