¿Cansado del fotoenvejecimiento? Descubre qué es y cómo combatirlo

Photoaging refers to the premature aging of the skin caused by repeated and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds.

It is a more serious and dangerous process than natural or intrinsic aging, and it manifests itself through highly visible signs such as wrinkles, sunspots, loss of elasticity, dry, rough or thickened skin, or even cancerous lesions. Today we will see exactly what it is and how to combat it.

The main symptoms of photoaging

It has been proven that constant and unprotected exposure to UV rays damages the collagen and elastin fibers of the tissue. The degree and type of photoaging symptoms can vary depending on skin type, sun exposure history, and other genetic and environmental factors, but the most common are:

Development of skin cancer or precancerous lesions

Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which is the most dangerous type.

Hyperpigmentation and depigmentation

Solar lentigines are flat brown spots that appear on areas of the skin that have been exposed for many years. They are common on the face, hands, arms, and shoulders. In addition to sunspots, the skin may develop irregular areas of hyperpigmentation (darkening) or depigmentation (lightening), freckles, and other abnormalities that are difficult to treat.

Wrinkles and fine lines

Prolonged sun exposure accelerates the appearance of wrinkles and a general leathery appearance of the skin, especially in areas that are frequently exposed, such as the face, neck, hands, and forearms.

Rough, thinned, and dull skin

The skin can thin and become more fragile, sensitive, and susceptible to injury due to prolonged sun exposure, but at the same time, there are also areas prone to becoming rough, dry, and scaly, losing their shine and luminosity or acquiring a dull and tired appearance.

Anomalous skin conditions

For example, telangiectasia, which is characterized by small dilated blood vessels that can appear near the surface of the skin, especially on the nose, cheeks, and neck; or elastosis, a condition in which sun-exposed areas become yellow and thick, with a wrinkled and bumpy appearance. Radiation exposure also increases the risk of actinic keratoses, scaly and rough growths that can even be a precursor to skin cancer.

In addition to all of the above, photoaged skin can affect self-esteem and self-confidence. As if that were not enough, treating the effects of photoaging can be expensive and require prolonged dermatological treatments. It is easier and less expensive to prevent damage in the first place than to treat it after it has occurred.

What is the cellular process of photoaging and how does it differ from intrinsic aging?

Skin aging is a natural process that we all experience over time. However, there are two main types of skin aging: intrinsic and extrinsic, one of which is photoaging. Although both types result in visible signs, they have very different causes, characteristics, and manifestations.

Intrinsic (or chronological) aging

Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process that occurs over time, regardless of external factors, and is largely determined by genetics. It is characterized by a gradual loss of collagen and elastin, a decrease in the natural production of oils that can result in drier skin, and a reduced capacity of the skin to retain water, which promotes a parched appearance.

In addition, there is a reduction in cellular activity and slower skin regeneration. These characteristics manifest in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of volume and firmness, skin that becomes thinner and more transparent, and a decrease in subcutaneous fat, resulting in a more "bony" appearance.

Photoaging

Unlike chronological aging, photoaging due to UV radiation can cause direct damage to the DNA of skin cells, and although our body has mechanisms to repair this damage, constant exposure can exceed the repair capacity, resulting in permanent mutations.

Furthermore, UV radiation stimulates the production of free radicals, unstable molecules that affect cells, proteins, and DNA, accelerating their degradation. It also activates enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down collagen, leading to the loss of skin firmness and elasticity.

Other effects include the alteration of melanin, causing sunspots, freckles, and areas of hyperpigmentation, and an inflammatory response that can contribute to redness and cellular damage.

In short, while intrinsic aging is an inevitable process that occurs over time due to genetic and biological factors, photoaging is largely preventable and is the result of accumulated exposure to UV radiation. It is important to care for the skin against both types of aging through proper care practices and daily sun protection.

Factors that promote photoaging

• Prolonged sun exposure: those who spend a lot of time outdoors have a higher risk of photoaging. Not applying sunscreen properly always increases the risk of damage.

• Skin type: people with fair skin have less melanin, making them more susceptible to sun damage.

• Geography and altitude: living in high-altitude areas or near the equator can increase exposure to UV radiation.

• Use of tanning beds: although they are very popular, they emit UV radiation that can accelerate the photoaging process and increase the risk of skin cancer.

• Medications and cosmetics: do not forget that some medications and cosmetic products can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun, which can accelerate photoaging.

Daily habits and professional treatments to combat photoaging

Combating photoaging requires a combined approach of daily habits and professional treatments. Here are some recommendations for both:

Use daily sun protection: you should always use dermatological products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Apply it to all exposed areas, and reapply it every two hours and especially after swimming or sweating. Furthermore, when facing direct exposure, for example, when driving or going to the beach, it is necessary to wear long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.

Avoid direct sun exposure: although going outside for a while every day for vitamin D is a good idea, it is necessary to limit your sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

Hydrate yourself inside and out: in addition to using moisturizing creams and lotions to keep the skin hydrated and help repair the skin barrier, drinking two liters of water a day promotes faster skin regeneration.

Integrate antioxidant care: use skincare products that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to fight free radicals.

Treatments to combat the signs of photoaging

What happens when photoaging has already taken its toll on our skin?

Some of the options we have to improve its appearance are:

• Chemical peel: helps remove damaged surface layers of the skin.

• Microdermabrasion: is a procedure that exfoliates the skin and helps improve its texture and appearance.

• Laser therapy: can improve skin texture, reduce sunspots, and stimulate collagen production.

• Phototherapy (IPL): uses intense pulsed light to treat sunspots, telangiectasias, and other signs of photoaging.

• Retinoid products: retinoids, such as retinol and retinoic acid, can improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles and sunspots.

• Antioxidant treatments: professional antioxidant treatments, such as vitamin C infusions, can help protect the skin from future damage and improve its overall appearance.

Combating photoaging with autologous fibroblasts

The best thing we can do to avoid photoaging is to combine good daily habits with preventive solutions that give our dermis a better life expectancy and make it more resistant to damage. One of the most promising preventive technologies for skin care is treatment with autologous fibroblasts.

Fibroblasts are essential cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, two vital proteins that keep the skin firm, elastic, and youthful. By reintroducing autologous fibroblasts into it, the repair of structural damage caused by UV exposure is stimulated, but above all, we help it accumulate less irreversible damage over the years.

Unlike topical treatments that act on the surface, fibroblasts work from the deeper layers of the skin and target the causes of intrinsic and extrinsic aging, with longer-lasting results compared to other aesthetic treatments.

Autologous fibroblast treatment is an advanced and natural solution. We invite you to schedule an appointment at our clinic. Our dermatologists specializing in aesthetic medicine will determine if it is the right treatment for you based on the needs and characteristics of your skin.