What Causes Wrinkles and Skin Laxity?

One of the 12 hallmarks of aging is cellular senescence. 

There are approximately 37.2 trillion cells in the human body, and every one of those cells suffers tens of thousands of DNA damage events each day.  In skin cells, damage is induced a variety of things: sun damage (UV radiation), chronic inflammation, lifestyle sources (tobacco and alcohol), pollution, oxidative stress from normal metabolic processes, and errors in cellular processes to name a few.  Luckily, our cells are able to repair themselves day after day.  But as we get older, the damage accumulates until a cell is irreparable.  And by older, I mean around the age of 40!

When a cell is too damaged to be repaired, the body puts it into a state of senescence rather than removing it.  This is because removing a cell requires a significant amount of energy, and as we get older, the body’s energy reserves become more strained due to the mounting inflammation and damage it is dealing with.  Around the age of 40, the body finds it easier and more efficient to put damaged cells to sleep.  However, these senescent cells don't simply remain inactive as you would think.  While they are still metabolically active, they release inflammation that spreads to nearby cells.  You can think of senescent cells as the first rotten piece of fruit in a container; eventually, the mold and rot spread to all the surrounding pieces of fruit.  Similarly, the inflammation from a senescent cell spreads to neighboring cells, causing those cells to become more damaged than usual and potentially leading those cells to also become senescent.  This cycle of spreading inflammation and senescence contributes to the aging process and the decline in tissue function.

Fibroblasts are the cells located just beneath the surface of the skin that produce collagen and elastin.  These two proteins are crucial for maintaining the skin's firmness and resilience, giving it a tight, youthful, and hydrated appearance.  Collagen provides structural support, while elastin allows the skin to return to its original shape after stretching or contracting.  When fibroblasts become senescent (up to 30% of them may do so with age!), their production of collagen and elastin decreases significantly. This reduction in collagen and elastin leads to the development of fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity (saggy skin), contributing to the visible signs of aging.  In addition to reduced collagen and elastin production, chronic inflammation around senescent fibroblasts leads to the release of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These MMPs come to the area to clean up damaged cells and tissue. However, in the process, MMPs also destroy collagen and elastin in the area, further compounding the problem and making fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity worse!

So what can be done to slow this process of aging?

1. First and foremost, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure by using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily can prevent UV-induced damage.
2. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, adequate hydration, and limiting alcohol intake while avoiding tobacco products supports overall skin and body health.
3. Topical treatments with ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants can stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation.
4. Additionally, professional treatments such as microneedling, laser procedures, light therapy, and specialized chemical peels can help rejuvenate the skin by mitigating the impact of cellular senescence and promoting the production of new collagen and elastin.

Consult with skincare professionals and longevity medicine experts at Live Without Lines to develop a personalized treatment plan today.  We can address your specific needs and effectively combat aging. 

Joseph Beavers, M.D.

Cara Beavers, L.E.

info@LWLmedspa.com

904-206-7626