What are solar comedones. How do they differ from regular acne. What causes solar comedones to develop. Who is most at risk for developing this condition. What are the best treatment options for solar comedones. How can you prevent solar comedones from forming. Are there any long-term complications associated with solar comedones.

What Are Solar Comedones and How Do They Differ from Regular Acne?

Solar comedones are a distinct type of skin condition often mistaken for regular acne. Unlike typical acne, which can occur at any age and on various parts of the body, solar comedones are specifically linked to prolonged sun exposure. These small, bumpy lesions typically appear in sun-exposed areas of the skin, particularly on the face, neck, and forearms.

Key differences between solar comedones and regular acne include:

• Cause: Solar comedones are primarily caused by cumulative sun damage, while regular acne is often triggered by hormonal changes, excess oil production, and bacteria.
• Appearance: Solar comedones tend to be symmetrical and non-inflammatory, appearing as small, skin-colored or dark bumps. Regular acne can be inflammatory and present as various types of lesions, including whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules.
• Age of onset: Solar comedones are more common in middle-aged and older adults, typically appearing after years of sun exposure. Regular acne is often associated with adolescence but can persist into adulthood.
• Location: Solar comedones are concentrated in sun-exposed areas, particularly around the eyes and temples. Regular acne can occur anywhere on the face, chest, back, and shoulders.

The Science Behind Solar Comedones: Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding the underlying causes of solar comedones is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. These sun-induced lesions develop as a result of long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which leads to significant changes in the skin’s structure and function.

The primary mechanisms behind solar comedone formation include:

1. Collagen and elastin breakdown: UV radiation damages these essential skin proteins, leading to reduced skin elasticity and increased wrinkling.
2. Sebaceous gland dysfunction: Chronic sun exposure can alter the function of oil-producing glands, potentially leading to clogged pores.
3. Keratin accumulation: Sun damage can cause an overproduction of keratin, a protein that can block pores and contribute to comedone formation.
4. Oxidative stress: UV radiation generates free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate the aging process.

Risk factors for developing solar comedones include:

• Prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection
• Fair skin that burns easily
• Living in areas with high UV index
• Outdoor occupations or hobbies
• History of sunburns, especially in youth
• Age (more common in individuals over 50)
• Smoking, which can exacerbate sun damage

Diagnosis and Clinical Presentation of Solar Comedones

Accurately identifying solar comedones is essential for proper treatment. Dermatologists typically diagnose this condition through a combination of visual examination and patient history. The characteristic features of solar comedones include:

• Small, flesh-colored or slightly darkened bumps
• Symmetrical distribution on sun-exposed areas
• Non-inflammatory appearance
• Association with other signs of sun damage (e.g., wrinkles, hyperpigmentation)
• Predominance in older adults with a history of significant sun exposure

Is a biopsy necessary to diagnose solar comedones? In most cases, a visual examination is sufficient for diagnosis. However, in some instances, a dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions or confirm the diagnosis. This procedure involves removing a small sample of skin for microscopic examination.

Treatment Options for Solar Comedones: From Topical to Procedural Approaches

Managing solar comedones often requires a multi-faceted approach, combining both at-home care and professional treatments. The goal is not only to address existing lesions but also to prevent further damage and improve overall skin health.

Topical treatments for solar comedones may include:

• Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives can help unclog pores and promote skin cell turnover.
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): Glycolic and lactic acids can exfoliate the skin and improve texture.
• Antioxidants: Vitamin C and E serums can help combat free radical damage and boost skin repair.
• Moisturizers: Hydrating the skin can improve its barrier function and overall health.

Professional treatments that may be effective for solar comedones include:

1. Chemical peels: These can remove damaged outer layers of skin and stimulate collagen production.
2. Microdermabrasion: This technique exfoliates the skin and can help unclog pores.
3. Laser therapy: Certain lasers can target sun damage and improve skin texture.
4. Photodynamic therapy: This treatment combines light therapy with photosensitizing agents to improve skin appearance.

How long does it take to see results from solar comedone treatments? The timeline for improvement can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment. Some patients may notice improvements within a few weeks, while others may require several months of consistent treatment for optimal results.

