How damaged is neck skin without sunscreen?

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A photo used in a scientific article went viral on social media for showing the difference between the skin of the face and the neck of a 92-year-old woman. According to the work, she would have spent 40 years applying sunscreen only to her face. But is this difference just the result of a lack of protection against UV (ultraviolet) rays?

The article, titled “Research on Aging: Rethinking Primary Skin Cancer Prevention”, was written by dermatologist Chritian Posch, from the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and published in the journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in October 2021. .

The work discusses aging as an important risk factor for the development of skin cancer and does not provide much information about the photo beyond what has already been described in this text. THE Sheet contacted the author to learn more about this patient’s story, but he stated that he could not provide details.

The report heard experts to better understand the possible origin of the damage shown in the image. In the view of dermatologist Cristina Abdalla, from Hospital Sírio-Libanês, in São Paulo, it is very likely that the damage to the elderly woman’s dermis was caused by the lack of UV protection.

The dermatologist points out that the fact that the patient is elderly and has fair skin influences the intensity of the damage. “This photo only illustrates something that we know. We know that there is a difference between a photoprotected skin and a photodamaged one”, points out the specialist.

On the other hand, dermatologist Mônica Aribi, from SBD (Brazilian Society of Dermatology), understands that the impact of sunlight alone is not enough to explain the state of the neck dermis. “It is possible that it is the result of a poorly done peeling or a very aggressive laser for this area”, says the professional, who is also a member of the International Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Aribi’s analysis is based on the scars shown in the image. “They suggest some kind of epidermolysis, that is, blisters that were caused by very aggressive procedures,” she says.

The experts explain that, regardless of the agent causing the damage in the region, they are due to the fact that the skin of the neck has a different natural structure from the face. Aribi says that the dermis of the face has more defenses because it has lubrication from sebaceous glands.

“On the other hand, the neck has few, so it is an area that ages very early. So, it responds in a totally different way to a procedure that is good for the face”, says the SBD dermatologist.

How to protect neck skin

In addition to not ignoring the neck when applying sunscreen, other care is needed in the region to prevent the appearance of stains and wrinkles. Aribi recommends using moisturizing creams with a thicker consistency than those used on the face, as well as moisturizing soaps to keep the dermis hydrated.

“The skin of the neck does not accept acids. So, when using retinoic and glycolic acid [substâncias contra o envelhecimento], I always suggest keeping the jaw limit. Hyaluronic acid, however, can be applied because it is moisturizing”, says Aribi.

Abdalla remembers that it is useless to apply sunscreen and spend the whole day under the sun. “Sun protection is just a measure. It is necessary not to expose yourself excessively to the sun”, he warns.

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