If you think this has anything to do with photography, you are wide of the mark. Photoaging is a skin condition caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays. The UV radiation can come either from the sun or from any other artificial source that emits it. The meaning of photoaging is skin aging caused by light.
Even though it is considered to be an aging process, this type of aging is still very different from the skin aging produced by advancing years. Due to too much sunlight exposure, or to artificial UV sources like tanning machines, the skin's structure is altered in a different manner. Here is what you need to know about this skin damaging process.
It is not wrong to enjoy a bit of sunlight, as it stimulates the production of Vitamin D, which helps calcium fix in our bone system. Photoaging happens when we overdo the exposure to sunlight, or when we visit tanning salons far too often. Many people enjoy having tanned skin, but everything has a limit. Without responsible exposure out in the sun, at times of day when the UV rays are not so strong, and without proper protection, including in tanning salons, our skin can suffer.
In case you are wondering what photoaging looks like, here are some representative signs telling you that the skin may be damaged by UV light.
- Thin veins may start to be visible on the skin in the shape of a spider, often being called spider veins. These veins appear on the cheek, nose and neck.
- Wrinkles will start to appear in the shape of fine lines, usually around the eyes and mouth, and the lines on the forehead will become more visible as you frown. If the exposure to UV light continues in the same manner, these wrinkles will deepen and become highly visible lines.
- The skin will start to have an uneven colour, with brown spots and freckles present on its surface.
- In the areas where the skin was most exposed, the skin tone is different to the surrounding areas.
- The lips will look damaged as well, losing their fullness and natural colour.
- The skin will also lose its suppleness, starting to sag and take on a dry appearance.
- Brown age spots will begin to appear on the face and arms.
- Prolonged exposure to UV can lead to actinic keratosis, which are red spots with a rough and scaly appearance. These can be pre-cancerous, so if you notice them please see your doctor.
So, no matter how much you like the sun, you should limit it to a healthy amount. Try to enjoy the sun early in the morning, without exceeding 11am at most. In the afternoon it is best to stay out of the sun until after 5pm, when the sun will not have as much power as it does at noon. It would be great if you can avoid tanning salons as much as possible. Learn to accept yourself the way you are, even if you have a fairer skin complexion, because it is not good to put your skin under that kind of stress.
A really good healthy diet helps prevent photoaging, along with drinking plenty of water and green tea. Using a derma roller regularly can also help with the appearance of photoaging in both aging and youthful looking skin.
