Clinical features of ageing skin.

Ageing of the skin involves the intrinsic process of senescence and extrinsic damage induced by chronic exposure to UV radiation. A recent consensus forum of the American Academy of Dermatology concluded that the majority of undesirable clinical features associated with 'skin ageing' are the result of damage to skin due to UV radiation (photoageing). Clinically photoageing is characterized by coarseness, wrinkling, mottled pigmentation, laxity, telangiectasia, and premalignant and malignant neoplasms. The role of genetics, hormones and diet needs to be clarified. Appropriate lifelong use of sunscreens may minimize many of the changes associated with photoageing.