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Your Skin from Solar Comedones

Preventing solar comedones is largely centered around sun protection and overall skin health. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce your risk of developing this condition:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen: Apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days.
• Wear protective clothing: Hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses can shield your skin from UV rays.
• Seek shade: Limit direct sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours (typically 10 am to 4 pm).
• Maintain a healthy skincare routine: Cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate regularly to keep your skin in optimal condition.
• Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports overall skin health and function.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can exacerbate sun damage and contribute to premature skin aging.
• Consume a balanced diet: Antioxidant-rich foods can help protect your skin from free radical damage.

Can dietary changes help prevent solar comedones? While no specific diet has been proven to prevent solar comedones, consuming foods rich in antioxidants (such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts) may help support overall skin health and potentially reduce the impact of UV damage.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications of Solar Comedones

While solar comedones are generally considered a benign condition, they can have both cosmetic and medical implications if left untreated. Understanding the potential long-term effects can help motivate proper care and treatment.

Possible complications and concerns associated with solar comedones include:

• Persistent skin texture changes
• Increased risk of skin cancer in affected areas
• Psychological impact due to cosmetic appearance
• Progression to more severe forms of sun damage

Do solar comedones increase the risk of skin cancer? While solar comedones themselves are not cancerous, their presence indicates significant sun damage, which is a known risk factor for skin cancer. Individuals with solar comedones should be vigilant about skin checks and consult a dermatologist regularly.

The Role of Professional Dermatological Care in Managing Solar Comedones

While some cases of solar comedones can be managed with over-the-counter treatments and preventive measures, professional dermatological care plays a crucial role in effectively addressing this condition. Dermatologists can provide:

1. Accurate diagnosis: Distinguishing solar comedones from other skin conditions
2. Customized treatment plans: Tailoring interventions to individual skin types and severity of condition
3. Advanced treatments: Access to professional-grade procedures and medications
4. Monitoring and follow-up: Regular assessments to track progress and adjust treatments as needed
5. Skin cancer screening: Comprehensive skin examinations to detect any suspicious lesions
6. Patient education: Guidance on proper skincare and sun protection strategies

How often should individuals with solar comedones visit a dermatologist? The frequency of dermatology visits can vary based on the severity of the condition and individual needs. Generally, an annual skin check is recommended for most people, but those with significant sun damage or a history of skin cancer may need more frequent evaluations.

In conclusion, solar comedones represent a unique form of sun-induced skin damage that requires specialized care and attention. By understanding the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for this condition, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their skin and maintain a healthy, youthful appearance. Regular dermatological care, combined with consistent sun protection and a proper skincare routine, can help manage existing solar comedones and prevent further damage. As our knowledge of UV-induced skin changes continues to evolve, new treatments and preventive strategies may emerge, offering hope for even more effective management of this common condition.

Does Getting More Sun Exposure Help With Acne?

Skip to main content

Request Appointment

Patient Portal

Patient Resources

Pay My Bill

Click To Call

Search For:

Chances are you’ve waged war against acne at different times of your life. Although popular wisdom says that acne is only a problem for teenagers, that’s just not the case. Adults also get pimples and sometimes struggle with constant breakouts. While most acne sufferers have tried myriad remedies, using the sun to combat breakouts is not the best way to treat your breakouts. Read on to learn why sun exposure to treat acne is only a temporary solution and how adopting a better skin care routine can help reduce breakouts.

Can the Sun Help with my Acne?

Many people believe sun exposure dries out acne-causing oil, thereby curing breakouts. Additionally, getting a tan can temporarily camouflage the blemishes on your face. While that strategy will work in the short run, exposing your skin to too much sun will eventually backfire, causing more breakouts in the future. Here’s why:

• Flaky skin from a sunburn builds up more dead skin cells that clog pores and cause more breakouts.
• Sun exposure causes unwanted skin inflammation.
• The sun can cause dark spots and scarring to appear after pimples heal.
• Sun exposure puts you at a higher risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
• If you’re taking certain medications for acne, your skin can be more sensitive to UV light, making it burn faster.
• Sunbathing leads to sweating, giving bacteria a place to thrive and causing more breakouts.

