The Glogau Photoaging Scale: Grading “Aging Skin” into Four Classes

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MEDICAL AESTHETICS · TECHNICAL GLOSSARY

01

The Four Classes

Class Features Typical age Protocol tier
I — Early No wrinkles, slight tone unevenness, no keratoses 20s-30s Prevention: sunscreen + gentle devices
II — Moderate Visible expression lines, clear spots, visible pores, slightly rough feel 30s-40s Device mainstay: IPL + fractional start
III — Advanced Wrinkles at rest, marked pigment abnormality, keratoses, telangiectasia 40s-50s+ Intensive combinations: fractional/RF/multi-modality
IV — Severe Wrinkles everywhere, global dyschromia, obvious keratoses (premalignant risk), sallow skin 50s-60s+ Medical-led: dermatology review + surgical options
02

Pairing with Fitzpatrick

The two typings answer different questions: Fitzpatrick (tone) answers “how safe must the parameters be”; Glogau (aging grade) answers “how strong should the plan be”. The matrix corner of dark skin + Glogau III is the one demanding most caution (the typing entry).

03

In-Clinic Use

  1. Mandatory intake field: the grade anchors protocol intensity objectively, ending mood-based prescribing.
  2. Client communication: show the grading charts — “you’re at class II; our goal is holding class II for three to five years.”
  3. Long-term KPI: grade stability is the annual metric of anti-aging plans (the annual plan).
04

FAQ

Can the grade go down (reverse)?

Holding II→I is realistic; III→II partially achievable under discipline; class IV aims for stability and no progression. “Downgrading” talk is more credible than “reversal” (the myths entry).

Can I grade myself?

Rough self-grading fine (mirror against charts); keratoses and premalignant lesions need trained eyes — annual professional skin checks matter most at Glogau III+.

LEIJEX BUYER CONTEXT

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