One of the main causes of skin wrinkles is ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is invisible radiation present in the rays from the sun and devices that mimic them, such as tanning beds. Excessive exposure to these rays eventually changes texture of the skin and causes premature aging. In some cases, UV rays can lead to skin cancer and cataracts. Those with UV light damage on skin often seek a wrinkle treatment to improve appearance.
TYPES OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT
UV rays can penetrate and change skin cells. UV rays include ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B and ultraviolet C.
ULTRAVIOLET A (UVA):
UVA is the most prevalent at the earth’s surface. It penetrates the skin’s top layer and damages connective tissue. It also increases the risk of skin cancer. Wavelengths are 320 to 400 nanometers in length.
ULTRAVIOLET B (UVB):
UVB is less prevalent on the earth’s surface because many of them are absorbed by the ozone layer. These rays don’t penetrate skin as deep as UVA rays but still cause considerable damage. UVB rays cause a much greater risk of skin cancer. Wavelengths are 280 to 320 nanometers in length.
ULTRAVIOLET C (UVC):
UVC rays are completely absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the earth’s surface. These rays are incredible dangerous but humans are not exposed to them. Wavelengths are 100 to 280 nanometers in length.
SUNBURN AND PHOTOAGING
Exposure to UV light results in sunburn, also known as erythema. The time it takes for an individual to get sunburned depends on skin tone, if sunscreen was applied and many other protective factors. The effect on exposed skin appears red because the skin cells are damaged. The body reacts by sending extra blood to the areas in order to repair the damage.
Additionally, exposure to UV light causes photoaging. While many skin changes are contributed to simply again, UV light also causes wrinkles, age spots and loss of skin elasticity. Excessive, chronic exposure also leads to premature aging. The skin becomes thick and resembles a leather-like appearance with wrinkles.
Effective wrinkle treatment results often involve the production of more collagen for youthful, radiant skin.
UV DAMAGE PREVENTION AND WRINKLE TREATMENT
Fortunately, protection from UV can prevent the adverse affects from exposure and need for extensive wrinkle treatment. Sunburns develop when the amount of UV rays exceed the ability of melanin to absorb them.
SPF 30 or higher sunscreen should be applied daily to the face and areas of the body exposed to sun. When in direct sunlight, swimming or sweating, sunscreen should be applied every two hours. Wear sunglasses, a hat and protective clothing when possible. Also install UV protective film in car windows.
Sunscreen, however, cannot prevent all damage and wrinkles from UV exposure. Cosmetic lasers can reduce or eliminate signs of sun damage. Two of the most popular wrinkle treatment lasers include Fraxel and Spectra. Laser treatments stimulate new collagen production to address unevenness, dark spots and more.
Fraxel
Fraxel offers three laser options for wrinkle treatment: re:fine, re:store DUAL and re:pair. Which one is used depends on the severity of sun damage and a patient’s skin tone. The non-ablative re:fine and re:store DUAL may be used on all skin types. The ablative re:pair is only used on light to medium skin tones.
This is an examples of a patient treated with Fraxel re:pair.
Spectra
Spectra is a dual mode Q-switched laser for wrinkle treatment. Its four wavelengths of 532, 585, 650 and 1,064 nanometer offer versatility in wrinkle treatment. Additionally, Spectra may be used on those with darker skin and pigmented lesions.
Wrinkle Treatments with Injectables
Another option to address wrinkles is botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) and hyaluronic acid (HA) formulations. Pharmaceutical injectables are minimally invasive. Two formulations of BTX-A approved by the FDA include Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA).
Refined to a nontoxin protein, Botox and Dysport are used in small doses. They inhibit acetylcholine that blocks the neurotransmission of muscle contraction, resulting in either weakening or paralyzing certain muscles.
This patient was previously treated with Botox and then opted for Dysport, which he preferred.
Belotero is the latest innovation in HA injectable dermal fillers and also targets fine lines. This dermal filler may be injected closer to the skin surface to address fine lines, such as the case with this patient.