A new study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science evaluated skin changes resulting from solar exposure in young men, by skin imaging techniques.

The present study enrolled 33 males, 18-28 years of age, with and without photoprotection habits. 

In subjects without photoprotection habits, pigmentation disorders, telangiectasia, wrinkles and lower dermis echogenicity were observed. Meanwhile, reflectance Confocal Microscopy images showed an irregular honeycomb pattern (35%), polycyclic papillae (40%) and coarse collagen fibers (35%)—signifying photoaging.

From the results, it was inferred that sun exposure without photoprotection results in a loss of dermal echogenicity and changes in the epidermis structure and collagen fibers regardless of chronological age.

Source: International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2021 Mar 17. doi: 10.1111/ics.12701.