[Skin aging. Physiopathology and clinical perspective]

Abstract

The main structural and functional alterations observed during skin ageing are reviewed, considering the intrinsic process of senescence and the damage induced by chronic exposure to actinic radiation. In photo-ageing the importance of skin type is stressed, concerning its capacity to tan in order to get protection against radiation. Finally some inflammatory, degenerative and neoplastic skin diseases associated with ageing and photo-ageing are briefly described.