Cosmetic Dermatology Techniques for Photoaged Skin
November 2014
photoaged skin collagen elastic fiber network ultraviolet radiation free radicals matrix metalloproteinase enzymes emollients retinoid creams occlusives humectants facial peels botulinum toxin dermal fillers laser light sources microdermabrasion pigmentary dyschromias comedonal acne superficial rhytides rhinophyma deep rhytides acne scarring textural irregularities UVR Botox
TLDR Common cosmetic dermatology techniques improve skin damaged by the sun and aging.
The chapter from 2014 provided an overview of common cosmetic dermatology techniques used to address photoaged skin, which suffers from reduced collagen levels and a disrupted elastic fiber network due to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that generates free radicals and activates matrix metalloproteinase enzymes. The most frequently used methods included the application of emollients and retinoid creams to help 'unstick' corneocytes using occlusives and humectants, facial peels, injections of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers, and the use of laser and light sources. Additionally, microdermabrasion was mentioned as a technique to improve pigmentary dyschromias, comedonal acne, superficial rhytides, and deeper skin issues such as rhinophyma, deep rhytides, acne scarring, and textural irregularities from scars.
