Sun Exposure or Aging or Both?

Hi,
I'm a 26 year old male.  Over the past year I've noticed some changes in my appearance, especially under the eyes.  I'm not sure if it is me being more self-conscious of getting older or a real indication of too much sun exposure.  I live in South Texas where the Summers are brutal, and to make things worse I work outside.  For nearly 2 years I was mildly protecting myself with a hat, if at all.  There was one summer I rarely wore a hat and my face was continually red.  Well, maybe it's taken its toll.  

At first I thought my appearance was due to a deepening of a nasojugal groove, however I also noticed what seemed like a bulge on my malar area.  I then thought it could be a malar mound, or early formation of one.  But the depression right below my eye seems like it is volume or fat loss that has left a hollow area.  

In direct light everything looks fine, but at different angles whatever this is looks very noticeable.  I'm fearful of looking older than my age.  So, I guess my question would be: Does this seem like the normal aging process, more along the lines of sun damage, both, or something else?  

I thought I would be able to attach a photo, but it looks like I can't.

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum and thank you for your question!

Photoaging is a process that starts with the first unprotected sun exposure. You seem to be spending a lot of time outside on a daily basis.  We highly recommend you to use not only a broad spectrum sunscreen (with both UVA and UVB fotoprotection capabilities) but also a photoprotective clothes, hat and glasses.  

The early appearance of “depression” of lower lid could be partially determined by genetics. However, such a clinical finding is sometimes indication of an internal disorder.

In conclusion, for the sake of your overall health, it is recommended to see a dermatologist, who should perform a detailed clinical exam (including moles check), evaluate overall effects of prolonged unprotected sun exposure, and make final differentiation of what triggered the lower lid skin changes.


Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr Jasmina Jankicevic