Which factors affect skin ageing the most?

Summary

These studies suggest that skin ageing is primarily affected by ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollutants, oxidative stress, and genetic/epigenetic factors.

Introduction

Skin ageing is a multifaceted process influenced by intrinsic (genetic and biological) and extrinsic (environmental) factors. Understanding the key contributors to skin ageing is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Key Insights

• Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Photoaging:

  • Chronic sun exposure is the primary exogenous cause of skin ageing, leading to photoaging characterised by wrinkles, pigmentary changes, and increased risk of skin cancer.

  • UV radiation promotes the formation of free radicals, which contribute to oxidative stress and damage to skin cells.

• Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction:

  • Oxidative stress, resulting from intrinsic ageing and environmental factors like pollution, leads to cellular damage and is a key feature in skin ageing.

  • Mitochondrial damage accumulates with age and exposure to external factors, contributing to the loss of cellular function and skin ageing phenotypes such as wrinkles and decreased wound healing.

• Inflammation and Micro-inflammatory Cycles:

  • Various factors, including UV radiation, pollution, and cigarette smoke, can trigger micro-inflammatory cycles in the skin, accumulating extracellular matrix (ECM) damage and skin ageing.

  • The expression of ICAM-1 and the recruitment of immune cells play a significant role in this inflammatory process.

• Genetic and Epigenetic Factors:

  • Intrinsic ageing is genetically determined and varies among individuals and different anatomical sites.

  • Epigenetic modifications, influenced by chronic stress and other factors, affect gene regulation and contribute to skin ageing.

• Hormonal and Neuroendocrine Factors:

  • Endogenous hormone levels and neuroendocrine systems, which regulate the production of neuropeptides and hormones, influence skin ageing.

  • Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can accelerate skin ageing.

• Structural Changes in Skin:

  • Ageing skin shows histological changes such as epidermal atrophy, decreased cell numbers, and reduced collagen and elastic fibres in the dermis.

  • These structural changes lead to a decline in the skin's mechanical properties and ability to repair and protect itself.

Conclusion

Skin ageing is driven by intrinsic factors like genetics and hormonal changes and extrinsic factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative stress. These factors collectively contribute to cellular damage, inflammation, and structural changes in the skin, leading to the visible signs of ageing. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate skin ageing.

Sources:

1. P. Giacomoni et al. "Factors of skin ageing share common mechanisms." Biogerontology, 2 (2004): 219-229.

2. L. Baumann et al. "Skin ageing and its treatment." The Journal of Pathology, 211 (2007).

3. C.M. Lee et al. "The impact of perceived stress on skin ageing." Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 34 (2020).

4. M. Farage et al. "Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in skin ageing: a review." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 30 (2008).

5. R. Stout et al. "Mitochondria’s Role in Skin Ageing." Biology, 8 (2019).

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