Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC Blog

What Is Photoaging?

Photoaging is a form of skin aging that occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or artificial sources. It is not the same as chronological aging, which is the natural aging process that occurs over time. Photoaging causes premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and a loss of skin elasticity and firmness. It can also increase the risk of skin cancer and other skin problems.

UV light is the primary cause of photoaging. It damages the DNA in skin cells, causing them to break down and produce less collagen and elastin, two proteins that are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. The harmful effects of UV light are cumulative and can take years to show up.

People of all ages can and will experience age spots at some point in their lives. These age spots are also known as liver spots or sunspots and typically begin to appear in people 50 years and older. These nonthreatening blemishes are usually found in areas of the skin that experience high sun exposure, like the hands, arms, shoulders and face. These spots of varying shape and size are reminiscent of freckles but do not share the same ability to fade away as freckles do. Continue reading to learn more about age spots.