Skin Aging

What Is Skin Aging

As we age, maintaining youthful, vibrant skin becomes increasingly challenging. Let’s delve into the underlying causes of skin aging and introduce a hybrid skincare solution designed to promote longevity and combat visible signs of aging.

Skin aging is a complex process influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that lead to changes in skin structure and function. Key signs include wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dry skin, and uneven pigmentation.

Intrinsic & Extrinsic Aging

There are two main types of aging that apply to the skin and body as a whole: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic aging refers to the more or less natural process of aging and physiological changes that occur with time. Examples being the general slowing of the metabolism and inefficient energy production otherwise necessary for skin regeneration.

Extrinsic aging refers to epigenetic or environmental factors that can negatively affect the physiology, contributing to aging. Some examples are chronic sun exposure, environmental toxins, and air pollution.

Of the two, the skin is perhaps the most vulnerable to the extrinsic factors that accelerate aging. In fact, the quality of one's environment and extrinsic stressors can directly accelerate the intrinsic aging of the skin by increasing oxidative damage via free radicals.

Tools for Investigating Skin Aging: Mechanisms, Applications, and Insights. Biomolecules. 2024; 14(11):1436. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14111436

The Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress

Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria are critical organelles within our cells, often referred to as the powerhouses due to their role in energy production. They generate ATP, which is essential for various cellular processes, including those in skin cells.

As we age, mitochondrial function tends to decline, leading to reduced energy production and increased oxidative stress. This stress results from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the skin's ability to counteract their harmful effects.

Consequently, oxidative damage accumulates, contributing to common signs of skin aging such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dullness. Additionally, compromised mitochondrial function can impair the skin's ability to repair and regenerate, further exacerbating aging symptoms. Thus, maintaining healthy mitochondrial activity is crucial in slowing down the skin aging process and preserving a youthful appearance.

What is Oxidative Stress

At the end of the day, it is oxidative stress that ages the skin. The skin is made up of cells, and reactive oxygen species or free radicals can steal electrons from the cells. This weakens the cell membrane, leading to cellular damage and skin aging.

Intrinsically speaking, the stress of aging results in an accumulation of reactive oxygen species and a decrease in antioxidant capacity. This leads to increased oxidative stress that results in organ and tissue damage.

Ultimately, an imbalance of reactive oxygen species to antioxidants can directly decrease collagen synthesis and stimulate collagen breakdown, leading to wrinkles. 

Luo Y, Bollag WB. The Role of PGC-1α in Aging Skin Barrier Function. Cells. 2024; 13(13):1135. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13131135