Polarized light photography in the evaluation of photoaging.

Abstract

The clinical characteristics of photodamaged skin, such as coarse and fine wrinkling, sallowness, hyperpigmentation, tactile roughness, laxity, and erythema, are not accurately evaluable from photographic records. The purpose of this study was to develop accurate and reproducible photographic techniques that generate an evaluable record of the characteristics of photodamaged skin. The method used involved illumination and photography through polarizing filters (polarized light photography). Polarized light photography generates images that selectively enhance either the surface features or the subsurface features of the skin, providing an accurate and evaluable record for evaluation of photodamaged skin. Polarized light photography, when coupled with precise framing and mapping, yields an accurate and evaluable record of photodamaged skin.