Barbara Obermayer
Head of RAHN-Cosmetic ActivesRAHN AG
Defying the Hallmarks of Ageing
The hallmarks of ageing provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the biological processes driving ageing, encompassing twelve interconnected factors: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, disabled autophagy, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis.
Longevity research focuses on modulating these pathways, such as enhancing autophagy (cellular recycling) or inhibiting mTOR signaling, which extends health span in model organisms by delaying age-related pathologies.
In skin biology, these hallmarks manifest through both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. Key processes include:
- Genomic instability: UV-induced DNA damage accelerates photoageing.
- Cellular senescence: Senescent fibroblasts secrete pro-inflammatory factors (SASP), degrading collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and impaired wound healing.
- Loss of proteostasis: Reduced collagen synthesis and disrupted elastic fiber networks cause structural decline, exacerbated by MMPs in photoaged skin.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction: Impaired energy production in dermal cells increases oxidative stress.
- Epigenetic alterations: Environmental factors like pollution modify gene expression, accelerating skin ageing.
Picture on the right: López-Otín, C. et al., 2023: Hallmarks of ageing: An expanding universe. Cell 186 (1)
Emerging strategies also address hypovascularity and hypoxia in ageing skin to improve microcirculation. Additionally, hydrating active ingredients restore hydration by compensating for age-related GAG depletion.
Modern cosmetics increasingly look beyond visible signs of ageing to address the underlying biological processes, reflecting a shift towards evidence-based, longevity-inspired skincare.
Psychological isolation: the missing dimension of longevity
For decades, longevity science has focused on biological drivers of ageing. Yet emerging research highlights another powerful influence on healthy ageing: the ability to stay socially connected, emotionally engaged and comfortable in one's own skin.
Psychological isolation is increasingly recognized as a factor that can accelerate age-related decline. Social disconnection and chronic emotional stress activate neuroendocrine stress pathways, reduce resilience and contribute to persistent low-grade inflammation. Over time, these processes can negatively affect overall well-being and the appearance of the skin.
Longevity needs connection
The skin plays a central role in this relationship. As the body's largest sensory organ, it continuously communicates with the nervous system through the skin-mind axis, influencing both how we feel and how we are perceived by others.
In an age where people seek not only a longer life but also a richer and more connected one, healthy ageing means maintaining meaningful interactions, positive emotions and confidence in one's own skin. Addressing psychological isolation adds a new dimension to the science of longevity and reflects a more holistic understanding of what it means to age well.
How CALNEURIN®-SENSE addresses psychological isolation
CALNEURIN®-SENSE (www.calneurin-sense.swiss) brings the dimension of touch and social connection into longevity-inspired skin care. Inspired by psychodermatology, it acts at the intersection of skin, sensory perception and emotional well-being to help transform feelings of discomfort and social withdrawal into confidence, connection and meaningful interaction. In this way, CALNEURIN®-SENSE offers a novel approach to healthy ageing that goes beyond skin appearance to embrace how we feel in our skin and connect with others.
RAHN-Cosmetic Actives offer innovative solutions to counteract the various signs of the hallmarks of ageing. Discover more about our solutions for longevity and hallmarks of ageing.
