K-Beauty Glossary
What is Photoaging?
UV-driven skin aging
Photoaging is skin damage caused specifically by UV (UVA, UVB) and visible-light exposure — distinct from chronological aging. Up to 80% of visible facial aging is photoaging, not chronological. Signs include fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (sun spots, melasma), loss of elasticity, and thickened/leathery skin. The single most effective anti-aging intervention is daily SPF use, every single day, from adolescence onward.