The term photoaging refers to premature skin aging caused by repeated exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV)
radiation. The photoaged phenotype is characterized by fine and coarse wrinkles, mottled
pigmentation, sallow color, and rough textures on habitually sun-exposed skin.
36
Histologic and ultrastructural studies have revealed that the major alterations in
photoaged skin are localized in the dermal connective tissue. Collagen fibrils, which
constitute the bulk of skin connective tissue, become disorganized
4
and abnormal amorphous, elastin-containing material
38
accumulates in the dermis, a condition known as solar elastosis. Recent advances in photobiology have provided substantial insight into the process
by which UV irradiation causes disarrangement of dermal extracellular matrix. Elucidation
of the photoaging mechanisms also has allowed for the identification of therapeutic
targets and strategies to prevent photoaging. This article summarizes key findings
that represent our current understanding of photoaging, in particular wrinkle formation.
The state of our knowledge indicates that topical tretinoin can not only be used to
treat photoaging after it has occurred, but is also likely to retard or prevent photoaging
as and before it happens. Although this publication is clinical overall, the nature
of the subject matter discussed in this article necessitates the inclusion of some
basic materials. Whenever possible, the scientific concepts are presented in a nontechnical
way.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Footnotes
Address reprint requests to, Sewon Kang, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
This work was supported in part by grants from the Babcock Endowment for Dermatological Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; a research agreement with Johnson & Johnson Corporation, Skillman, NJ; and the National Institute of Health 1K24-AR02159-01 (SK).
Identification
Copyright
© 2001 W. B. Saunders Company. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
