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Condition Aging Skin

Alternative nameDermatoporosis

Condition groupAging, Integumentary System

Link
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Glycation-and-Skin-Aging.aspx

Condition information

Aging is defined as the gradual deterioration of the body’s physiological functions that are important for survival. Accumulation of cellular damaged products over time is the leading cause of aging. Skin being the outermost protective covering of the body is often subjected to both internal and external causative factors of aging.

The characteristic features of aging skin include wrinkles, dryness of the skin, reduced skin thickness, loss of elasticity, dermal and epidermal atrophy, reduced rate of epidermal cell proliferation and cellular senescence. External factors that mainly contribute to skin aging include sunlight, UV radiation, chemicals, pollutants, and smoking.

Besides external stimuli, endogenous processes that trigger aging process include excessive free radical production, nuclear/mitochondrial gene mutation, cellular senescence, shortening of telomere, reduced cell proliferation, and impaired immune functioning. In recent years, many scientific studies have revealed that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are also among the crucial contributory factors of skin aging.

Advanced Glycation End Products

Formation of AGEs is a very complex process that involves a spontaneous non-enzymatic reaction called glycation. Glycation is the reaction between reducing sugar and proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, wherein reactive carbonyl groups of a reducing sugar react with free amino groups of proteins to form an unstable Schiff base. Additional rearrangement of the Schiff base results in the formation of more stable Amadori products, which are basically ketoamines or fructosamines. These reversible reaction products subsequently undergo irreversible oxidation, polymerization, dehydration, and cross-linking reactions to generate AGEs.

Progressive accumulation of these AGEs in the body is a hallmark of the aging process in humans, animals, and other organisms. Most commonly found AGEs in the skin include carboxymethyl-lysine, carboxyethyl-lysine, pentosidine, methylglyoxal and glyoxal, glucosepane and fructose-lysine. Receptors for AGEs are generally expressed in the epidermis and dermis, and it has been observed that the expression is higher in the sun-exposed areas of the skin as compared to sun-protected areas.

AGEs and Skin Aging

Accumulation of AGEs in the skin has been observed both in diabetes and during chronological aging. Proteins with slow turnover rate, such as collagen I and IV, as well as long-lived proteins, such as fibronectin, are primary targets of glycation reaction in the skin. Moreover, excessive deposition of AGEs in sun-exposed skin areas suggests that solar radiation, especially UV radiation, may play an important role in the formation of AGEs.

Apart from sunlight, other external factors that are responsible for increased formation and deposition of AGEs in the skin include smoking and diet. The amount of AGEs in the food mainly depends on the method of preparation. For example, fried foods contain higher amount of AGEs as compared to boiled foods. About 10-30% of ingested AGEs are absorbed in the body and may participate in skin aging.

Mechanistically, AGEs can react with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids and alter their normal physiological functioning. Upon binding to their receptors, AGEs can also trigger a cascade of signaling pathways, leading to reduced cell proliferation, increase cellular senescence and apoptosis, decreased extracellular matrix synthesis, increased formation of free radicals and pro-inflammatory mediators, etc. All these processes can potentially contribute to skin aging.

Strategies to Control AGEs

Since autofluorescence is an intrinsic property of AGEs, measurement of skin fluorescence is an effective method of detecting AGE deposition in the skin. Studies have found that skin fluorescence positively correlates with many age-related disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, renal disorder, macular degeneration, and overall mortality. Given the immense involvement of AGEs in age-related disorders, including skin aging, effective strategies/interventions are needed to prevent, or at least control, their accumulation in the body. In this regard, most efficient strategies include removal of already formed AGEs from the body by degrading glycated proteins; inhibiting the formation of AGEs; and antagonizing AGE-mediated signaling cascade.

Inhibition of AGE formation – aminoguanidine, a nucleophilic hydrazine, is known to prevent AGE formation by sequestering early glycation products, such as carbonyl intermediates. However, it has many adverse side-effects and has no effect on advanced glycation products. Another such compound is pyridoxamine, which has shown good results in phase II clinical trials involving patients with diabetic neuropathy. This compound is known to inhibit advanced glycation products.

Degradation of Glycated Proteins

Chemical compounds, such as ALT-711, N-phenacylthiazolium, and N-phenacyl-4, 5-dimethylthiazolium, have shown to break abnormal protein cross-linking induced by AGEs. Of these compounds, ALT-711 has shown promising result in increasing skin hydration in aged rats.

Antagonizing AGE-Mediated Signaling Cascade

Approaches that are utilized to inhibit AGE driven signaling pathways include siRNA-mediated knockdown or small molecule inhibitor-mediated blocking of AGE receptors.

