Longevity unlocked
Longevity unlocked
How to defy the hallmarks of ageing?
The hallmarks of aging provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the biological processes driving aging, 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.
These hallmarks accumulate over time, contributing to age-related functional decline and diseases. Longevity research focuses on modulating these pathways, such as enhancing autophagy (cellular recycling) or inhibiting mTOR signaling, which extends healthspan 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 photoaging.
- 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 aging.
Picture on the right: López-Otín, C. et al., 2023: Hallmarks of ageing: An expanding universe. Cell 186 (1)
Cosmetic interventions increasingly target these hallmarks:
Autophagy enhancers
Promote cellular renewal and collagen production.
Senolytics
Eliminate senescent cells to reduce SASP-driven inflammation.
Antioxidants
Mitigate oxidative stress from mitochondrial decline.
Epigenetic regulators
Reverse age-related gene expression changes.
Microbiome modulators (prebiotics/probiotics/postbiotics)
Counteract dysbiosis-linked skin barrier dysfunction.
Emerging strategies also address hypovascularity and hypoxia in aging skin to improve microcirculation. Additionally, hydrating active ingredients restore hydration by compensating for age-related GAG depletion.
By aligning with the hallmarks of aging, modern cosmetics aim not merely to mask aging signs but to target underlying biological mechanisms, reflecting a shift toward evidence-based, longevity-inspired skincare for slower ageing.
This concept makes cosmetics especially attractive for younger generations.
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.
