Skin Photoaging

This book focuses on skin photoaging, the premature aging of skin due to environmental effects such as exposure to UV (UVA, UVB) radiation from the sun. Slowing the aging process and rejuvenation have been one of the major goals of medicine and are in high demand as consumers seek agents or treatments that can prevent or reverse age associated changes in the skin. Skin Photoaging reviews the compounds and modalities that have been show (or have potential) to improve the appearance of prematurely aged skin. Skin aging is a complex process resulting in functional and aesthetic changes and can be divided into two simple processes: intrinsic or programmed aging, and photoaging. Intrinsic aging tends to occur inevitably as a natural consequence of aging. Photoaging accounts for premature aging due to exposure to UV radiation from the sun and artificial sources. The development of cosmetically pleasing sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB irradiation as well as cosmeceuticals that resist the UV signaling pathways leading to photoaging are major steps forward in preventing and reversing photoaging. Treatments such as cosmetological injections and filling, chemical peeling, laser radio-frequency, and photodynamic therapy also demonstrate significant improvement. This book focuses on causes, prevention, and treatments.