Generally, the skin survives the extrinsic aging process well if protected from the sun. The effects of photodamage can also be clearly seen by comparing skin in areas frequently exposed to sun to areas usually covered. Here exposed skin has mottled hyperpigmentation while the non-exposed skin is clearly different and paler. Wrinkles around the eyes are characteristic signs of photodamage, the result of prolonged exposure to UV light. Recently the effects of photodamage, in mainly temperate climates such as our own, have been more fully recognized.
Everyday activity adds up to significant exposure.
Lifestyle, too, is an important factor. Severe elastotic change on the back of the neck in a manual laborer. The back of the forearm shows the changes of severe photodamage with some mottled hyperpigmentation, wrinkling, and purpuric lesions.