Condition information addendum

Skin Elasticity: 13 Ways to Improve It

Loss of skin elasticity is a natural part of the aging process. You may have noticed it for the first time when you were putting on makeup or rubbed your eyes. You moved your eyelid slightly to the side, and your skin didn’t bounce back the way it used to.

Skin elasticity is skin’s ability to stretch and snap back to its original shape. Loss of skin elasticity is known as elastosis. Elastosis causes skin to look saggy, crinkled, or leathery.

Areas of the skin exposed to the sun can get solar elastosis. These parts of the body may look more weathered than those protected from sun exposure. Solar elastosis is also referred to as actinic elastosis.

Skin elasticity can be improved. In this article, we’ll cover the causes of elastosis and provide possible solutions.

Why does skin elasticity change?

Skin is the body’s largest organ. It’s also your shield against the elements. As people age, their skin naturally starts to show the effects of time.

In addition to losing collagen, skin also starts to lose elastin, a protein which provides skin with the ability to stretch and snap back. Elastin is found in the connective tissue of the skin’s dermis layer.

Environmental and lifestyle causes can worsen and accelerate elastosis. They include:

• • sun exposure
• • air pollution
• • poor nutrition
• • smoking

Rapid, extensive weight loss can also cause elastosis.

13 ways to improve or restore skin elasticity

There are ways to improve skin’s elasticity, along with its overall appearance. They include:

1. Collagen supplements

Collagen is a protein found in the skin’s connective tissues. There is some evidence that oral hydrolyzed collagen can be absorbed through the gut and delivered to the skin via the bloodstream.

In one small study, an oral supplement of collagen peptides, vitamin C, Hibiscus sabdariffa extract, and Aristotelia chilensis extract (Macqui berry) was given to study participants for 3 months. A significant improvement in skin elasticity and firmness in the participants was observed, starting at 4 weeks.

A separate study found that a nutritional drink containing collagen and other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, significantly increased skin’s elasticity.

These results are promising, however, it’s important to remember that in each study, other beneficial ingredients were also used. More data is needed about collagen supplements to determine their true ability to replenish skin’s elasticity.

2. Retinol and retinoids

Retinol is a form of vitamin A. It can be found in over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products, such as eye serums and facial creams. It’s not as potent as prescription retinoids. There is data  indicating that topical retinol combined with vitamin C is effective at replenishing skin elasticity.

Prescription retinoids boost collagen production in the skin. They include tretinoin and retin-A. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of prescription retinoids to reduce and reverse the effects of photoaging in the skin.

3. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found primarily in the skin’s connective tissue. Its job is to maintain moisture and keep skin lubricated.

Hyaluronic acid becomes depleted by ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure and by aging. Using serums or creams fortified with hyaluronic acid may help skin regain some of its natural elasticity. Taking supplements containing hyaluronic acid may also be beneficial.

4. Genistein isoflavones

Genistein, a type of soybean isoflavone, is a phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that act similarly to estrogen in the body.

Genistein has been shown in studies to improve elasticity in the skin when taken orally. It may also have benefits when applied topically. More study is needed to determine genistein’s applications for improving skin elasticity and overall skin care.

5. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Although the data is far from conclusive, research has found that varying types of HRT have benefits for skin elasticity loss caused by aging and menopause. They include:

• • transdermal estrogen
• • transdermal estrogen combined with vaginal progesterone
• • oral estrogen combined with vaginal progesterone

HRT can be a helpful treatment option but it isn’t for everyone.

6. Witch hazel extract

Witch hazel is a common household skin care product. It’s also a common ingredient in cosmetics and skin care preparations.

One in vivo stud found that witch hazel, specifically Hamamelis virginiana, extract was effective at correcting elastosis, reducing wrinkles, and increasing skin’s overall firmness.

7. Cocoa flavanols

If eating dark chocolate is your guilty pleasure, this potential skin elasticity fix is for you.

A study found that daily intake of cocoa flavanols, a compound in chocolate, improved skin elasticity, and reduced wrinkles. Cocoa flavanols are naturally occurring, dietary flavonoids found in the cacao bean.

Not all chocolate contains high levels of cocoa flavanols. Look for chocolate that contains around 320 milligrams of cocoa flavanols, which is the amount used in the study.

8. Laser treatments

Laser therapy treatments are used to treat many medical conditions.

One study looked at the effectiveness of combining two laser therapy techniques — non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) — performed on the same day to study participants.

