Ageless Brown Skin: Photoaging -vs- Intrinsic Aging
When we think about the skin's aging process, it is
important to realize that aging occurs in two distinct ways: photoaging
and intrinsic aging. Photoaging is aging that is due
to the effects of sunlight, whereas intrinsic aging
occurs in the absence of sun exposure. Photoaging in brown skin occurs
in those individuals with lighter brown skin of Latin, Asian or African
descent. It also occurs in individuals who experience intense sun exposure
of long duration. With photoaging, skin discolorations, uneven skin
tone and areas of hyperpigmentation (skin darkening in spots or patches)
are a prominent feature. Changes in the texture of the skin occur and
it often becomes rough to the touch. Benign warty growths begin to develop
on the face and neck. The skin appears dull and lifeless. These are
just a few of the effects of sun-exposure.
In contrast, intrinsically aged skin is characteristically
smooth, without prominent discolorations, but with prominent lines of
expression. When you view it under the microscope, intrinsically aged
skin is very thin. There is a loss of skin elasticity due to gravity
that leads to sagging of the skin. This sagging is most apparent on
dependant portions of the skin, especially the neck and jawline areas.
The sagging of the fat pads in the cheeks towards the nasolabial folds
is also a characteristic feature of aging in African Americans. Lines
of expression become apparent in areas of repetitive muscle movements
such as the forehead, the area between the eyebrows, around the mouth
and around the eyes. A loss of the bone structure of the face adds to
sagging skin. The face changes shape from oval to square. A loss of
facial fat may result in a sunken appearance in the temple and cheek
areas as the lips often become thinner.
