Have you noticed that your skin has become dull, loose, and developed fine lines and dark spots due to prolonged exposure to sunlight? This phenomenon, known as photoaging, is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It not only accelerates the aging process of the skin but also significantly affects the appearance of the face. Whether you have pigmentation due to sun exposure or loss of skin elasticity due to UV damage, understanding the causes and treatments of photoaging can help you restore youthful and healthy skin radiance.
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Introduction
Photoaging refers to skin aging caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is the primary cause of environmentally induced skin aging, different from intrinsic aging. Photoaging is mainly caused by UVA and UVB, producing various negative effects on the skin, including wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin laxity.
Causes
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Ultraviolet Radiation
- UVA: Penetrates deeply into the dermis, damaging collagen and elastic fibers, causing skin laxity and wrinkles.
- UVB: Primarily affects the epidermis, leading to sunburn and pigmentation.
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Environmental Pollution
- Pollutants combined with UV radiation can exacerbate oxidative stress on the skin, further damaging skin cells.
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Poor Lifestyle Habits
- Smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of proper skin care accelerate the process of photoaging.
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Symptoms
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Due to the destruction of collagen and elastic fibers, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, forming wrinkles and fine lines.
Pigmentation
The appearance of dark spots and age spots on the skin surface is due to increased melanin induced by UV radiation.
Skin Laxity
Damage to collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis causes the skin to lose its support, leading to sagging.
Rough and Dry Skin
UV damage to the skin barrier function results in dry and rough skin.
Telangiectasia
Prolonged UV exposure leads to dilated capillaries, causing visible red blood vessels on the skin surface.
Impact of Photoaging on Asian Skin
Asian skin contains higher levels of eumelanin and larger melanin particles, which can absorb UV radiation to some extent, providing protection. However, this protection mechanism results in the skin being more prone to tanning and pigmentation. Photoaging not only causes skin tanning but also leads to structural changes in the epidermis and dermis.
Changes in the Epidermis
- Thinning of the Epidermis: Prolonged UV exposure can thin the epidermis, or in some cases, cause mild thickening of the stratum spinosum.
- Lengthening of Rete Ridges: The rete ridges become elongated, a sign of skin aging.
- Irregular Keratinocyte Arrangement: UV radiation disrupts the normal arrangement of keratinocytes, causing irregularities and atypia.
- Melanocyte Changes: UV radiation alters the size, distribution, and tyrosinase activity of melanocytes, increasing pigmentation and forming dark spots.
Changes in the Dermis
- Morphological Changes of Fibroblasts: UV radiation causes fibroblasts in the dermis to become irregular.
- Reduced Collagen: UV radiation destroys mature collagen in the dermis, reducing its quantity.
- Degeneration of Elastic Fibers: Elastic fibers degenerate and clump into amorphous masses due to UV radiation.
- Irreversible Aging: These changes are irreversible, leading to the loss of skin elasticity and firmness, with noticeable aging signs.
Treatment
A. Stellar M22
What is Stellar M22:
The Stellar M22, launched by Lumenis in 2020, is the latest upgraded version of the Stellar IPL, featuring IPL (OPT) intense pulsed light and non-ablative fractional laser functions. With four handpieces, it offers over 600 treatment modes and can treat more than 30 skin issues.
How does Stellar M22 work:
Using core OPT perfect pulse technology and the world’s only true non-ablative fractional technology RESURFX, it can penetrate deeply into the skin, selectively targeting skin pigments or blood vessels, breaking down pigmentation, closing abnormal red blood vessels, and coagulating vessels without damaging normal skin. The light also stimulates collagen production, improving pores and making the skin delicate, youthful, and radiant.
Procedure:
1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Provide treatment plan based on client’s needs and goals.
3. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas. Put on safety goggles and apply treatment gel.
4. Treatment: Full face treatment, repeat steps at servere areas.
5. Post-treatment: Remove the gel, clean the face and apply a medical grade repair mask to calm the face.
6. Post-treatment caring.
Duration: 60 mins
Who is it for:
- People with pigmentation such as freckles, sunspots, and age spots;
- People with photoaging skin:
- People with vascular stains;
- People with light conditions of pigmentation. People with red blood streaks and redness on the skin;
- People who want to have the results of pigment elimination and skin whitening at the same time;
B. Harmony XL Pro
What is Harmony XL Pro:
The Harmony XL Pro is the sixth-generation light technology developed by Alma Lasers, sold in over 100 countries and used by more than 2,200 physicians. It is FDA and CFDA approved, applicable to 72 skin conditions, making it a cutting-edge medical skincare device.
How does it work:
Harmony XL Pro, also known as narrow-spectrum light, is a 100-nanometer-wide light wave. Using “precise light,” it can quickly and thoroughly eliminate black and red blemishes, target diseased blood vessels, restore skin elasticity, and improve capillary expansion issues. Ensuring efficacy and safety, the Harmony XL Pro addresses the “pain” point of photon therapy by enhancing comfort significantly.
