"Photoaging is the degeneration of the skin due to sunlight. What is not clear is the spectrum of sunlight causing this process: ultraviolet A (UVA), B (UVB), visible light.... It manifests itself in the loss of elasticity and hydration of the skin, the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes... And it can degenerate into skin cancer".

This is how Dr. Pedro Redondo, dermatologist at the Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, summarizes photoaging, a disease discussed at the V National Dermatological Nursing congress "Sun and skin", which began on Thursday 18 at the School of Medicine of the University of Navarra.

In recent years, in which sunbathing has become fashionable and image culture prevails, the application of treatments to combat this condition has increased, "because there are more and more people with skin aging due to chronic sunlight exhibition ," explains Dr. Redondo.

The problem," he continues, "is independent of age. In our offices we see many young people with skin that is quite damaged by the sun, and yet there are older people with perfect skin. The sun produces skin atrophy, which is nothing more than a reduction in skin thickness due to aging.

He also warns of the special precaution to be taken with UVA rays: "At no time do we recommend artificial rays as a cosmetic treatment. In addition to the long-term side effects deadline, there is usually a problem with calibration. These are fluorescent tubes that, after many hours of use, have less power than they are said to emit, so adjusting the real dose is difficult and you never know what dose you are administering.

Knowing how to use protective creams

Thus, the best way to combat photoaging is prevention. Photoprotective creams prevent the atrophy of the epidermis," explains the dermatologist, "But it must be made clear that using them means avoiding the side effects of the sun, not taking it more believing that you are protected. Ten minutes without protection can be equivalent to two hours with protection. The photoprotector serves to prevent, not to multiply the time of exhibition".

As for treatments, we currently work with four: the already classic ones, which are creams such as retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) or vitamin C products, chemical peels, CO2 resurfacing and dermabrasion.

The strongest are peelings," says Dr. Redondo, "consisting of the application of acids on the skin. They can be superficial, medium or deep. Superficial peels do not require medical control, but the really effective ones are the medium and deep ones. This technique is also used to eliminate acne scars.

CO2 resurfacing, better known as "laser", rejuvenates the skin by destroying the layers of the epidermis and stimulating the dermis to produce new collagen fibers. It is often a good technique against wrinkles.

As for dermabrasion, Socorro Santos, a nurse at department of the Dermatology Department of the Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, explains that "it consists of erasing skin lesions by sanding the skin. The superficial dermis is removed and the skin is regenerated. Care must be taken to ensure that it does not become infected or heal badly, and it is usually applied to acne scars, surgical scars, post-burns...".

The nurse, essential to prepare the patient

The role of the nurses in these dermatological treatments is fundamental, because they are in charge of daily follow-up care: the skin must be cleaned with physiological saline solution and complications (erythema, edema, irritative dermatitis and itching) must be prevented. In addition to monitoring the postoperative period," adds Socorro Santos, "we can say that the most human aspect falls to us, such as talking with the patient, dialoguing with his or her family...".

And this "more human part" is especially important for patients suffering from a dermatological condition subject , since the treatment can often be ambulatory (people are not admitted after the intervention). "They are given guidelines to follow regarding topical treatments and possible complications, which involves studying each patient, and deducing whether they will be able to fend for themselves when carrying out these indications at home...", explains the nurse.

In addition," adds Dr. Redondo, "the patient has to be very psychologically prepared to know that in a few days he or she will not be able to be presentable or leave the house. With these treatments, the skin burns: the face turns red, becomes inflamed and during the first few months protective creams must be applied, for which it is necessary to be aware".

However, we must not forget that the best way to avoid photoaging is prevention and, as Socorro Santos says, "apart from educating children so that they are aware of the alterations that external agents can cause on their skin, we must also take care of their diet, do sports, not smoke or drink alcohol, avoid stress, and smile and laugh frequently, among many other things".