Not All Sunshine And Rainbows: Managing Photodamaged Skin

The journey to unlocking the secrets to younger-looking skin has started since the dawn of civilisation. Even in ancient civilisations, they have explored and tried several natural components believed to give them their desired youthful glow – from milk to body waste matter and even blood!

Fortunately, technology has since advanced to the point where we no longer need to depend on ineffectual and sometimes, toxic, substances. We may not have attained the fountain of youth, but there are numerous effective yet safe ways to reduce severe signs of ageing.

Introduction To Photoaging

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: the ageing process is not only natural, but inevitable. It results from the impact of the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage over time. There is no sure way to effectively be rid of all signs of this natural biological phenomenon.

Skin ageing can be divided into two basic processes: intrinsic ageing and photoaging.

Intrinsic ageing is a genetically determined process that is affected by degenerative effects of hormonal shifts, free radicals and the body’s inability to repair skin damage. Skin that displays signs of intrinsic ageing is smooth, pale and will feature fine wrinkles.

Extrinsic ageing, on the other hand, describes premature skin ageing in chronically photodamaged skin. It’s a result of lifestyle and environmental factors, mostly from prolonged exposure to the sun. Characteristics of severe photodamage skin include severe wrinkling and pigmentary changes, such as mottled pigmentation and solar lentigo.

Ultraviolet Light: The Main Culprit Of Photodamaged Skin

It’s a very well-known fact that the sun, specifically its ultraviolet (UV) rays, poses long-term, adverse consequences on the skin, particularly to the skin’s DNA. DNA is a very large molecule that will typically absorb the energy it gains when hit with a UV photon, before it quickly releases that energy as heat. Since the DNA is extremely competent at what it does, the damage sustained is typically less than 0.1% of the time – that is, if the sun exposure is done in moderation.

Suppose moderation is not practised; continued exposure to UV radiation can overwhelm the body’s defences. It can result in the structural rearrangement of nucleotides that will then lead to defects in the DNA strand.

Moreover, UV radiation has enough energy to cause ionisation, a process in which electrons break away from atoms. This results in a drastic change in the chemical properties of atoms, causing them to uncharacteristically form or break chemical bonds, which can be highly damaging to materials and living tissues.

Stem Cells: Rendering Its Abilities To Moot

Adult tissues, including the skin epidermis, have a high rate of cell turnover. This is thanks to stem cells’ ability to self-renew and differentiate into different cell lineages. As the body’s very own raw materials, stem cells and their ability for self-renewal is crucial to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. This, along with their innate high resistance to DNA damage and highly active DNA repair mechanisms, allows cells and tissues to renew and repair themselves.

However, as with many other biological components, stem cells can be impaired in advanced age and are vulnerable to repetitive exposure to UV rays. If they are exposed to UV rays for a prolonged period, it may lead to a decrease in colony-forming potential and viability of skin stem cells, and dysfunctional DNA repair mechanisms. This means stem cells cannot replace or repair any deformed or mutated DNA genes, even if the body requires them to. The maintenance of existing skin cells and tissues will be affected, thus kickstarting the premature ageing process.

As such, photodamage not only develops into several complications (both on the epidermis and molecular levels), but finding ways to heal from its effects becomes just as complicated.

Saying Goodbye To Photoaging Skin

Unfortunately, there is still no cure to help treat photoaging completely. There are, however, treatments that can help improve the appearance of photoaging skin.

1. Topical Medication

Certain medications such as topical retinoid medication can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and even out your skin tone. These topical medications can also address roughness and fine lines caused by photoaging.

2. Chemical Peels

A chemical peel helps remove several layers of sun-damaged skin cells, leaving skin with a more even surface and colour. Moreover, it may also stimulate collagen production, which will effectively improve the skin’s texture and elasticity.

The dermatologist will first thoroughly clean the face before applying the peeling agent. After several minutes, the peel is then neutralised to reduce the burning sensation and remove the chemical solution. You can expect mild facial redness and occasional swelling for the next 48 hours.

3. Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy utilises wavelengths of monochromatic light to stimulate specific cells within the body. This helps to reduce the appearance of lesions caused by photodamage such as actinic keratosis and even early forms of skin cancer.

Omnilux phototherapy for example, can be used to activate photosensitising agents to create a photochemical reaction that selectively destroys cancer cells. Photosensitising agents are drugs that are typically administered topically and are usually concentrated in abnormal cells. These agents become active when light of a certain wavelength is directed onto the area, and it is the photodynamic reaction between the photosensitising agent, light and oxygen that kills these abnormal cells in precancerous spots that result from prolonged sun exposure.

