{"id":19180,"date":"2021-04-06T08:31:49","date_gmt":"2021-04-06T15:31:49","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=19180"},"modified":"2022-03-18T10:21:23","modified_gmt":"2022-03-18T17:21:23","slug":"how-to-prevent-photoaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/how-to-prevent-photoaging","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent and Treat the Effects of Photoaging"},"content":{"rendered":"

At RealSelf, we believe that loving the skin you’re in and wanting to enhance it are not mutually exclusive ideas. Whether you’re aiming to repair decades-old sun damage, restore your facial contours to previous proportions, or simply protect your complexion with a summer-smart regimen—we’ve rounded up the ultimate skin-rejuvenation advice for you, here, in our new series, <\/em>The Skin You’re In<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>

The interplay between internal and external factors influences how our skin looks and how it will age. The chronological aging process is determined by the inevitable passing of time plus intrinsic characteristics, such as genetics and skin tone. “These are the predetermined cards we’re dealt,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, “but most of the visible signs of aging, especially brown spots and fine lines, come from external<\/em> causes, like sun exposure.” It’s estimated that photoaging accounts for 90% of skin aging. Yes, you read that right. “It’s a shocking percentage, but the good news is that you can actually control your skin’s future,” says Dr. Engelman. <\/p>

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How does photoaging happen?<\/strong><\/h2>

The photoaging cause-and-effect cascade goes like this: UV light causes DNA damage to skin cells and triggers free radicals, the unstable molecules that can break down collagen and elastin. Over time, this leads to wrinkles and sagging. Of course, sun exposure also creates hyperpigmentation<\/a>, or “sunspots,” an overproduction of melanin, the protective pigment that absorbs ultraviolet light.<\/p>

While UV light is the primary culprit, it’s not the only one. “We used to think that if a person was indoors, they were protected from most of the environmental elements that can damage skin, but that’s not the case anymore,” says Dr. Engelman. “Obviously, UV rays come through windows, for one thing, and now we’re learning that high-energy visible light (HEV) or blue light from computer and phone screens as well as from LED and fluorescent light bulbs has an effect on the skin too. Research is ongoing, but it’s thought that HEV may break down collagen, lead to DNA damage, and increase melanin production.” Pollution is another factor. “Research has shown that people who live in more polluted urban environments are more prone to hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging,” adds Dr. Engelman. <\/p>

How skin tone plays a role in photoaging <\/strong><\/h2>

“Light skin types develop freckles and pigment spots more readily, and they tend to get more wrinkling and crinkling,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in Homewood, Alabama. “Light skin is also susceptible to ruddiness and broken capillaries due to UV damage. Since dark skin has more melanin, which provides a built-in SPF of 8 to 13, you don’t see the same kinds of visible aging, but all<\/em> skin types will experience collagen and elastin degradation that shows up as a loss of volume.” Dark skin is prone to hyperpigmentation that’s not sun-related, in the form of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and melasma. “Because UV exposure can exacerbate both,” says Dr. Engelman, “sunscreen is essential for improving those conditions.” <\/p>

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