Annals of Medical and Surgical Dermatology

ABSTRACT

Photoaging, or extrinsic ageing, results from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sunlight. Unlike intrinsic ageing, which is driven by genetic and chronological factors, photoaging accelerates visible signs such as wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, and pigmentation changes due to UV-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation. Photoaging is a prevalent dermatological challenge worldwide, and there is a need to understand the mechanisms behind it, evaluate existing treatments, and identify diagnostic challenges to improve skin health and prevent associated risks. Photoaging is primarily driven by UV radiation, which causes oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage, leading to skin structural degradation. Effective management involves preventive strategies, e.g., sunscreen use, topical treatments, e.g., retinoids, and procedural interventions, e.g., laser therapy. Diagnostic challenges include distinguishing photoaging from intrinsic ageing, identifying subclinical damage, and standardising diagnostic metrics. Variability in skin types and ethnicities further complicates diagnosis and treatment. Photoaging significantly impacts skin health, with implications beyond cosmetic concerns, including increased cancer risk. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach combining prevention, accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment. Advanced diagnostic technologies to detect early subclinical damage, standardised diagnostic metrics, and personalised treatments for diverse skin types are means to address photoaging efficiently in the future. Emphasising preventive measures and patient education is crucial for long-term skin health globally.

Article History

KEYWORDS

1. Photoaging
2. Therapeutics
3. Tgeing
4. UV radiation
5. Extrinsic
6. Sunscreen