Glogau Photodamage Classification System for Clinical Skin Care Professionals
This Glogau photodamage classification system is an alternative system developed by Dr. Richard Glogau. It is designed to help the clinician determine skin type of individual clients. As there are progressing degrees of photoaging within each skin type each client will have different needs.
Photoaging is the premature aging that happens to the skin after exposure to ultraviolet light. It affects everyone, and no one is immune. Starting in early adulthood many people suffer the ravaging effects of excessive exposure to the rays of the sun. Facial skin is tender and particularly susceptible to photoaging. The conditions which result from photoaging are controllable and can be diminished depending on the extent of the damage suffered. This damage is usually visible as discoloration and/or as wrinkles. Symptoms develop at various ages depending on the skin type of the individual and their exposure to the sun. The Glogau classification system was developed to provide an objective measurement of the severity of photoaging and especially of wrinkles. It is designed to help the clinician when making a choice as to the best procedures to use for clients to treat photoaging.
Glogau has four classifications. Type I is no wrinkles, with typical attributes being either no or minimal discoloration or wrinkling, no keratoses or skin over growths, and usually no need for foundation or makeup. Typical suggested treatments are daily skin protection through use of a sunscreen, moisturizers and over the counter lotions containing antioxidants and alphahydroxy.
Type II is wrinkles in motion. Typical attributes are wrinkling as the skin moves, lines near the eyes and the mouth, a need for some foundation and no keratoses that is visible. Typical treatments include daily skin protection using a sunscreen, and use of over the counter lotions that contain alphahydroxy acid and antioxidants or retinol. Prescription medicines that can be used include those containing tretinoin like Renova and those containing hydroquinone like Melanex.
Type III is wrinkles at rest. Attributes are constant visible wrinkles, and both keratoses and discolorations that are noticeable along with the need for a heavy foundation. Typical treatments are daily protection of the skin with a sunscreen, over the country lotions containing alphahydroxy acid and antioxidants or retinal. Prescription medicines that can be used are Renovo and Melanex. Light chemical peels also can be use.
Type IV, only wrinkles has typical attributes of winkles throughout, yellow or grayish color to the skin, prior skin cancer and makeup not usable due to caking and cracking. Typical treatments for Type IV are protection daily with a sunscreen, deep dermabrasion, deep laser resurfacing and use of deep, strong chemical peels. Also soft tissue augmentation through injections of collagen or fat transfer.
