by Dr Vijith Vijayasekaran

The ageing process occurs in all organs but is most obvious in the skin.

There are two processes in skin ageing. Intrinsic ageing is related to genetic make up and varies between individuals. Extrinsic skin ageing is related to external factors and can be altered by reducing exposure to these factors.

Sun exposure is the main extrinsic factor, with up to 80% of skin ageing attributed to sun exposure, known as ‘photo ageing’.

Other extrinsic factors include smoking, alcohol and poor nutrition.

Photo ageing occurs most prominently in highly exposed areas such as the face and chest. The appearance of photo-aged skin includes freckles, wrinkles, hyper pigmentation (darkening), patchy hypo pigmentation (lightening), loss of tone and elasticity, skin fragility, areas of purpura (purple or red discolourations) and the appearance of benign skin lesions such as keratosis, telangiectasia (spider veins) and skin tags.

Photo ageing can be reduced through good skin care.

The three most clinically-proven skin treatments to assist in protecting the skin against premature photo ageing are:

Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
As sun avoidance is difficult in Perth, the use of sunscreen with the highest SPF factor available should be a critical part of your daily skin-care regimen.
Topical Vitamin A (Retinoids)
A number of clinic trials have shown improvement in photo-aged skin (clinically and histologically) in patients using retinoids. There is evidence that retinoids can also improve intrinsically-aged skin.
Topical Vitamin C
This is a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin from harmful environmental stressors by neutralising free radicals on the skin before they cause damage.

Click here to read about the medical-grade skin products we recommend.

A long term skin-care regimen which includes the above treatments will help reduce the effects of photo ageing, and importantly, may also reduce the incidence of benign skin cancers.

Our qualified dermal therapists at Assure Cosmetic Centre provide skin consultations and can devise a skincare regimen for you, tailored to your skin’s specific needs.

We encourage all our patients to pursue improved skin care, whether here with us or with another clinically-based skin treatment expert.

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