Can skin aging be prevented or even reversed?

The skin is the largest organ of the body, the barrier between the internal and external environment, whose role is to protect the body from foreign, microbial invasion, regulate temperature and prevent water loss. The skin is also a visual representation of life experiences and health. Environmental and internal factors, and the natural progression of age, can have an effect on skin with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity and dry, dull and skin which is rough or coarse to the touch.

Can we reduce these visual signs or even reverse them?

Aging is a consequence of living. In fact, as soon as we are born, we begin to age. It is unavoidable. However, there are some practical lifestyle and dietary changes, and topical products and supplements, which can have a benefit on the health of the skin and reduce the signs of aging. These include such things as limiting sun exposure, hydrating with plenty of water, eating a nutritious diet and supplementing with some clinically proven products such as nicotinamide, NAD+, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10. Benefiting skin health and preventing premature aging.

Skin aging

The process of skin aging is seen as changes to skin cells and functional and structural changes to components of the extracellular matrix (collagen, elastin and proteoglycans).

• Collagen – provides strength to the skin
• Elastin – gives skin its elasticity
• Proteoglycans provide hydration

Intrinsic aging

Intrinsic aging is the result of ….aging. Skin becomes dry, fine lines appear (wrinkles) and the deeper layer, the dermal layer, atrophies (waste away).

Extrinsic aging

Extrinsic aging is aging which occurs due to the influence of environmental factors. These can include: long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), air pollution, smoking and  insufficient nutrition. The results are seen in skin which is coarse in texture, dull in appearance, lacks elasticity and is marked with deep wrinkles.

Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress, from UV exposure and oxidative metabolism, result in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS has the potential to damage skin. DNA damage, inflammation, reduced antioxidant capabilities and inhibiting collagen production are some of the responses to oxidative stress which eventually causes skin damage and results in skin aging.

Antioxidants are what the body uses to repair, reduce and prevent damage caused by ROS.

Maintaining skin health and delaying aging

The skin is the barrier to external aggressors. Providing support for optimal functioning both externally and internally can help skin barrier function and help prevent the signs of aging.

Sun exposure

Long-term UVR damage (called photo-aging), is considered the major factor causing changes to skin. It increases risk of damage to DNA, mutations, carcinogenesis and premature aging. Cover skin with sunblock and clothing - such as long-sleeved shirts, broad-rimmed hat, long pants and sunglasses in times of unavoidable long-time exposure. 

Sunscreens. There is strong evidence the use of topical sunscreens offer protection against ultraviolet radiation (UVR).

Nicotinamide and NAD+

Nicotinamide is a form of Vitamin B3. It is used in the synthesis of NAD+. NAD+ contributes to cellular energy and balance, prevents oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Nicotinamide can be used to control skin aging and pigmentation. Both nicotinamide and NAD+ can be supplemented and nicotinamide is available as a topical product.

Hyaluronic acid is a key substance (a humectant) in helping the skin to retain moisture. Whilst drinking plenty of water help keeps the internal environment hydrated, applying a serum or product containing hyaluronic acid topically can directly support skin barrier function, help with skin dryness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Coenzyme Q 10 can be found in lipids on the surface of the skin, and cells of the epidermis and dermis. Coenzyme Q10 acts as a cofactor supporting cellular respiration, and in its reduced form, ubiquinol, offers antioxidant activity against free-radical damage. Coenzyme Q10 levels have been found to decline with age and UV exposure and this decline could be considered a cause of aging skin. Topical application of ubiquinol is considered to be advantageous over ubiquinone.

Vitamin C. High concentrations of Vitamin C are found in the skin where it is needed to support skin functions, stimulate the production of collagen and protect the skin from oxidative damage. Vitamin C can be applied topically to boost vitamin C levels. Topical application delivers Vitamin C to the epidermal layers; however, it is dependent on a pH level below 4 and be in the form of ascorbic acid.

Polyphenols offer antioxidant properties.These are found in plants such as fruit, vegetables and tea. Tea polyphenols, curcumin, flavonoids, silymarin (St Mary’s thistle), and grape resveratrol are helpful supplements to consider.

Fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids) are needed to support skin barrier function and play a role in the reduction of inflammation. Lipids support the structure of skin, offer damage repair and support the balance of the internal environment.

Zinc supports skin metabolism.

Selenium is essential for the development of skin cells and antioxidant activity.

Vitamin D can inhibit skin DNA damage, sun damage and inflammation.

Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis and reducing oxidative damage.

Vitamin E prevents the oxidation of skin lipids.

Vitamin B averts skin aging by preventing pigmentation and inflammation.

Protein builds and repairs

Skin tissue is continuously being renewed – taking approximately 28 days from new cell formation in the deeper layers - to cell death on the surface of the skin. Without enough protein, this process can be hampered. Supplementing with protein can enhance the synthesis of cellular protein and improve skin.

Collagen is a protein and the main component of the extracellular matrix. Collagen peptides have a smaller molecular weight making them easier to absorb.

Collagen is available as a supplement and found in skin products.

Nutrition

Food provides nutrition for body growth and maintenance. The right nutrition can help support skin health and delay skin aging. Fruit and vegetable provide vitamins and minerals, protein can be provided from fish, meat, poultry and legumes and essential fatty acids from nuts, seeds, wholegrains and fish. Eating a combination of foods for their individual nutritional benefits.

Water. Lack of water in the body can result in tissue dehydration and cause functional disorders. Water is vital for internal balance and tissue function - operating as a transporter, a solvent, a nutrient, regulator of body temperature and maintenance of body volume. Dry lips and skin can be a sign of dehydration. The more you can drink the better for skin. Aim for 2 litres/day where possible. 

What to avoid

• Tobacco can result in wrinkles, skin thickening and pigmentation.
• Alcohol damages skin barrier function and composition.
• Sugar is associated with thickening skin, damage and inflammation.

References

1. Fighting against Skin Aging https://www.istockphoto.com/au/sign-in?returnurl=%2Fau%2F
2. Proteoglycan - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
3. Defining ROS in Biology and Medicine Defining ROS in Biology and Medicine - PMC (nih.gov)
4. Prevention of DNA damage in human skin by topical sunscreens https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28165636/
5. Diet and Skin Aging—From the Perspective of Food Nutrition https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146365/
6. Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-021-00566-0
7. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-hype-on-hyaluronic-acid-2020012318653
8. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23467280/
9. Effects of a Combination of Water-Soluble CoenzymeQ10 and Collagen on Skin Parameters and Condition: Results of a Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32120787/
10. Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Health and Disease: An Update on the Last 10 Years (2010–2020) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8389239/
11. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
12. Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/