Ageing Skin

There are two types of skin ageing. Intrinsic ageing is natural aging due to chronological age. Photoageing is aging due to sun damage. Ultraviolet light accelerates intrinsic aging.

What are the skin signs of photoageing?

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Irregular pigment spots
• Textural changes
• Thick yellow bumps (due to elastosis or damaged elastic tissue)
• Dry skin
• Thinning of the skin
• Increased risk of sun cancer formation
• White marks (idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis)
• Dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia)
• Black heads induced by the sun (solar comedomes)

How to care for ageing skin

• Sun avoidance and sun protection
  • Broad Brimmed hat and protective clothing
  • Sunscreen application 20 minutes before going out into the sun and then every 2 hours
  • Remember sun exposure occurs when you don’t expect it ie driving the car, hanging out washing
• Cessation of smoking (this accelerates skin ageing)
• Cleanse and moisturize twice per day
• Topical Retinoids (can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and assist in bleaching pigment spots and reducing early sun spots)
• Topical Bleaching agents eg Kojic acid, Azelaic acid.

Medical Treatments to rejuvenate photoaged skin

Consult one of our dermatologists at Northern Sydney Dermatology for expert advice about:

• Chemical peels
• Anti-wrinkle injection treatment
• Filler injections
• Vascular Laser treatment to reduce unsightly facial veins.