Photoaging

Photoaging appears on the most visible parts of the body — face, neck and back of the hand. These areas often receive significant sun exposure. In women, the exposed upper chest is another area where photoaging is seen. The lips can also show signs of excessive sun damage.

UVB radiation penetrates the epidermal – outer – layer of the skin. It damages DNA in this layer and causes other changes in skin cells. This may result in early signs of photoaging, and over time precancerous cells and skin cancers may develop.

UVA radiation, while also damaging the epidermis, penetrates deeper into skin, to the level of the dermis. UVA not only harms epidermal cells, it also damages collagen and elastin, which make up the structure of the dermis and keep skin resilient. Blood vessels can also be harmed.

Your skin type and the amount of unprotected sun exposure you get will determine risk. Fair-skinned people with blond or red hair and skin that usually burns with sun exposure are at greatest risk. Those who spend extensive periods in the sun through outdoor work or recreation also fall into the high-risk group. Darker-skinned people show fewer signs of photoaging, although the skin can become mottled and there may be wrinkling.

Photoaging can begin in the teen years or early 20s. Using UV light technology, areas of excess epidermal pigment (seen as freckle-like, dark spots) lying just below the skin’s surface are revealed.

Various treatments available for sun-damaged skin include: injections of botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, laser treatment, dermabrasion and chemical peels. Some skin preparations can help restore skin to a more youthful appearance (Vitamin A preparations).

A certified dermatologist can help you decide which treatment regimen will work best for you.

1. It provides total rejuvenation

PRP stimulates collagen and elastin production which thickens and tightens thinning skin, effectively smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. Because it boosts collagen, it’s also a great treatment for improving overall skin texture and tone. It’s particularly good for people who suffer from rosacea or acne.

2. It treats delicate and difficult to reach areas

PRP is extremely effective for treating difficult to treat areas, such as the delicate under eye area where clients often notice signs of ageing first but where no laser can be used.  

3. It’s a natural type of cosmetic injectable

PRP uses your own natural elements without the addition of any foreign products. The treatment works by drawing a small sample of your blood, which is then spun in a centrifuge for approximately five minutes to separate the plasma from the other blood particles. The platelet rich plasma is then reinjected back into the treatment area to stimulate collagen and elastin production.  

4. It’s safe

Because it uses your own natural elements, PRP is very safe. It’s also not a new treatment. It’s long been recognised and used in the hospital system and in sports medicine for its effective wound healing properties since the 1970s. 

5.Resulta are long-lasting

Results from PRP take between three to four weeks to appear but are long-lasting, typically lasting 12 to 18 months after an initial series of three treatments.