Dermoscopic assessment of facial photoaging skin among north Morroccans

Abstract

Introduction: Skin aging involves both chronological aging influenced by human genetics and extrinsic aging mainly caused by UV radiation and smoking. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides accurate aging assessment signs which may be invisible to the naked eye. This study aims to investigate and compare the dermoscopic features of facial photoaging in Moroccan females and males across various age groups. It also seeks to assess the impact of other factors associated with premature skin aging, notably smoking. Methods: A descriptive and comparative study was conducted on 207 subjects with at least one hour of daily sun exposure. Participants were divided into three age groups: 35–49, 50–64, and 65+ years. Results: In the group aged 35 to 49 years, a significant difference was observed between genders regarding yellowish discoloration, white lines, hypo-/hyperpigmented macules (P = 0.003) and deep wrinkles (P = 0.02). For subjects aged 50 to 64 years, males exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of yellowish discoloration and skin atrophy compared to females. However, females had a higher prevalence of superficial wrinkles (P = 0.02). In the group aged 65 years and older, significant differences were observed between females and males regarding white lines/skin atrophy, actinic keratosis, and senile comedones, all of which were more prevalent in males. Conclusion: Dermoscopy is a straightforward method for better assessing facial aging and detecting early signs of photoaging leading to ensure prevention of skin aging and to monitor the effectiveness of therapeutic applications.