When we discuss the impact that overexposure to the Sun can have on a person’s skin, the conversation often focuses on skin cancer. This is understandable, but the effects that UV radiation can have on a person’s skin are far more wide-ranging than that. Premature aging, or photoaging, is one such effect that we think needs more attention. This is why our board-certified dermatology experts wanted to explain the effects of photoaging in more detail, as well as how they can be treated.

What is Photoaging?

For anyone unfamiliar with the term, photoaging (also sometimes known as sun damage or solar damage) refers to the negative impact that exposure to the sun’s UV rays can have on unprotected skin. Photoaging results from UV rays penetrating the skin, which can trigger changes to skin cells over time. Because these cellular changes occur in the deepest layers of the skin, this damage can accumulate and build for years before any visible effects are seen.

Common Symptoms of Photoaging

Many people call it photoaging because of the way the skin experiences worsening or premature effects of aging during this process. Common symptoms of photoaging include:

• Development of wrinkles or fine lines
• Pigmentation issues including age spots, freckles, liver spots, and more
• Loss of skin elasticity, leading to sagging skin
• Changes to skin texture, including skin texture becoming rough
• Development of spider veins
• Persistent redness and dryness in the skin

Effective Treatment Options for Photoaging

Determining the most effective treatment for photoaging depends on each patient’s specific symptoms. Once one of our board-certified dermatologists or physician assistants finish an evaluation of a patient’s skin, they will be able to recommend a wide variety of potential treatment options. This includes laser treatments like Vbeam® Prima, AVAVA™, PicoSure®, or the Cartessa™ Tetra Cool CO2 Laser, topical medication compounds, chemical peels, and more.

Prevention is Your Best Defense

When it comes to preventing photoaging, the best thing that a person can do to protect their skin is avoiding tanning beds, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen (30 SPF minimum) and SPF protective clothing, a wide brim hat, and SPF sunglasses while outdoors or in the car. This is especially vital during the hotter summer months. Sun protection is an essential tool in the fight against sun damage and a critical part of maintaining healthy, youthful skin. For more information or to schedule a dermatology appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists or physician assistants, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. You can also follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.