Photo-aging, also known as photodamage, sun damage, and dermatoheliosis refers to the structural and functional deterioration of sun-exposed skin, resulting in wrinkling, roughness, altered texture, discoloration, brown age spots (lentigines) and mottled hyperpigmentation.
These signs correlate with anatomic changes in the skin, including decreased thickness, degeneration of collagen, and the appearance of abnormal cells (atypia).
Photo-aging can be improved with the following measures:
- Minimize sun exposure especially during mid-day (10am – 4pm).
- Each day apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection and minimum SPF 30 to sun exposed areas.
- Each night apply a prescription product with Tretinoin or Tazarotene (Retinoids) to improve the appearance of sun damaged skin and reverse some of the damage.
- Treat photodamaged skin with Fractional Laser Treatment or IPL Photorejuvenation.
