Treating Sun Damage and Photoaging with Dr. Macrene Alexiades

Join Dr. Macrene Alexiades, a trailblazer in dermatology, as she explores the causes and complexities of sun damage and photoaging. This episode delves into the Alexiades Classification Scale, a groundbreaking tool that differentiates between intrinsic and extrinsic aging, offering a personalized approach to skin care. Dr. Alexiades also highlights the role of photodynamic therapy in treating precancerous lesions and enhancing skin health, and discusses her latest textbook, Photodynamic Therapy (Elsevier). Discover how cutting-edge research and therapies are transforming the landscape of dermatology, providing effective solutions for sun-damaged skin.

Objectives:

Understand the impact of sun damage and the importance of distinguishing between different types of skin aging. Learn about the Alexiades Classification Scale and its role in personalized dermatological treatments. Explore the benefits of photodynamic therapy in addressing photoaging and preventing skin cancer.

Empower yourself with knowledge and strategies to protect and rejuvenate your skin, guided by Dr. Alexiades' expertise and innovative contributions to the field.

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Macrene Alexiades discusses the intricacies of skin aging, particularly focusing on photo aging and the role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in treating skin damage. She elaborates on the mechanisms of photodamage, the impact of reactive oxygen species, and the importance of preventative strategies such as sunscreen and antioxidants. Dr. Alexiades also highlights her contributions to the field through her classification scale for skin aging and her latest textbook on PDT, emphasizing its efficacy in treating photo aging and skin cancers.

Key Takeaways

Photo aging is caused by prolonged UV exposure.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a significant role in skin damage.

Intrinsic aging is genetic, while extrinsic aging is environmental.

Daily sunscreen use is crucial for skin protection.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel treatment for skin damage.

PDT selectively targets damaged skin cells.

Antioxidants are essential in combating free radical damage.

Peptides can stimulate collagen production.

PDT is FDA approved for treating precancers.

Field cancerization allows for comprehensive skin treatment.

Learning Points

"What is photodamage or photo-aging?"

"PDT improves pigmentation irregularities."

"PDT offers field cancerization treatment."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Skin Longevity and Photo Aging

04:33 Understanding Photodamage and Its Effects

08:51 The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Skin Aging

13:31 Preventative Strategies for Photo Damage

15:20 Exploring Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

21:36 Clinical Applications and Efficacy of PDT

Keywords: skin longevity, photo aging, photodamage, reactive oxygen species, photodynamic therapy, skin cancer, skin health, dermatology, skincare, anti-aging

To Order Dr. Alexiades Textbook:

https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780443106897

What you get from this episode:

Unlocking the Secrets of Skin Longevity

The Science Behind Photo Aging