Overview
Ultraviolet radiation causes elastosis (leathery texture), solar lentigines, and broken blood vessels. Tanning beds intensify risk.
Photoaging is cumulative—starting protection today still benefits long-term appearance.
Cosmetic
Sun damage & photoaging
Rough texture, pigment spots, and redness from cumulative UV—repair with SPF, peels, and microneedling.
Contributing factors
Lifetime sun exposure, outdoor occupation, fair skin phototypes, and tanning behavior drive changes. Smoking and pollution add oxidative stress.
Treatment options
Chemical peels exfoliate photodamaged layers; microneedling stimulates collagen for texture; prescription retinoids support cell turnover at home.
Plans are staged—treating pigment before aggressive resurfacing sometimes reduces side-effect risk.
What to expect
Clarity improves over weeks to months; maintenance requires daily sunscreen and sometimes antioxidant serums. Melasma overlap needs special caution—heat and light can flare pigment.