Human skin comprises three layers – epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The dermis layer includes proteins and fibers that help improve the elasticity of the skin. In the absence of proper skincare, harmful UV rays often damage the dermis leading to photoaging. Excess or prolonged sun exposure to UVA and UVB rays affects the skin’s condition and damages its protein. It accelerates the skin’s aging process and is responsible for nearly 90% of the visible changes on the face, known as photoaging. It can lead to severe conditions such as skin cancer if not paid attention to.
What Are the Signs of Photoaging?
Visible signs of photoaging include:
- Wrinkles
- Sagging skin
- Pale skin or yellowish tint to the skin
- Dark spots (better known as age spots)
- Broken blood vessels (telangiectasias)
- Easy bruising
- Leathery texture to the skin
- Favre-Racouchot syndrome (sun-related milia, breakouts, and cysts)
- Mottled pigmentation
What Are The Treatment Options Available?
There are two ways to help rejuvenate your skin and minimize the symptoms of sun damage.
- Light-Based Therapy: To improve the skin’s condition, you can try IPL (Intense pulsed light) treatment. According to the professionals at Lumenessa, this treatment helps minimize the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, and more. Basically, an IPL device uses light to target certain areas of the skin. Unlike laser treatment, IPL uses different wavelengths of light- targeting different skin conditions at the same time. As a result of the procedure, you get even-toned, younger, and vibrant skin.
- Prescription Medications: Another treatment available is over-the-counter or prescription medications, including Retin A and Differin. Earlier such medications were used to treat skin conditions such as acne or skin breakout. But, now you can use them to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It would be wise to consult your dermatologist before using any medication as they can recommend you the best according to your skin’s condition.
Preventive Measures To Take
Although there are effective treatments to reduce signs of photoaging, you should still take the following preventive measures:
- Avoid sun exposure as much as possible, especially when the sun is strongest (From 10 am to 2 pm).
- Cover your face, use umbrellas, or sit under shade to minimize sun exposure when out.
- Make sure to apply sunscreen with high SPF whenever you go out. And, reapply it every 2 hours, especially if your work includes going out often.
- Don’t forget to cover your neck, eyelids, ears, and scalp. You can wear a wide-brim hat for the same purpose.
Wrapping It All Up
Protecting your skin from sun damage is critical to keep your skin young and healthy. So, make sure to take preventive measures such as applying sunscreen and covering your face properly. Apart from this, you can try the treatment options given above to get rid of photoaging and look youthful!
Sophia is an avid reader and writer specializing in niches like health and wellness, parenting, and relationships. She regularly contributes to top blogs in these domains.
