DeutschSkin awareness and seasonal
Photoaging – The “Dark Side” of the Sun
We all know the feeling. While on summer vacation, our skin looks fresh and plump, but come autumn, our reflection often appears aged, tired, and uneven. That’s because sun exposure immediately triggers “protective responses” in our skin, such as increased blood flow and mild swelling (sun edema). This gives us a temporarily rejuvenated look. However, the long-term effects often start to show even before the vacation ends.
We want to inform you about the latest and most effective treatments for sun damage (also known as photoaging), so you can enjoy beautiful and healthy skin.
What is Photoaging?
As much as we love the sun, it is unfortunately one of the main contributors to skin aging. It breaks down the skin’s supporting structure—collagen fibers—causing the skin to lose its firmness. The skin becomes dry, and wrinkles form. Sun exposure is also the main trigger for age spots (pigmentation spots).
What Can Be Done About Sun Damage?
There are various medical and cosmetic treatments available for sun-induced skin aging and pigmentation issues.
Pigmentation Spots:
As we age, many women and men develop increasing numbers of pigmentation spots, especially in sun-exposed areas such as the face, décolleté, or hands. Besides genetics and the female hormone estrogen, the sun is the leading cause. Here are several treatment options:
Brightening Skincare Creams:
These contain ingredients with bleaching effects such as fruit acids or hydroquinone, as well as natural active substances aimed at reducing existing pigmentation spots and preventing new ones. While they provide good support, they are usually not sufficient on their own.
Cosmetic Peels and Liquid Nitrogen Treatments:
Fruit acid and chemical peels with trichloroacetic acid work by exfoliating and bleaching. For optimal results, 1 to 3 sessions are typically required. Pigments can also be lightened through the intense cold of liquid nitrogen, usually requiring 3 to 5 treatments. Neither method typically involves social downtime.
Laser Treatments:
Lasers can often completely remove pigmentation in a single session, either alone or in combination with trichloroacetic acid. If only specific spots are treated, there’s no need for downtime. However, treating the entire face may result in redness and peeling, requiring about 5 days of recovery.
Sun-Induced Skin Aging:
Sunlight damages collagen fibers, causing the skin to lose firmness—it appears tired, and fine lines deepen. This often affects particularly sensitive areas such as around the eyes and mouth. Additionally, the skin’s hyaluronic acid content, which retains moisture, decreases significantly. The result is increased dryness and a dull, tired complexion. Medicine offers several therapies to regenerate and improve the skin’s appearance.
Skincare Products and Cosmetic Treatments:
Any product that deeply hydrates the skin and counters collagen breakdown helps prevent premature aging.
Our Recommendations:
Stem Cell Hyaluronic Serum, Hyaluronic Mask, Anti-Aging Cream, Anti-Aging Mask, Intensive Eye Cream.
In addition, Collagen Hyaluronic Powder helps nourish and firm the skin from the inside.
Cosmetic Treatments:
Complementary treatments such as microneedling and pure oxygen therapy significantly improve skin texture.
Blood Plasma and Hyaluronic Acid Injections:
Blood Plasma Therapy (PRP):
By injecting the body’s own blood plasma, growth factors are released that stimulate the regeneration of cells and collagen. The skin rejuvenates itself, but it takes a bit of patience—3 to 5 treatments are usually needed for visible improvement.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections:
Injecting special hyaluronic acids into the skin typically reduces fine lines after just one session. The skin looks visibly plumper and fresher. There is no social downtime, and any possible bruising can be covered with makeup.
Both treatments are often combined for even better results.
Laser:
Laser treatments are a staple in modern aesthetic medicine. The laser creates superficial and deeper “micro-injuries” in the skin, triggering healing processes: new skin cells are formed, and connective tissue is strengthened. Two treatments per year with a fractional laser are recommended as an optimal anti-aging therapy. There’s no downtime – with an immediate refreshing effect.
I hope this has given you an overview of the vast and sometimes confusing range of treatments available. It’s often difficult, even for well-informed and interested patients, to find the right approach for their specific skin concerns. Let us advise you – together, we’ll develop a customized therapy plan. A joint path toward healthy and beautiful skin.
Yours,
Dr. Sabine Schwarz