So, while a little sun exposure can temporarily reduce acne, you should adopt more effective methods to keep your breakouts in check.

Effective Skin Care Routines to Reduce Acne

Acne is usually caused by hormone imbalances. When your hormones are out of balance due to causes such as puberty or pregnancy, your skin’s sebaceous glands overproduce sebum (oil). Excess sebum clogs your pores, giving bacteria a place to thrive causing pimples, and setting off a vicious cycle of breakouts. To learn the root cause of your acne, try the following tips to keep your breakouts under control.

• Wash Your Face: Wash your face at least twice a day with a mild, oil-free foaming cleanser formulated for oily skin. Don’t harshly rub your skin. Pat dry gently with a clean towel. If possible, wash your face immediately after a workout or other athletic activities. Make sure you wash away makeup before bed. Sleeping with makeup clogs pores and makes acne worse.
• Use a Toner: Lightly apply a toner or astringent to your face to remove remaining oil. Don’t overdo it – too much astringent can irritate your skin and cause it to produce even more oil.
• Moisturize: Even acne-prone skin needs a dab of moisturizer to stay in balance. Use only a gentle, oil-free moisturizer and apply sparingly.
• Apply Sunscreen: Your moisturizer might contain sunscreen, but before going outside apply a sunscreen designed for faces that contains at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours if you’re planning to spend the day outdoors.
• Spot Treat: Experiment with different over-the-counter acne fighting products. The most popular treatments contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Use as directed. Be patient with these products since they can take up to eight weeks to deliver results. If you don’t see any results, see a dermatologist.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you have acne that isn’t responding to over-the-counter treatment, make an appointment today with Keys Dermatology. Our office has offered the highest quality of dermatological services delivered with personalized attention for over 25 years.

Book Online Now

Request Appointment

Request Appointment

Symptoms, Causes, Risks, and Treatment

Comedones are a common type of acne. This term refers to clogged pores, which look like small bumps in the skin.

If the comedones are due to prolonged sun exposure, they’re called solar comedones. But despite the name, these are different from acne.

Solar comedones are noninflammatory and appear symmetrically on your face. They’re typically found along your temple and around your eyes. Sometimes, they can show up on the side of your neck, earlobes, and forearms.

Solar comedones are also known as:

• senile comedones
• sun acne
• nodular elastosis with cysts and comedones
• Favre-Racouchot syndrome

The condition is most common in middle-age and older adults. Approximately 6 percent of adults ages 50 and over have solar comedones.

If you’re curious about solar comedones and what causes them, read on.

Share on PinterestSolar comedones are small skin-colored or dark bumps that appear in areas exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Dermnet New Zealand.

Though the specific cause of solar comedones is unknown, researchers have determined possible factors.

These include:

Chronic sun exposure

Solar comedones are commonly associated with long-term sun exposure. That’s why they’re often seen in exposed areas of the body, like the sides of your temple.

Chronic sun exposure can happen after many years spent working an outdoor job, like farming. It can also be related to years of frequent sunbathing.

It’s unclear how exactly sunlight causes solar comedones. However, it’s likely due to damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a form of energy produced by sunlight.

UV radiation can damage DNA in your skin cells and cause premature skin aging.

The radiation can also damage the elastic tissue in your skin, leading to solar elastosis. This causes thickened, yellowish, and severe wrinkling. It’s often seen with solar comedones.

It’s hypothesized that solar comedones due to sun exposure affect men more frequently than women.

Heavy smoking

Smoking cigarettes for many years can also contribute to solar comedones.

In fact, it can act synergistically with sun exposure. This means the effects of both factors can interact and increase your risk of solar comedones.

There are some theories on how smoking increases your risk.

Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals, some of which may damage your skin. The heat from a lit cigarette might also produce radiation.

However, more research is necessary to understand how smoking specifically contributes to solar comedones.

