Aging and Sun Damaged Skin

Over time, skin loses its youthful texture, smoothness, thickness, and tone. Yet, what we loosely call “aging skin” actually has two major causes: the natural aging process and sun exposure.

Aging From Within: The Passing Years and Your Genes

Beginning usually in the mid-20s, collagen production slows down. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and skin cells do not turn over as rapidly. Although it may take years for the evidence of these changes to become apparent, eventually, skin starts to exhibit signs of age including fine lines, wrinkles and thinness. With age, we also lose youthful fullness in our upper cheeks as the fat pad  loosens and falls down into the lower part of the face. The result of this fat loss can be a gaunt, hollow look around the eyes and temples; an increase in fullness around the lower cheeks and jowls; and deep folds running from the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Although everyone will experience the effects of age on the skin, genetics will determine how rapidly this process unfolds. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and sun exposure can accelerate skin aging. 

Aging From Without: Sun Damage

Most premature aging is caused by sun damage or “photo aging,” the term dermatologists use to describe the phenomenon. Repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays causes collagen to break down and interferes with the synthesis of new collagen. It breaks down elastin, the fiber that helps keep skin firm.

Sun damage accumulates over years. Just a few minutes of unprotected exposure a day can lead to rough and leathery texture, age spots, freckles, spider veins and broken capillaries, fine lines, skin laxity, blotchiness, actinic keratosis (rough patches of thick, reddish skin) and skin cancer.

In addition to the amount of time spent in the sun, photo also depends on skin color. Fair skinned individuals are more vulnerable to the effects of photo aging than   darker complexion people; however, even the darkest skin tone can develop fine lines and mottled pigmentation.

For obvious reasons, residents of Florida have more sun exposure than residents of most other states. It is particularly important for all ages to wear sunscreen 365 days a year and consult a dermatologist regularly for skin cancer screenings.

Prevention

While there is not much that can be done about your genes, there are a few things that  can be done to avoid accelerating the aging process:

•    Do not smoke. Aside from all the awful things smoking does to your health (heart disease, lung disease, and cancer come to mind), smoking also causes skin to become yellowish, leathery, and wrinkled.
•    Sleep on your back. Sleeping night after night with your face pressed against the pillow can cause permanent wrinkles to become etched on the skin.
•    Do not tan—indoors or out. There is no such thing as a tan without damage (unless it is a topical cosmetic product).
•    Try to stay out of the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when rays are strongest.
•    When outdoors, wear long sleeves and a hat.
•    Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen offering protection from both UVA and UVB forms of ultraviolet radiation. It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply it 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply if engaging in water activities or perspiration. 

Diagnosis

SkinSmart offers skin health analysis using the Visia™. The Visia™ takes digital photos scientifically and analyzes and quantifies both current skin conditions and future damage. The analysis is free and it forms the basis of our recommendations for skincare, treatments, and procedures.

Treatment

Although no one can turn back the clock or undo years of sun damage, SkinSmart does offer a number of services that are very effective at addressing both the causes of skin aging and its cosmetic impact. Treatments, such as Sculptra® Aesthetic, chemical peels, and fractional resurfacing, do both by stimulating collagen production, removing sun spots and discolorations, restoring a smoother texture and enhancing luminosity.

We invite you to explore some of these treatments by clicking on the links below:

•    BOTOX® Cosmetic/Dysport™
•    CO2 Fractional Resurfacing with DEKA™ Dot SmartXide
•    Fraxel Re:pair Laser Treatments
•    Injectable Fillers (Restylane™, Perlane™, Radiesse™, JUVÉDERM™)
•    Sculptra®Aesthetic
•    Chemical Peels
•    Microdermabrasion
•    Skin Tightening with Pellevé
•    e-Matrix Sublative Skin Rejuvenation
•    Treatment of spider veins and broken capillaries