What is photo-aging? The short and simple answer is that it is skin damage caused by the sun. As we all know, our skin ages with us and as that happens our youthful appearance is changed by the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles, dryness and age spots. Not all of these issues are caused by photo-aging alone. Genetics, diet, lifestyle (smoking, for instance, effects the skin terribly) and your age itself, also play important roles. However, photo-aging is the number one contributor to these problems overall, especially in our younger years. The good news is that this photodamage can be prevented, and some effects can actually be reversed.
First, let’s talk a little about how photo-aging occurs, starting with the structure of the skin itself. Our skin is made of three layers: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer) and the subcutis (the deepest layer). It might be helpful to think of your skin as a house: the subcutis serves as the foundation. On top of that is the frame of the house, or the dermis. The dermis is where the collagen and elastin structures that support the outer skin’s smooth and tight appearance live. On top of that frame is the epidermis, like the roof of your home. If the dermis is damaged, the epidermis loses its smooth tight appearance like a roof sagging over a rotten frame.
The important support structures of collagen and elastin become damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR is divided into two types: UVA and UVB. UVB are shorter waves, and do not penetrate deep into the skin – these are the rays the primarily cause sunburn – or a tan. A tan is just your body attempting to block the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin by producing pigment – like throwing up a dark sun shade. However, UVA rays are a longer wavelength, and penetrate deeper into the skin. UVA rays are the ones that reach down into the dermis and damage the ever-important collagen and elastin that is supporting the epidermis. Not only are elastin and collagen damaged by UVA rays, but it’s done in such a way that your body is not able to properly build new collagen and elastin to replace the damaged bits. Over time, this continues to worsen, presenting as wrinkles, and dry leathery skin. Additionally, as this is all happening, the UVB rays that your skin is being exposed to begin to cause areas of pigment (melanin) to form – resulting in age spots.
Here’s some good news about photo-aging. You can help prevent premature aging of your skin with the simple daily application of sunscreen or sunblock. Dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 15 for daily use. Also just using common sense and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun can do wonders to stop the damage from occurring.
Of course, no matter how much diligence we exercise in preventing unwanted exposure to UVR, we’re all going to be subject to some photodamage to our skin. But, there is some good news here as well; there are multiple treatments available to help reverse photodamage. These include light-based therapies like light-emitting diodes (LED), intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser treatments, as well as topical treatments, such as those containing retinoids. There are even ultrasonic and radiofrequency (RF) treatments that can assist in rebuilding damaged collagen and elastin to help restore that smooth, youthful glow we all want to keep.