4. Aesthetic Lasers

Aesthetic lasers deliver laser light energy directly to the skin tissue, creating a “photoacoustic” impact, breaking up the pigmentation into particles that can be easily eliminated via your body’s natural waste-disposal system.

Since photoaging skin results from damaged skin cells and tissues, treatments that help stimulate the rebuilding and restructuring of the dermis are the best way to treat the long-term effects of photodamage.

PicoWay Resolve

The PicoWay Resolve Fractional Resurfacing is the first and only laser with ground-breaking holographic fractional technology, effectively delivering predictable energy with uniform treatment.

The PicoWay Resolve delivers consistent and precise laser energy of 532nm wavelength and 1064nm wavelength to treat shallow and deeper lesions, respectively. These beamlets will reach below the skin’s surface, causing a photoacoustic effect. The tiny open spaces left from the treatment are then filled with the growth of new collagen and elastin. With just one or two sessions, you can expect to see visible improvements to skin tone, texture and wrinkles.

PicoSure Focus

Also known as Focused Lens Array (FOCUSTM), PicoSure Focus utilises a diffractive lens array handpiece capable of delivering 755nm wavelength beamlets as apexes of high-fluence regions surrounding by low-fluence regions. This means only 10% of the tissue is exposed to ultra-high-fluence, ensuring little to no thermal injury to the surrounding tissue.

Pico laser treatments have become a pervasive treatment in the cosmetic industry – and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they effective, but they are also non-invasive. Pico laser technology also poses no side-effects, which translates to negligible downtime rejuvenation. Moreover, its skin treatment palette extends from lightest to darkest skin tones, so those with melanin can also enjoy youthful-looking skin!

Final Thoughts

Since there is no true cure for photoaging, the best thing to do is to simply slather good sun protection to prevent it from happening in the first place! However, even a sunscreen with SPF 50 PA+++ will not give you 100% protection from those harmful UV rays.

At Angeline Yong Dermatology, we fully understand and care for those whose self-esteem has taken a hit from photodamaged skin. As such, we continuously strive to deliver tailored solutions that can treat your skin issues, leaving you with radiant and healthier skin.

Apart from being an experienced dermatologist in Singapore, Dr Yong is also a highly-esteemed opinion leader in several aesthetic dermatology products and laser devices – including the PicoSure laser. She is also appointed as a key opinion leader for Cynosure in the Asia Pacific region.

Ageing gracefully has never been easier! Let us help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. Contact us at AYD to book a consultation with Dr Yong.

References

Panich, U., Sittithumcharee, G., Rathviboon, N., & Jirawatnotai, S. (2016). Ultraviolet radiation-induced skin aging: the role of DNA damage and oxidative stress in epidermal stem cell damage mediated skin aging. Stem cells international, 2016.

Chung, J. H. (2003). Photoaging in asians. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 19(3), 109-121.

Use of this website signifies your agreement to The Terms of Use & Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

You are deemed to have entered into an agreement with Angeline Yong Dermatology and to have agreed to be bound by the terms set out below by accessing ayd.com.sg (“the Sites”) or by otherwise accessing any content found on this web site. By accessing or using the Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed, without limitation or qualification, to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. The Site is owned and operated by Angeline Yong Dermatology.

Intellectual Property Protection
Use of Angeline Yong Dermatology Content
Changes to the Site
Privacy Policy
No Warranty, Disclaimer of Liability and Indemnity
Force Majeure
Miscellaneous
Governing Law and Jurisdiction

Intellectual Property Protection

The contents and design of the Site and any material e-mailed to you or otherwise supplied to you in conjunction with the Site (such contents, design and materials being collectively referred to as the “Angeline Yong Dermatology Content”, are copyright of Angeline Yong Dermatology. You may not use or reproduce or allow anyone to use or reproduce any trademarks (such as ” Angeline Yong Dermatology” name and logo or other trade names appearing on the Site) for any reason without written permission from Angeline Yong Dermatology. The software, which operates the Site, is proprietary software and you may not use it except as expressly allowed under these Terms. You may not copy, modify, reverse engineer or otherwise interfere with the software.

Use of Angeline Yong Dermatology Content

You may retrieve and display the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content on a computer screen or mobile telephone, print individual pages on paper (but not photocopy them) and store such pages in electronic form for your personal, non-commercial use. You may not save or post any of the Content on blogs, Facebook, and other websites that allows viewing by the general public without written permission from Angeline Yong Dermatology. Except as expressly set out above, you may not reproduce, modify or in any way commercially exploit any of the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content.

Changes to the Site

Angeline Yong Dermatology reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, add or remove portions of the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content available on the Site at any time and to restrict the use and accessibility of the Site in its discretion and without prior notification.