Radiation therapy

A less common cause is radiation therapy. It uses radiation to treat cancer, but it can also damage the skin. In rare cases, this could lead to comedones and other lesions.

Solar comedones related to radiation therapy can develop during or after the treatment. They can show up between 2 weeks and 6 months after therapy is completed.

The comedones can also show up anywhere on the body, but they typically appear on face, neck, and scalp.

If you have solar comedones, you’ll have different types of bumps.

Closed (whiteheads)

Closed comedones, or whiteheads, are plugged pores that have closed over. They look like small white or skin-colored bumps, depending on your skin tone.

Typically, solar comedones start as whiteheads. They eventually turn into open comedones over time.

Open (blackheads)

Open comedones, or blackheads, are clogged pores that aren’t sealed. The top of the pore is open, revealing a black spot.

The black spot isn’t dirt, though. It’s oil that has been exposed to air.

Solar comedones are not cancerous. For most people, they’re more of a cosmetic concern.

However, the main causes of solar comedones have other risks. Chronic sun exposure and cigarette smoking increase the risk of:

• skin cancer
• premature skin aging
• poor immune system function

Smoking cigarettes also increases the risk of:

• heart disease and stroke
• lung diseases
• cancer almost anywhere in the body
• infertility
• poor bone health

So, while solar comedones aren’t directly harmful, their causes are associated with other health issues.

Treatment for solar comedones typically includes a combination of:

• medication
• surgical techniques
• lifestyle changes

Solar comedones extraction

Comedones can be manually removed. Your health provider uses a device called a comedo extractor to squeeze the bumps and unblock your pores.

Although this treatment is effective, the comedones will likely return.

Other surgical techniques

A doctor might use the following treatments instead of extractions:

• dermabrasion
• curettage
• laser resurfacing
• comedone excision

The best option depends on the severity of your comedones.

Topical retinoids

Topical retinoids are medications designed to unclog pores. They exfoliate your skin and promote collagen formation, which can help reduce comedones.

A dermatologist may suggest over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription retinoids.

Topical retinoids can dry out the skin, so it’s important to avoid using too much too soon. It’s recommended to apply a light moisturizer after using a retinoid.

Decreasing the frequency of retinoid application may make it more tolerable for your skin.

Lifestyle changes

You’ll also be asked to make several lifestyle changes to slow down the formation of solar comedones.

This includes:

• avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or wearing a hat if you do need to go outdoors
• applying broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
• quitting smoking, if you smoke (this is often difficult, but a doctor can help craft a plan that works for you)

Solar comedones are often related to prolonged sun exposure or cigarette smoking. In some people, they’re caused by radiation therapy.

These comedones include whiteheads and blackheads, but they’re not inflamed — unlike the comedones seen in regular acne.

The comedones can be treated with topical retinoids and extraction. However, it’s still important to cut back on sun exposure and cigarette smoking to prevent more comedones from forming.

causes and treatment, allergy to sunlight › Clinic “Forpost”

The sun’s rays not only warm us with their warmth in spring and summer and delight us in winter, but also help to strengthen the immune system. But, unfortunately, in some people, exposure to the open sun can cause an allergic reaction or an allergy to the sun.

Allergy to the sun, photodermatitis (photodermatosis) are diseases caused by increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. This is not at all a rare occurrence. Statistics show that about 20% of people around the world experience this disease.

Sun allergy is actually photodermatitis or photodermatosis. Because, as such, there is no allergic component in the sun’s rays. The toxic or allergic effect of the sun is manifested by the interaction of solar (ultraviolet) rays with any substance that is on the skin (exogenous photodermatitis) or in the skin (endogenous photodermatitis).

Sun allergy in the form of exogenous photodermatitis

The most striking example of exogenous photodermatitis is the so-called meadow dermatitis. In the summer, during the flowering period, many meadow plants secrete special substances – furocoumarins, which are deposited on the skin when a person is in these places. With simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet radiation, some people who are sensitive to it may experience reddening of the skin and vesicles (vesicles and pustules). The rash is accompanied by intense itching. In the future, long-term pigmentation remains on the affected areas of the skin.

