Photoaging / UV aging

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February 6, 2023

What is photoaging? 

The positive effects of sunlight on the body are unquestionable. It helps us produce vitamin D, and it can help improve mood and mental wellness. I mean, who doesn’t love a sunny day?

Unfortunately, apart from the positive benefits you can get from sunshine, the sun also emits harmful ultraviolet rays that penetrate your skin even on those hazy days.

One of the biggest potential consequences is photoaging. If you’re not worried about this condition just because you’re in your 20s, you should know that studies have shown how young people who are exposed to a great number of UV rays also suffer from photoaging.

How the sun impacts your skin

The skin is composed of three distinct layers: the outermost layer called the epidermis, the middle layer called the dermis, and the innermost layer called the subcutis (or subcutaneous tissue) 

The skin’s dermis layer contains substances responsible for maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Two of these substances that greatly influence your complexion are collagen and elastin.

Collagen is a fibrous protein that is responsible for skin strength. Elastin, on the other hand, is a kind of protein that allows the skin to stretch and return to its original firmness and appearance. When your skin has enough collagen and elastin, it is smoother, healthier, and younger-looking.

Unfortunately, when your skin absorbs a significant amount of UV rays from the sun, the UV rays penetrate deep into the dermis and damage the collagen fibers and elastin. This lessens their production and worsens the health and appearance of your skin.

Photoaging, and what to look for

When your skin ages prematurely because of sun exposure, it becomes a problem. Nobody wants to be less comfortable or confident in their skin! If you’re starting to notice some of these issues, you should talk with one of our experts in the clinic.

Here are the clinical signs of photoaging to be on the lookout for:

  • Wrinkles
  • Uneven skin color
  • Loss of skin tone in sun-exposed areas
  • Redness
  • Spider veins on the nose, cheeks, and neck