Daño solar en la piel: ¿Qué sucede con tus células dérmicas?

The sun, a vital source of energy and vitamin D, also has a dark side when it comes to sun damage to the skin. Prolonged and unprotected exposure to its rays can have serious consequences, leading to photoaging, a process that accelerates the wear and tear of skin cells and structure, manifesting in visible and sometimes irreversible signs, resulting in a rough and senile appearance.

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main factor in photoaging. Although brief exposure to its rays can give us that much-desired tan, the reality is that it also causes deep destruction at the cellular level. This damage accumulates over time and manifests itself in the form of premature wrinkles, blemishes, loss of elasticity, and, in more extreme cases, precancerous lesions that can evolve into melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

What are fibroblasts and how does UV radiation affect them?

Fibroblasts are essential cells in the structure of our skin. They are responsible for producing collagen and elastin, the main proteins that keep the skin firm and elastic, and for mediating inflammatory and immune functions.

Because fibroblasts are located in the skin, exposure to UV radiation has a detrimental impact on the health and function of these cells, such as: direct damage to DNA and, although cells have mechanisms to repair this damage, repeated and prolonged exposure can exceed their repair capacity, leading to mutations that affect their normal functioning.

Furthermore, UV radiation stimulates the production of free radicals, unstable molecules that damage the structure, proteins, and DNA of cells, including fibroblasts. Finally, exposure to UV rays triggers inflammatory responses and enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down collagen, which leads to a loss of skin firmness and elasticity, and although fibroblasts attempt to repair this damage by producing more collagen, the structure of the new collagen may not be as robust as the original.

Fortunately, science and aesthetic medicine have advanced in treatments that can repair and revitalize skin damaged by photoaging. For example, by reintroducing active fibroblasts into the deep layers of the dermis, not only is the repair of existing damage accelerated, but the skin is also protected against future microcellular lesions caused by exposure to UV rays.

Tips for protecting your skin cells

Use sunscreen daily with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. It should be applied to all exposed areas and reapplied every two hours, and more frequently if swimming or sweating.

Limit time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are most intense.

Wear clothing that covers your skin, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.

Drink enough water and use moisturizing creams that help maintain the skin barrier.

Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods with vitamin C, E, and other antioxidants into your daily routine.

Avoid tanning beds, as they emit UV radiation that accelerates photoaging and increases the risk of skin cancer.

Activate your fibroblasts with techniques endorsed by healthcare professionals, such as the use of autologous fibroblasts as an innovative and effective solution in the fight against photoaging.

How is the fibroblast treatment for photoaging performed and what benefits will I get?

It is very easy! A small skin sample is taken, usually from a hidden area like behind the ear or the abdomen. The sample is taken to a specialized laboratory where the fibroblasts are isolated and cultured in a controlled environment to promote their multiplication.

After a few weeks, the cultured autologous fibroblasts are applied to the areas of the skin that show signs of photoaging, such as wrinkles, loss of firmness, or sunspots, where after a short time the fibroblasts will use their biological capabilities to naturally repair the damage caused by photoaging. You will visibly notice changes in the turgidity, firmness, and hydration of your skin, and above all, a balancing of pigmentation areas caused by the sun.

And what's more, since they are the patient's own cells, the risk of rejection or adverse reactions is practically zero!

Consult your doctor to see if your skin is a candidate for reversing photoaging and protecting it from sun damage with autologous fibroblast treatment.