These procedures have a positive effect on skin tone and the production of new collagen. The study found that the combination of these therapies provided a significant increase in skin elasticity and tone. Other studies have found positive results from the use of fractional lasers on skin.

9. Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm) cream

Dexpanthenol (pantothenic acid) is a medicated moisturizer used to treat rough, scaly, or dry skin. Studies have found it to be beneficial for preserving skin elasticity.

10. Chemical peels

Chemical peels are procedures done by a dermatologist to resurface and revitalize skin. There are three types: light, medium, and deep.

Chemical peels can reduce elastosis and the effects of photoaging, as well as increase collagen production. You and your dermatologist can determine which type of peel is best for you.

11. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a deep exfoliation technique used to remove the outer layers of skin. It’s done by a dermatologist and usually performed on the face.

12. Platelet-rich plasma injection

One small study found that injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) directly into the lower eyelid reduced actinic elastosis in that area. Several injections were required monthly over a 3-month period. The injections were reported to be minimally invasive and pain-free.

13. Body-contouring surgery

A significant increase in weight can cause skin to lose its elasticity. After weight loss, the skin may not be able to bounce back, resulting in excess, loose skin.

This is more likely to occur if the weight loss is around 100 pounds or more. In some instances, skin can be removed surgically. Typical areas of the body where skin is removed includes the stomach, arms, and thighs.

Tips for preventing loss of skin elasticity

Lifestyle changes are your best bet for limiting elastosis.

Limit sun exposure

Overexposure to UV rays reduces skin’s elasticity and causes premature aging of the skin. Sunscreen use has been shown to stop this process. Using sunscreen won’t improve elastosis, but it will stop further damage.

Add antioxidants to your diet

A diet high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and lycopene may help maintain skin’s elasticity and overall health.

It’s important to remember that even the healthiest diet won’t be enough to counteract sun-related photoaging. Taking antioxidant supplements or eating a diet high in antioxidants is a good start, but it won’t take the place of sun protection.

Quit smoking

People who smoke have less skin elasticity than those who don’t. Smoking narrows blood vessels, decreasing blood flow and limiting the ability of nutrients and oxygen to reach the skin.

The toxins in cigarettes have also been shown to damage elastin and collagen fibers. Smoking cessation helps reduce the ongoing damage of cigarette smoking to the skin, as well as to the rest of the body.

Source

Note 1: What is skin ageing?
Note 2: Skin Aging and Physiology
Note 3: Shedding Light on the Effects of Calorie Restriction and Its Mimetics on Skin Biology
Note 4: Mitochondria in Skin Health, Aging, and Disease
Note 5: Galactose-Induced Skin Aging: The Role of Oxidative Stress
Note 6: Mitochondrial Secrets of Youthfulness
Note 7: Alterations of the pigmentation system in the aging process
Note 8: Melanin and lipofuscin as hallmarks of skin aging
Note 9: Age-Related Changes in the Fibroblastic Differon of the Dermis: Role in Skin Aging
Note 10: Blood donation improves skin aging through the reduction of iron deposits and the increase of TGF-β1 in elderly skin
Note 11: Focus on the Contribution of Oxidative Stress in Skin Aging
Note 12: The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the pathophysiology of skin aging: a prospective clinical trial
Note 13: Skin-Aging Pigmentation: Who Is the Real Enemy?
Note 14: Inflammaging and Immunosenescence as Part of Skin Aging-A Narrative Review
Note 15: Skin Ageing: A Progressive, Multi-Factorial Condition Demanding an Integrated, Multilayer-Targeted Remedy
Note 16: Skin aging from mechanisms to interventions: focusing on dermal aging
Note 17: Resistance training rejuvenates aging skin by reducing circulating inflammatory factors and enhancing dermal extracellular matrices
Note 18: The Skin and Inflamm-Aging
Note 19: Aging in the dermis: Fibroblast senescence and its significance
Note 20: Improvement in Cutaneous Conditions Can Benefit Some Health Conditions in the Elderly
Note 21: Age-related changes in dermal collagen physical properties in human skin
Note 22: INDIVIDUAL ARTICLE: Sugar Sag: What Is Skin Glycation and How Do You Combat It?
Note 24: Skin Aging and the Upcoming Role of Ferroptosis in Geroscience
Note 26: Skin senescence-from basic research to clinical practice
Note 27: Combined Effect of Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity on Skin Aging Phenotypes in the Era of Climate Change: Results From an Indian Cohort Study
Note 28: Exploring mechanisms of skin aging: insights for clinical treatment
Note 29: Is skin thinning a natural consequence of aging or a result of sarcopenia?

Updated: 2025-04-17