Sun allergy or photodermatitis can also occur if a sun-sensitive person puts on a cream or ointment, or uses perfume and deodorant before going out into the sun. Substances that make up various cosmetics or perfumes can react with ultraviolet rays and cause an allergic reaction. Such properties are, for example, eosin, which can be found in lipstick, and para-aminobenzoic acid (surfactant), which is part of some sunscreens. In addition, polyunsaturated fatty acids, retinoids, bergamot oil, St.

Fair-skinned people and young children, whose skin defense mechanisms are much weaker, are more likely to be allergic to the sun.

Photodermatitis is often caused by many drugs. This effect is possessed, in particular, by sulfonamides, barbiturates, chlorpromazine, some antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracycline), antihistamines, some cardiovascular agents (amiodarone, trazikor), cytostatics, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin), oral contraceptives.

In addition, an increased reaction of the skin to the sun’s rays appears when the skin is “weakened” by some additional effect – peeling, tattooing using cadmium salts.

Allergy to the sun in the form of endogenous photodermatitis

This group of photodermatitis includes fairly rare diseases, in the development of which disturbances in the body’s immune system, as well as various metabolic disorders (metabolism disorders) play an important role. Endogenous photodermatitis includes, in particular, porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosa, sun eczema, sun pruritus, Hydroa vacciniformia, polymorphic photodermatosis.

Typically, these reactions can proceed through two mechanisms: 1) phototoxic reaction and 2) photoallergic reaction. Phototoxic reactions are much more common than photoallergic ones.

How does sun allergy or photodermatitis usually manifest itself?

Main symptoms of photodermatosis:

• redness and inflammation of the skin,
• skin peeling,
• often accompanied by intense itching and burning,
• rashes may be in the form of folliculitis (pustules) or papules.

Often this condition does not develop immediately. Unlike a burn, it can occur several hours after you leave the beach, and in some cases even after returning from the resort. A phototoxic reaction can occur several hours after sun exposure, while a photoallergic reaction can occur even days after sun exposure.

Increased risk of sun allergy:

• in people with naturally fair skin;
• in pregnant women;
• in young children;
• a number of drugs can make the skin burn faster – including tetracycline antibiotics, sulfanilamide drugs, painkillers, etc. ;
• who has relatives with sun allergies. You are more likely to be allergic to the sun if you have a sibling or parent with a sun allergy;
• also having atopic dermatitis or another type of dermatitis increases the risk of developing a sun allergy;
• Some skin allergy symptoms are triggered when your skin is exposed to a certain substance and then sunlight. Some common substances responsible for this type of reaction include fragrances, disinfectants, bleach, and even some of the chemicals used in sunscreens;
• those who abuse solariums;
• In addition, an allergic reaction from exposure to the sun can also develop in those who have performed cosmetic procedures with the use of cadmium salts (tattooing, chemical peeling) the day before.

Photosensitizer – cause of sun allergy

Some vegetables and plants may cause sun sensitivity when they come into contact with the skin. Mango peel, lime juice, parsnips, celery can cause temporary discolouration (darkening) of the area of ​​skin exposed to the sun. The main phototoxic fruits and vegetables are celery, carrots, rice, parsley, parsnips, and all kinds of citrus fruits. Therefore, before going to the beach, you should not eat oranges, tangerines or grapefruits. Swelling, redness and itching may occur on the surface of the skin, where there are drops of juice from these fruits. And the more active the sun, the more acute will be the reaction of the body.

Prevention of sun allergy (photodermatitis and photodermatosis)

Unfortunately, there are not many methods for preventing such allergies.

If you have very sensitive skin, make it a habit to sunbathe under an awning or umbrella. Avoid exposure to the sun during its peak hours (from 11:00 to 16:00). Protect yourself with a headdress and loose clothing made from natural fabrics: linen, cotton. Children have a very weak protective skin reaction, so babies under three years of age are generally not recommended to be in direct sunlight.

Use high-protection sunscreens from well-known brands at regular intervals of at least every two hours. Please note that the cream contains protection against UVB rays and UVA rays – they are the ones that affect the occurrence of photodermatosis.

