It has also become common knowledge that key elements that compound the process and cause additional havoc to our skin by producing free radicals, is the likes of excessive ultraviolet rays, smoking, pollution and stress. There are also other factors at play that relate to climate and man-made environments like air conditioned offices and homes. These free radicals have the power to help break down collagen fibers, causing the skin to thin and loose it youthful glow and texture.

Photoaging is characterized by fine and coarse wrinkles, skin dryness, skin laxity, pigmentation and vascular abnormalities. This includes sallow color and rough skin texture. Photoaging is caused by many years exposure to low levels of UV (ultraviolet ray). The result of long-term low-level UV exposure is the progressive thickening and wrinkling of the skin.

Changes in skin color are often associated with aging. Skin color is a composite of red, blue, yellow and brown coloration. This is the result of red oxygenated hemoglobin, yellow carotenoids and flavins and the brown melanin pigment of our skin. Hyperpigmentation spots are due to erratic melanocyte activity that is the result of cumulative Ultraviolet (UV) exposure. This is often associated with hypopigmentation (white spots), which also accompanies aging. The result is a mottled, older skin appearance made up of darker and depigmented areas. When we see an increase in yellow coloration in aged skin, it is the result of a decrease in brown melanin pigment along with a decline in red and blue-colored capillaries. In the case of cigarette smokers, the toxins cause a breakdown of elastin that also contributes to the yellow color of skin. This overall skin discoloration is often accompanied by an increase in broken veins. While hyperpigmentation is most often associated with skin aging, we also see hypopigmentation due to a reduction in the number of melanocytes; there is a decline of 6-8% per decade after age 30, which accounts for the lighter skin color.