Abstract: Clinical manifestations of photoaging vary widely among individuals. It can be further divided into two subtypes according to their characteristics: atrophic photoaging and hypertrophic photoaging. Though mechanisms underlying different subtypes remains to be elucidated, atrophic photoaging may be related to MC1R gene polymorphisms and has close relationship with skin cancer and precancerous changes. Multiple measures should be taken to treat atrophic photoaging on the basis of screening potential skin cancerous changes. This paper reviews the clinical manifestations of atrophic photoaging, association with skin tumor, influencing factors, assessment tools and treatment methods.

Key words: photoaging, atrophic, hypertrophic