Glogau Classification of Photoageing

The Glogau classification system was developed to assess the severity of photoageing, especially regarding wrinkles. It is used as a baseline measure at the time of aesthetic consultation and may be used as a gross guide to therapy. In general, Glogau types I, II, and III tend to show the most noticeable improvements with less aggressive minimally invasive aesthetic treatments such as botulinum toxin and dermal filler injections, non-ablative lasers, superficial and fractional ablative lasers, and superficial skin resurfacing procedures such as light chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Glogau type IV patients often require deep ablative laser treatments and/or surgery for significant results.

Fig 2: Glogau Classification of Photoageing

Glogau Type Photoageing Typical Age Skin Characteristics
I Mild 20s to 30s
  • Minimal wrinkles
  • No lentigines
  • No keratoses
II Moderate 30s to 40s
  • Wrinkles in motion
  • Rare, faint lentigines
  • Skin pores more prominent
  • Keratoses palpable but not visible
III Advanced 50s to 60s
  • Wrinkles at rest
  • Prominent lentigines
  • Capillaries (telangiectasias)
  • Visible keratoses
IV Severe 60s and older
  • Wrinkles at rest
  • Numerous lentigines
  • Coarse pores
  • Yellowish skin colour
  • Skin malignancies and premalignant lesions

Fig 3: Fitzpatrick Skin Types

Glogau Type Photoageing Skin Characteristics
I
  • Pale white skin
  • Red or blonde hair
  • Blue eyes
  • Freckles
  • Always Burns
  • Never Tans
II
  • White or fair skin
  • Red or blonde hair
  • Blue, hazel, or green eyes
  • Usually burns
  • Tans with difficulty
III
  • Cream, white or fair skin
  • Any eye or hair colour
  • Gradually tans
  • Sometimes has a mild burn
IV
  • Light brown skin
  • Tans with ease, rarely burns
IV
  • Dark brown skin
  • Tans very easily, very rarely burn
IV
  • Deeply pigmented dark brown
  • Tans very easily, never burns