It should be noted that the wavelength plays an important role. Try not to go to resorts where the sun is especially strong.

Recommendations for the prevention of photoallergies on the beach:

1. Do not use cologne, perfume and regular moisturizers before going to the beach. They contain alcohol, which in the sun can cause a burn.
2. Sunscreen in your case should be used as often as possible. Just pay attention to its composition. A fat-based product can provoke an allergy. It is better to choose a hypoallergenic spray with a protective SPF factor.
3. It is best not to use waterproof sunscreen as it clogs pores and can cause pustules on the skin. For a trip to the beach, you should opt for a water-soluble product.

If there is no way to see a doctor, how to relieve acute manifestations of an allergy to the sun?

With any cold lotions: ice, chilled dairy products, tea leaves. Of course, you should use special after-sun creams. They contain panthenol, which soothes and regenerates the skin. It happens that the rash is localized, for example, on the chest or arms. So these places need to be covered from the sun.

In case of a phototoxic reaction, identify and eliminate photosensitizing drugs or agents, use sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Antihistamines are usually helpful in minimizing itching, and steroids may also be used.

Nevertheless, do not try to suppress the manifestations of photodermatosis only by external means and seek medical help as soon as possible. Follow the recommendations of experts – and the disease will recede.

Sun allergy: treatment and symptoms of photodermatitis

On the one hand, the sun’s rays warm people with their warmth, helping to strengthen the immune system, and on the other hand, many people experience an allergic reaction as a result of exposure to the sun. Statistics record an increase in the number of cases of an allergic reaction to the sun. According to statistics, 20% of people in the world suffer from this disease. Moreover, such an allergy does not always take a chronic form. Accordingly, if the treatment is prescribed correctly, the allergy can go away forever.

Allergy to sunbathing is understood as photodermatitis or photodermatosis, since the allergic component itself is not present in the sun’s rays. By themselves, the sun’s rays do not belong to allergens, but at the same time, under their influence, substances that cause allergies can accumulate in the human body.

Photodermatitis is caused by increased sensitization of the skin when exposed to sunlight. Exposure to ultraviolet rays causes a photochemical reaction that changes the structure of substances that are in or on the skin. These altered compounds then increase skin sensitivity.

In accordance with the provoking factor, photodermatitis is divided into endogenous and exogenous:

– endogenous photodermatitis is caused by metabolic disorders (metabolism) and immune pathologies;

– exogenous photodermatitis is associated with substances that enter the skin and change under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Most often, the following categories of people are at risk of getting photodermatitis:

• people with fair and thin skin;
• children;
• pregnant women;
• people whose close relatives suffer from photodermatitis;
• patients suffering from atopic or other types of dermatitis;
• people who abuse solariums and tanning beds;
• people who take a number of drugs;
• People who have recently had peeling or tattooing;
• People who actively use cosmetics or perfumes.

Symptoms of photodermatitis

Conventionally, the symptoms of photodermatitis are divided into local and general. Local manifestations of allergy to the sun are expressed in redness of skin areas that have come under the sun; swelling of the affected areas of the skin; burning sensation; the appearance of itching of varying intensity; blisters filled with fluid or pus peeling of the affected skin. Common symptoms of photodermatitis include fever; general malaise; dizziness.

Allergy to the sun is not always accompanied by general symptoms. Signs of photodermatitis can take many forms, which are related to the degree of sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, skin type, general health, duration and intensity of exposure to the allergen. People with special sensitivity in the event of photodermatitis may faint; they have a sharp drop in blood pressure; bronchospasm appears.

Photodermatitis treatment

External treatment involves applying an ointment with elements of lanolin, zinc, methyluracil to the affected areas of the skin. If we consider folk remedies, then the choice should be made in favor of cabbage leaves, thin circles of cucumber or potato, which cool the skin and relieve itching. When a person has severe skin lesions, the doctor prescribes treatment with the use of hormonal ointments.

Inside, drugs are taken that can normalize liver function, can improve metabolism and regenerate (restore) the skin. Basically, these drugs are represented by antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamins E and C, nicotinic acid.