Skin Aging - Prevention & Treatment

Prevention. While you cannot stop or even slow down the intrinsic aging process, you can prevent signs of premature aging by protecting your skin from the sun, quitting smoking, and eliminating facial exercises.

Dermatologists recommend comprehensive sun protection to prevent premature aging caused by the sun. Comprehensive sun protection includes:

• Avoiding deliberate tanning, including use of indoor tanning devices.
• Staying out of the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest.
• Wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves, when outdoors during the day.
• Applying sunscreen year round. Sunscreen should be broad spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) and have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors to all skin that will be exposed. It should be reapplied after sweating or being in water.

Treatment. If you are bothered by visible signs of aging, a number of treatments are available. Injectable fillers and botulinum toxin are suitable for people with busy lifestyles who do not want the inconvenience of a long recovery. Radiofrequency is a procedure that offers an alternative to the traditional facelift. Dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, and some topical treatments can restore skin, giving it a smoother and refreshed appearance.

Scientific research in the field of anti-aging continues to give rise to new and promising treatment options. A dermatologist can help you sort through the numerous options, including the myriad of over-the-counter products. During a consultation, the dermatologist will examine your skin, discuss your expectations, and recommend suitable treatment options.

References:
American Academy of Dermatology. "Turning Back the Hands of Time." February 21, 2005. Available at: www.aad.org/media/background/news/cosmetic_2005_02_21_turning.html. Accessed June 20, 2005.

Demierre MF et al. "Public knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of the association between skin aging and smoking." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1999 Jul;41(1):27-30.

Fisher GJ. "The Pathophysiology of Photoaging of the Skin." Cutis, 2005 Feb;75(2S):5-9.

Koh JS et al. "Cigarette smoking associated with premature facial wrinkling: image analysis of facial skin replicas." International Journal of Dermatology, 2002 Jan;41(1)21-27.

Moschella S and Hurley H. (1992) "Aging and Its Effects on the Skin." Dermatology: Third Edition. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company.

Oikarinen A. "Aging of the skin connective tissue: how to measure the biochemical and mechanical properties of aging dermis." Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine, 1994 Apr;10(2):47-52.