People are generally familiar with the visible signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. The culprit for many of these concerns is photoaging, a type of accelerated damage to the skin that occurs with extensive exposure to potent ultraviolet (UV) rays. Some may seek the guidance of a skin surgeon to eliminate the physical symptoms, but it’s helpful to understand photoaging so that you can avoid it further. Here’s what you need to know.

Causes of Photoaging

Prolonged exposure to harsh UV rays is responsible for photoaging. Both UVA and UVB rays cause health issues ranging from burns to skin cancer. In fact, this powerful light is responsible for 90% of all types of visible skin damage, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

It does not happen overnight or within the course of a few months; instead, the effect is cumulative. Those who spend more time in the sunlight over the course of their lives are likely to experience significantly worse symptoms than those who avoid the sun.  

How to Treat Photoaging

First, it’s helpful to be mindful of the symptoms of photoaging. In addition to telltale wrinkles and dark spots, people may notice that their skin loses its elasticity. This can cause it to appear droopy and weak in areas. The skin may feel thick and leathery to the touch, and take on a mottled appearance.

A skin surgeon can utilize laser treatments to lessen the appearance of  age spots. Microdermabrasion treatments and chemical face peels may also help smooth the skin and contribute to a more youthful look.

How to Prevent Photoaging

You can take steps to avoid sun exposure by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen that combats both UVA and UVB rays every time you go out. Ask your skin surgeon about the most appropriate sun protection factor (SPF), as this measures the amount of security your skin has from the sun depending on how quickly it typically burns.

For example, if you normally burn within 10 minutes, you could apply an SPF 30 product and avoid burning for at least 300 minutes—in other words, at least 30 times longer than normal. It’s crucial that you apply enough sunscreen and reapply it every couple of hours to effectively protect your skin. Wear a hat with a wide brim to shield your face, along with clothing that contains sun-protective benefits.
 

Are you concerned about photoaging symptoms? Visit Lauren A. Daman, MD, PC in Hartford, CT. The skin surgeon and her friendly staff are committed to treating all of your dermatological concerns. They provide scar removal, age spot treatment, chemical face peels, and dermabrasion to help you achieve the smoothest and clearest complexion possible. Visit the website for more information, or call (860) 246-3533 to schedule an appointment.