Ageing, sun exposure and our skin

While chronological ageing causes degenerative changes to all parts of our bodies, the effect of time and sun exposure on the skin is the most visible of all. Much of what is perceived as skin ageing is in fact damage acquired through chronic sun exposure.
Intrinsic ageing and extrinsic ageing of the skin are independent processes. Intrinsic ageing is determined by our genetic clock and is affected by the degenerative effects of free radicals and the body’s inability to perfectly repair their damage. Over time our cells, tissues and vital organs ‘rust’ or deteriorate. These internal changes are not as visible as the signs of ageing on the external organ – our skin.

Extrinsic ageing affects our skin otherwise known as photoageing. Skin exposed to sunlight is the most vulnerable to damage. If we examine areas of the skin which have been least exposed to sunlight, we observe distinct differences.  In contrast to the protected skin of the abdomen or buttocks, the exposed areas of the face, neck, hands and forearms eventually show effects of chronic UVR Exposure:

• Thickened /nodular
• Yellow/ sallow
• Coarse, wrinkling
• Rough texture
• Telangiectasia
• Lentigines (freckling)
• Mottled pigmentation - Dyschromias
•  Elastotic, lax skin
• Actinic comedones
• Pronounced skin fragility
• Marked dryness and scaliness
• Benign and malignant skin cancers

You may walk away from the beach with a suntan, but that's not all you're getting.  Excessive sun exposure is responsible for much of the skin damage associated with aging. This damage accumulates slowly over time and starts at an early age.

UV A (320 to 400nm)

• Major contributor to skin damage.
• Penetrates into the dermis.
• Constant levels throughout the day and all year round.
• It is not filtered by glass.

UV B (290- 320nm)

• Affects the epidermis and is responsible for sunburn.
• Extreme levels between 11am-3pm.
• Does not penetrate glass.

Skin responses to UV radiation can be divided into acute and chronic effects:
Fast onset, short duration & gradual onset, long duration

• Acute effects: sunburn & tanning
• Chronic reactions : Photo ageing and skin cancer
• Collagen/Elastin breakdown
• Telangiectasia (dilated blood vessels)
• Hyperpigmentation

UV Damage to cells and systems of the skin

• Increases Free radical load
• Thickening of the stratum corneum (dead outer layer of skin)
• Melanin disruption (pigmentation)
• Damage to proteins, such as collagen forming fine lines, wrinkles and laxity
• Damage to Vitamin C
• Damage to Vitamin A and cell receptors
• Damage to DNA
  

Common questions

How should I protect my skin?

Topical anti oxidants in appropriate concentrations and form including sun avoidance, sunscreen and clothing is the best protection from photoageing.  Oral anti oxidants have not been shown to prevent photo ageing of the skin.  As sensitive vitamins are depleted by sun exposure, topical application to replenish the skin is important to combat damage.

How can I rejuvenate my skin which shows signs of photoageing?

Our Dermal clinicians can assess your particular concerns and advise which treatments will be most appropriate to achieve optimal results.

There are various non-surgical modalities that may be prescribed including : Photorejuvenation by medical grade IPL, medical grade  Microdermabrasion, skin tightening using RF laser technology , Iontophoresis/ Sonophoresis to increase penetration of essential vitamins and anti oxidants , Roll -CIT (collagen induction therapy), enzyme therapy, chemical peels, home care using cosmeceuticals containing high strengths of Vitamins A  & C and anti oxidants,  anti pigmentation products containing lightening agents and tyrosinase inhibitors to reduce resurgence of pigmentation.

Many treatment modalities are also used to maintain young skin and to combat the appearance of the visible signs of sun damage and ageing. The earlier the better!

Cosmetic surgery rejuvenates the contours of the face, yet it does not change the skin quality.  In fact, patients can appear neater rather than more youthful due to poor skin quality.  Youthfulness is determined by the appearance of the skin, so it is essential to treat the skin pre and post operatively.