Photoaging (Sun Damage)

What Is Photoaging?

Photoaging is premature skin aging resulting from exposure to the sun’s rays over time. Over time, exposing skin to ultraviolet rays from the sun causes the skin to develop signs of aging faster. These skin changes commonly referred to as photodamage or sun damage, affect the deepest skin layers, which likewise results in changes to the skin on a cellular level. Ultraviolet, or UV radiation, exists in three groups: ultraviolet A, B, and C, which is not typically a factor affecting human skin.

UVA light is a type of solar radiation that produces sun damage skin effects on multiple levels. UVA light also damages and affects the body’s ability to produce proteins and other essential building blocks of the skin, including collagen and elastin, while harming capillaries and thinning blood vessel walls. This results in the visible appearance of blood vessels on the skin that easily bruises and bleeds. UVB light irradiates the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis), which damages skin cells and genetic factors more significantly than UVA light. Exposure to UVB light causes photoaging, the development of precancerous skin conditions, and the development of skin cancer.

What Are The Signs Of Photoaging?

Photoaging can appear anywhere on the body, though it most commonly occurs on the most visible parts of the body, such as the face, neck, chest, lips, and the backs of the hands, among other areas where skin is commonly and frequently exposed to sunlight. These areas are often subject to significant sun exposure and, as a result, they often show excessive signs of aging skin. The following are the most common signs of photoaging and sun damage on face and sun expose areas of the body.

What Is The Difference Between Normal Aging & Photoaging?

As the skin ages, it changes. The collagen, elastin, and other essential factors for the elasticity and plumpness of youthful skin deplete, causing the skin to lose volume and sag, while developing fine lines and wrinkles. Sun damaged skin on face and body is less able to attract and retain adequate moisture and features a depleted production of natural moisturizing factors. As these deplete, the skin becomes drier. Photodamaged skin can also develop uneven pigmentation through the appearance of dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and age spots or sun spots. There are two primary types of skin aging: intrinsic and extrinsic aging.

What Causes Photoaging?

Photoaging is caused by overexposure to sun and accumulated sun exposure over time. When the skin absorbs the photons found in the sun’s UVB rays, they can cause direct damage to our cellular DNA. UVB rays cause our skin to burn in the sun and the damage caused by them can lead to skin cancer and other life-threatening skin conditions. While the DNA damage caused by UVB rays plays a part in photoaging, the sun’s UVA rays are primarily responsible for the premature aging of the skin.

While UVA rays also damage cellular DNA, they do so indirectly by triggering the formation of free radicals. Free radicals damage our DNA through oxidative stress. UVA rays are less intense than UVB rays, but they are significantly more prevalent and present in relatively equal intensity throughout daylight hours, year-round. As such, it is critical to apply and reapply sun protection each day, all year round, to help prevent long-term damage.

Who Is Susceptible To Photoaging?

Everyone is susceptible to photoaging. How much photodamage you sustain, however, depends on the amount of unprotected sun exposure you’ve sustained over time, your skin type, and geographical factors, such as your latitude and your local climate. In general, individuals with lighter skin tones are more susceptible to photoaging and skin cancer. People with dark skin tones can also sustain photodamage and develop skin cancer, but they are more likely to develop uneven, pigmented patches on their skin. To determine the skin’s phototype, or skin color, and assess a patient’s photodamage risk, our dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick scale, which ranges from type 1 to type 6. To learn more about photoaging and for help assessing your phototype and risk of photoaging and photodamage, contact Dermatology Associated to schedule an appointment.

How Do You Treat Photodamaged Skin?

While, for the most part, photodamage can be prevented, once it occurs, it cannot be removed completely. Fortunately, however, patients seeking to remediate the visible effects of photodamage on their skin may benefit from undergoing sun damage treatment customized for their unique skin health needs. Contact Dermatology Associated to schedule a dermatology appointment and find the ideal treatment for your skin!

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) may freeze off the affected spots to treat actinic keratoses and noncancerous skin lesions. Several days following the patient’s cryotherapy treatment, their treated lesions darken in color and tone and, finally, fall off their skin. Contact us for more information about this and other treatment options for photoaging.

How Do I Stop Photodamage?

The best way to stop photodamage and photoaging is by following a diligent and thorough sun damage prevention routine each day. It’s never too late to practice good sun protection, and doing so can help you avoid future sun-related skin damage and skin cancers. During your visit with our dermatologists, they can recommend the best types and lines of topical and wearable sun protection based on your skin type, your skin’s needs, and your treatment plan. In general, sun protective clothing, brimmed hates, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 35, are recommended. Water-resistant formulas are usually recommended, particularly for children, those who sweat significantly, individuals who plan on spending time outdoors, and others. Be sure to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours or sooner if swimming, exercising, sweating, or as needed.

How Much Sunscreen Should I Use?

When it comes to the amount of sunscreen you should use to effectively protect your skin from the sun, the greater the amount, the better (slathering on a dermatologist-approved sunscreen is just a good idea). In general, the average individual should use enough sunscreen to effectively cover their entire face and body, or 1 ounce. For most patients, the head and neck make up about 4% of their body’s surface area. As such, patients should use roughly .04 ounces of sunscreen on the face and neck, in addition to the ounce used to cover the rest of the body. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and apply more than you think you need (don’t forget to reapply!) Certain skin care products and makeup products may claim to include sun protection, though we advise against using these products as standalone sun-protection products. Instead, consider anything outside of your actual sunscreen product a bonus.

How To Apply Sunscreen To Your Face

The method you use to apply sunscreen to your face and body can help you receive the maximum coverage and protection. The most effective method to apply sunscreen to your face is to apply your skin care products, apply sunscreen, and then apply your makeup, if desired. Take the sunscreen and pour it onto your palm, then take another fingertip and dab the appropriate amount onto your face, including your cheeks, forehead, and chin, and then rub it in. Don’t forget your hairline, temples, and the area behind your ears! Next, apply sunscreen to your neck, décolletage area, and the rest of your body. Make sunscreen application part of your routine daily, whether you plan on venturing outside for a coffee or an entire afternoon.