Procedure:
1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Provide treatment plan based on client’s needs and goals.
3. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas. Put on safety goggles and apply treatment gel.
4. Treatment: Full face treatment, repeat steps at servere areas.
5. Post-treatment: Remove the gel, clean the face and apply a medical grade repair mask to calm the face.
6. Post-treatment caring.
Duration: 60 mins
Who is it for:
- People with pigmentation such as freckles, sunspots, and age spots;
- People with photoaging skin:
- People with vascular stains;
- People with light conditions of pigmentation. People with red blood streaks and redness on the skin;
- People who want to have the results of pigment elimination and skin whitening at the same time;
C. PicoSure Pro Laser
What is PicoSure Pro:
AI BEAUTY’s newly upgraded PicoSure Pro is currently the most comprehensive and suitable picosecond device for Asian skin. It has been updated in terms of system, software, technology, and efficacy, with many optimizations compared to the previous generation. The PicoSure Pro is the only picosecond laser device globally certified by NMPA for pigment treatment, known by dermatologists as the “pigment lesion terminator.”
How does it work:
Compared to its predecessor, it features faster speed, higher energy, and more indications. The platinum honeycomb probe’s cavitation effect not only effectively treats spots and pigmentation but also promotes collagen production, improving acne scars, large pores, and fine lines.
Procedure:
1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Provide treatment plan based on client’s needs and goals.
3. PATCH TEST: Perform a PATCH TEST 24 hrs prior the treatment. Proceed with the treatment when no allergy or abnormal sign is shown.
4. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean, disinfect and apply anesthetics at the treatment areas. Put on safety goggles.
5. During the treatment: Deliver wavelength pulse at the pigmentation areas, repeat steps at the severe pigmented areas. Cooling effect from cold air outlet.
6. Post-treatment: Apply aloe vera gel to soothe and calm down the treatment areas.
7. Post-treatment caring.
Duration: 1-1.5 hrs
Who is it for:
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People with pigmentation such as freckles, sunspots and age spots;
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People with severe pigmented spots or severe skin photoaging;
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People with stubborn pigments such as chloasma;
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People with worsening pigmentation. People with pigmentation that seriously affects the appearance of the face;
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People who want to eliminate pigmentation effectively;
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People who want to improve skin condition and reduce skin pores while eliminating pigmentation;
D. BCN Mesotherapy
What is BCN:
BCN enlightening cocktail (Spanish) is an injection solution that can be used together with mesotherapy. Enlightening cocktail can tackle acne marks and various types of hyperpigmentation such as sunspots, freckles, age spots and pregnancy spots, helping to restore youthful skin.
How does the BCN enlightening cocktail work:
The BCN solution contains various high functionality ingredients. For example, the antioxidants to whiten and brighten the skin; kojic acid to promote cell growth factors, strengthen the immune system and tackle wrinkles; and glycolic acid to reduce fine lines and pigmentation, and repair photoaging damage. Treatment combining BCN with mesotherapy can lighten spots, inhibit melanin production, and clean and moisturise the skin all in one.
Procedure:
1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Provide suitable mesotherapy treatment plan based on client’s needs and goals.
3. Pre-treatment preparation: Apply anesthetics. Clean and disinfect the whole face.
4. Treatment: Administer injection solution by hand. Repeat injection in severe areas.
5. Post-treatment repair: medical grade repair mask and QDEL repairing mask.
6. Post-treatment care.
Duration: 60 mins
Who is it for:
1. People with pigmentation such as freckles, sunspots, and age spots;
2. People with problem of photoaging;
3. People who want daily skin conditioning, pigment elimination and moisturising;
Photoaging is skin aging caused by prolonged UV radiation, manifested as wrinkles, pigmentation, skin laxity, and dryness. Effective prevention through sun protection, skincare, and a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Modern medical aesthetic technologies offer various treatments to improve existing photoaging symptoms and restore youthful skin. For personalized advice or further questions, consult Ai Beauty Clinic’s professional dermatologists for a free customized treatment plan.
Goodbye to Photoaging, come to Ai Beauty Clinic,
for safe and professional medical treatment.
Ai Beauty Clinic is a CQC accredited clinic based in London, and also is strongly supported by Cynosure(the owner of Ulthreapy) and Cynosure (the owner of PicoSure).
With rich experience of treating clients of various conditions, led by a famous British medical chief trainer, practiced by doctors and nurses who are GMC/NMC-registered and worked in NHS national hospitals, Ai Beauty provides certified and safe medical beauty treatments.
Ai Beauty always puts safety first. Not only are all medical staff insured by independent medical policy, each client who comes to Ai Beauty Clinic is also insured by £5 millions medical insurance. This full insurance coverage allows clients to have a concern-free treatment experience.
Ai Beauty Clinic has served over 15,000 clients from all around the world, been covered by some famous media such as European Times and CW Television, and established trust and an excellent reputation among them.