What is Photoageing?
Photoageing is premature ageing of the skin, as a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It is also known as sun-induced ageing or photo-induced ageing. It’s important to know the signs of photoageing and photoageing treatment options, as well as preventative measures to protect your skin, as photoageing can lead to skin cancer.
Overtime, prolonged sun exposure can cause changes to the skin, this includes wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and loss of volume and elasticity. This can lead to an aged appearance.
What are the signs of photoageing?
Exposure to UV radiation damages the skin’s cellular structure, including collagen and elastin fibres, so the skin loses firmness and elasticity.
Visible signs of photoageing include:
- Wrinkles and fine lines: UV radiation damages the collagen and elastin fibres, causing the skin to lose its elasticity and resilience. This results in wrinkles and fine lines, especially in sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck and hands.
- Pigmentation irregularities: UV radiation triggers an overproduction of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for skin colour. This results in dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
- Dryness and rough texture: UV radiation affects the skin’s moisture barrier, which leads to dryness, rough texture, and flakiness.
- Thinning skin: Photoageing causes the skin to become thinner, hollow, and lacking volume.
- Broken blood vessels: Prolonged sun exposure can cause the blood vessels in the skin to become dilated and visible.
- Uneven skin tone and texture: The skin can appear dull, rough, and uneven in tone.
What are photoageing treatments?
There are a range of treatment options for photoageing, which aim to repair and rejuvenate the skin, improve the skin’s texture and tone, and reduce the visible signs of sun damage.
Common treatment options for photoageing include:
- Topical retinoids: Retinoids, such as tretinoin, come from vitamin A and stimulate collagen production, accelerate skin cell turnover, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen is an essential for any photoaging treatment plan, as it helps protect the skin from further UV damage. Look for sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, and apply it generously to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days and during the winter.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the skin and promotes the growth of new, healthier skin. Superficial or medium-depth peels can help improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation irregularities, and promote collagen production.
- Laser resurfacing: Laser resurfacing uses high-energy laser beams to remove damaged skin and stimulate collagen production. This can help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation irregularities, and improve overall skin texture and tone.
- Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers can be injected into the skin to restore lost volume and plump areas that have become hollow due to photoageing. Dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body. It plumps and moisturises the skin, and fills wrinkles and skin depressions.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion involves exfoliating the skin using a special device to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells, helping to improve skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Anti-ageing skincare products: Using skincare products that contain antioxidants, peptides, and other anti-ageing ingredients can help nourish the skin, protect it from environmental damage, and stimulate collagen production.
It’s important to note that the best treatment options for photoageing will depend on the severity of the photoageing, and individual skin type. A dermatologist or qualified specialist will be able to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.
How can I prevent photoageing?
Preventative measures include avoiding excessive sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, avoiding sun tanning beds, and having a good skincare routine. It’s also important to apply SPF daily, even during the winter. This will prevent further damage or minimize the visible signs of photoageing, so you can maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Photoageing Treatment Options at Refine Group
Skin Boosters:
Skin boosters can be used to hydrate the skin and give a radiant glow, giving the appearance of healthy, youthful-looking skin. Skin boosters are a versatile treatment option that can add a subtle plump and volume to the skin, whilst hydrating and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Our favourite skin boosters include:
- Profhilo H+L: This hyaluronic acid skin booster restores hydration, elasticity, and evens skin tone, whilst providing a subtle lift to the skin. It evens out any lumps and wrinkles on the face, neck and décolleté.
- Ejal 40: Ejal 40 is a bio-revitalising gel that contains hyaluronic acid. It activates fibroblasts, which stimulates the production of collagen. This results in hydrated skin, with a subtle volume. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, evens out skin tone, and treats skin laxity.
- Jalupro HMW: Jalupro HMW is an injectable solution that has been formulated with a combination of amino acids. It’s ideal for treating dehydrated skin, wrinkles, skin depressions, and scars, resulting in healthier looking skin.
- Sunekos 1200: Sunekos has antioxidant properties and is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sagging, and sun-damaged skin.
Dermal Fillers:
Alternative photoageing treatments include dermal fillers. This is another minimally-invasive procedure. Dermal fillers can help to restore volume and smooth out wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, such as Eloquence, Juvéderm and Revolax.
- Eloquence: The Eloquence range includes three dermal fillers, Eloquence Fine, Eloquence Deep and Eloquence Sub-Q. Eloquence Fine is ideal for reducing the appearance of fine lines from prolonged sun exposure. Eloquence Deep is ideal for treating deep wrinkles, and adds volume back into the skin.
- Juvéderm: Juvéderm has a vast range of dermal fillers, our favourites for treating ageing, sun-damaged skin are Juvéderm Ultra 3 and Juvéderm Voluma. Both products are great for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and adding volume back into sagging skin.
- Revolax: The Revolax range also includes three dermal fillers, Revolax Fine, Deep and Sub-Q. Revolax Fine is great for treating fine lines, and adding subtle volume. Revolax Deep is ideal for deep wrinkles and adds volume.
Buy your favourite Skin Boosters and Dermal Fillers at Refine Group.
