Photoaging is when ultraviolet rays have had an ageing effect on the skin.
Photoaging is when ultraviolet rays have had an ageing effect on the skin, characterised by an increase of brown spots, wrinkles and the appearance of broken vessels. In addition, the skin can also take on a ruddy or yellow tone as well as feeling rough to tough.
All dermatologists at the Skin Hospital are highly trained to treat this condition. There are many treatment options, depending on the nature of the skin changes and depending on the skin type. Often, multiple treatments are used together for the best result.
Protecting your skin is a vital part of maintaining healthy and non-cancerous skin. In order to help you maintain this, the following guide has been created:
It is vital, especially in Australia, to have a lifelong protection routine which limits your skin’s exposure to the UV radiation in sunlight. The deleterious effects of UV radiation exposure are cumulative throughout your life meaning that the main cause of skin cancer in later life can often date back to childhood, when the skin is most susceptible to UV radiation damage.
Cosmetic creams can help reduce the appearance of photoaging.
• Over the counter products that contain Vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids can help.
• Creams containing retinoids (vitamin A derivative) can be prescribed to smooth out roughness, fine lines and dyspigmentation in the skin.
• Various creams can be used to treat sun spots which are pre-cancerous and cause skin roughness and scaliness. The type of cream and duration of use depends on how much damage there is to your skin.
For fine lines and wrinkling:
• Muscle relaxant injections- This is a short term treatment and to maintain the effect injections are usually required every 3-4 months.
• Dermal Fillers
• Fractionated laser (Pearl fractional)
• Ablative laser (Carbon dioxide/ Erbium)
• Intense pulsed light (IPL)/ broadband light (BBL)
• Intense pulsed light (IPL)/ broadband light (BBL).
• Pigment laser
• Fractionated non-ablative laser
• Vascular lasers (Nd-Yag, VBeam)
• Intense pulsed light (IPL)/ broadband light (BBL)
• Ablative laser (Carbon dioxide/ Erbium)
• Fractional laser (Pearl fractional)
• Chemical peels (TCA or glycolic acid peels)
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with IPL
If you would like any further information about photoaging, the sites listed provide more in-depth descriptions.
We have a number of Dermatologist specialising in photoaging. If you are concerned, book your appointment with The Skin Hospital.