An article printed in Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America stated that skin aging is caused by DNA damage in nuclei and mitochondria. In older individuals, inflammation and glycation, decrease the function of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the dermis and inhibit breakdown of heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin.

The author stated that identifying patients at an increased risk of skin aging can aid in the prescribtion of efficacious antiaging skin care regimen. For this purpose, a standardized methodology may be utilized to diagnose the Baumann Skin Type. Cosmeceuticals can trigger LGR6+ stem cells; improve cell response to growth factors; stimulate collagen genes; neutralize free radicals; and decrease breakdown of collagen and elastin.

There are several causes of skin aging – intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic aging as an outcome from cellular processes that occur over time and is influenced by genetics. Extrinsic aging precipitates from environmental causes of cell damage – like ultraviolet (UV) light and infrared and radiation exposure. Additionally, air pollution, smoking, tanning beds, sun exposure, alcohol abuse, drugs, stress and poor diet have been implicated. Extrinsic aging occurs from the interaction of processes caused by free radicals, DNA damage, glycation, inflammation and other immune-regulated reactions. In most cases, these factors can be curtailed through behavioral change.

Nearly, 80% of facial aging occurs due to sun exposure. Several mechanisms of sun exposure are well understood. DNA destruction results when UV light persuades covalent bonds between nucleic acid base pairs and forms thymine dimers, which can alter the function of the tumor suppressor gene p53 growing the risk of skin cancer and skin aging. Furthermore, genes, growth factors, cytokines and stem cells play a part. 

This article summarized that diet, supplements and topical cosmeceuticals can help in preventing and treating skin aging. Furthermore, patient education and obedience are critical to improve outcomes and prevent skin aging.

Source: Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2018 Nov;26(4):407-413.doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2018.06.002.