The main problem with photoaging is that it is not easy to spot unless you look under a Woods lamp or UV camera. The damage occurs over a period of years and is not visible to the naked eyes. And then one day, it suddenly looks like a person has aged so much overnight, when in fact the photo aging process has been subtly going on for many years. There are two ways that we can age the first is the intrinsic – natural aging or our DNA predetermined aging process. This type of natural aging process the skin is distinguishes by a slow loss of collagen, degeneration in the elastic fiber network, and loss of hydration resulting in fine wrinkling and thinning and is generally smooth and unblemished. The second form of aging is extrinsic aging is due to
environmental factors. These external factors include diet, stress, smoking and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The aging from exposure to ultraviolet is often referred to as photoaging and it is the UVA rays, with their longer wavelength, that are responsible for much of the damage we associate with photoaging. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, where they damage the collagen fibers resulting in dry, leathery, irregularly pigmented with coarse wrinkled skin. Under the microscopic the most distinguishing feature of photoaging is a massive accumulation of elastotic material an accumulation of abnormal elastic tissue in the dermis of the skin. These unusual amounts of elastin result in the production of enzymes called metalloproteinase. It is this enzyme that is malfunctioning and degrades the collagen resulting in incorrectly rebuilt skin and causing the premature aging.
Professional Treatment to reverse photoaging.
The main aim of treatments of reducing the appearance of dry, leathery irregularly pigmented with coarse wrinkle skin. The most popular and with less down time is a course of micro-dermabrasion teamed with chemical peels. The treatment course is 6 to 8 treatments spaced apart every two weeks and teamed with hydrating mask. If you are looking for a quicker treatment solution that will have between 2-7 days downtime then laser resurfacing is an option. Cost for these treatments vary but you should expect to pay between $800-$2500 an average of $1200. I recommend that you visit a qualified skin therapist/esthetician that specialize in these types of treatments, as they will be able to monitor your skin’s progress and adjust the treatment to ensure the best overall result.
Prevention and Reduction of Photoaging.
The most-effective prevention strategy for photoaging remains minimization of sun exposure in the peak of the day 10am-2pm and to use zinc based sunscreen. Zinc base sunscreen is the leader in preventing UVA rays from penetrating the skin and triggering the detritions of the dermis.
After sunscreen the most effective skincare is a topical Vitamin C serum because of it not only is an antioxidant but vitamin C has anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties with the add advantage if the Vitamin C serum is at the correct concentration and pH it is also ASA promoter of collagen synthesis.
My next super skincare serum ingredient is niacinamide -Vitamin B3 that will improve photoaging skin by suppression of melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. Studies have show that Vitamin B3 will reduce UV-induced carcinogenesis and photo immuno-suppression. Vitamin B3 has been found to significant improve in the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmented. Niacinamide also reduce red blotchiness, skin sallowness plus has been found to increases collagen production in fibroblast.
The next Vitamin that will reduce the signs of aging is Vitamin A. This vitamin in the correct formula and used correctly will reduce the signs of photoaging. But in the incorrect formula and used incorrectly will lead to the thinning and sagging of the skin preventing you from many professional treatments including simple eyebrow waxing. Also vitamin A products used during daytime will lead to increase photoaging.
There is also many peptides and anti-oxidant ingredients that will boost collagen and reduce the affects of the photoaging when used with zinc sunsceen and vitamin C, B3 and A, photoaging can be stopped and reversed.
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