Privacy Policy

The information that you provide about yourself and your company to Angeline Yong Dermatology will only be used in accordance with Angeline Yong Dermatology’s Privacy Policy Statement. We will:

retain your information only for as long as there is a business need
take reasonable steps to ensure that the information is accurate, adequate, relevant and up to date.
update or correct your information held by us whenever necessary
take appropriate measures to prevent and minimize risks of unauthorised access to the information

We may use your personal information, such as your name and contact details, for the following purposes:

to perform the services that you have requested, which may involve contacting you by telephone, mobile phone, fax machine, post or email, including sending you electronic direct mailers.
to allow us to promote our products, events and activities.

No Warranty, Disclaimer of Liability and Indemnity

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the high quality and accuracy of the Site, Angeline Yong Dermatology makes no warranty, express or implied, concerning the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content, the Site, software or products or services available through the Site (the “Site Services”), which are provided “as is”. Angeline Yong Dermatology expressly disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to warranties of fitness for a particular purpose and warranties of merchantability. In no event will Angeline Yong Dermatology, its affiliates or other suppliers be liable for direct, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information or other pecuniary loss) arising directly or indirectly from the use of (or failure to use) or reliance on the Site Services, even if Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates has been advised of the possibility that such damages may arise.

Angeline Yong Dermatology does not guarantee the accuracy, content, or timeliness of the Site Services or that they or related systems are free from viruses or other contaminating or destructive properties. Angeline Yong Dermatology accepts no responsibility for the content on any site to which a hypertext link from this site exists. The links are provided “as is” with no warranty, express or implied for the information provided within them.

Upon accessing to this Site, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates from any claims and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, related to any breach of these Terms by you or your use of any Site Services.

Force Majeure

Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates will not be liable or deemed to be in default for any delay or failure in performance or interruption of the delivery of the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content resulting directly or indirectly from any cause or circumstance beyond its or their reasonable control, including but not limited to failure of electronic or mechanical equipment or communication lines, telephone or other interconnect problems, computer viruses, unauthorized access, theft, operator errors, severe weather, earthquakes or natural disasters, strikes or other labour problems, wars, or government restrictions.

Miscellaneous

Changes to these Terms. Angeline Yong Dermatology may, in its discretion, change these Terms (including those relating to your use of Site and/or the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content. When Terms are changed, Angeline Yong Dermatology will notify you by email or by publishing details of those changes by including them in these Terms. If you use the Site after Angeline Yong Dermatology has published or notified you of the changes, you are agreeing now to be bound by those changes. If you do not agree to be bound by those changes, you should not use the Site any further after they are published. Access to certain areas of the Angeline Yong Dermatology Content may be subject to additional terms and conditions.

Advertising, Third Party Content and other Web Sites. Parts of the Site may contain advertising or other third-party content. Advertisers and other content providers are responsible for ensuring that material submitted for inclusion on the Site complies with international and national law. Angeline Yong Dermatology is not responsible for any third-party content or error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertising material. The Site may contain links to other web sites. Angeline Yong Dermatology is not responsible for the availability of these web sites or their contents.

Assignment of Agreement. This agreement is personal to you and your rights and obligations under these Terms may not be assigned, sub-licensed or otherwise transferred. This agreement may be assigned to a third party by Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates.

Non-Waiver. No delay or omission on the part of either party in requiring performance by the other party of its obligations will operate as a waiver of any right.

Notices. Notices to Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates must be given in writing by letter.

Severability/Survival/Statute of Limitations. If any provision of these Terms is invalid or unenforceable, such will not render all the Terms unenforceable or invalid but rather the Terms will be read and construed as if the invalid or unenforceable provision(s) are not contained therein. Any cause of action of yours with respect to these Terms must be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction in Singapore, within one year after the cause of action has arisen, or such cause will be barred, invalid, and void.

Whole Agreement. Save as expressly referred to herein, any representation, warranty, term or condition not expressly set out in these Terms shall not apply.

Headings. Headings in these Terms are for convenience only and have no legal meaning or effect.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the Laws of the Republic of Singapore. The parties irrevocably agree that the courts of Singapore shall (subject to the paragraph below) have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute which may arise out of, under, or in connection with these Terms or the legal relationship established by them, and for those purposes irrevocably submit all disputes to the jurisdiction of Singapore courts. For the exclusive benefit of Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates, Angeline Yong Dermatology and its affiliates shall retain the right to bring proceedings as to the substance of the matter in the courts of the country of your residence or, where these Terms are entered into in the course of your trade or profession, the country of your principal place of business.

Media.

Not All Sunshine And Rainbows: Managing Photodamaged Skin