Key takeaways:
~ Skin aging encompasses both genetics and environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, air pollution, and poor nutrition.
~Oxidative stress increases matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which degrade collagen, a key structural protein, leading to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and other signs of aging.
~ Genetic variants, like those in the MC1R and IRF4 genes, influence susceptibility to photoaging and skin damage, especially in lighter skin tones, but inflammation and oxidative stress can exacerbate the effects.
~ Natural strategies to combat skin aging include antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C, astaxanthin), MMP inhibitors (e.g., green tea, retinoic acid), and collagen supplementation.
What causes skin aging?
Both genetics and environmental factors influence how your skin looks as you age. Some people age beautifully with great-looking skin; others slather on creams in a futile battle to chase away wrinkles and age spots.
Before you go get a Kenny Rogers-style facelift, read on to discover how your genes and the environment interact to cause aging in the skin.
Environmental factors that influence skin aging include:[ref]
- Sun exposure (UV, visible light, and infrared)
- Cigarette smoking
- Air pollution
- Nutrition
- Cosmetic products
Wrinkles, loss of elasticity, age spots, and loss of tone all contribute to your skin looking older. But what causes all of these signs of age?
Many of the aging skin issues we encounter result from oxidative stress in the skin. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between ROS (reactive oxygen species) and the ability of the cell to counter this with antioxidants.
- ROS is a byproduct of cellular metabolism (e.g., mitochondria producing energy for the cell) and is increased by UV radiation.[ref]
- ROS is also produced during the detoxification of many different toxicants (pesticides, phthalates, BPA, heavy metals, etc.).[ref]
Increased oxidative stress causes an increase in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The MMP proteins degrade collagen, which decreases the elasticity of the skin. Additionally, too much sun exposure results in the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which combines with a slower rate of collagen synthesis.[ref]
Why is collagen so important? Collagen is a protein that forms connective tissue and the extracellular matrix. It is like a structural net or scaffolding that keeps the skin smooth.
There are multiple types of collagen in the body. Type I collagen is the most abundant in the skin, and there is a little type III collagen as well.
Sun exposure (ultraviolet radiation) causes an increase in the expression of MMP1, which causes an increased breakdown of collagen.[ref]
Skin Aging Genotype Report:
Lifehacks:
What can you do to fight the genetics of wrinkles? Read on for a few solutions — or just embrace getting older and be grateful for your years on earth :-)
IRF4 variants –> inflammation-driven skin aging?
Research shows that IRF4, which is important in the immune response in the skin, is also impacted by TNF-alpha, an inflammatory cytokine.[ref]
Decreasing inflammation through targeting TNF-alpha with supplements may help.
Rosmarinic acid:
Found in rosemary, basil, holy basil, lemon balm, and perilla oil, rosmarinic acid is a natural TNF-alpha inhibitor.[ref] Consider using rosemary essential oil, but be sure to dilute it in a carrier oil so that it isn’t irritating. Holy basil can be found in a tea (called Tulsi tea) or as a supplement.
Curcumin is another natural TNF-alpha inhibitor.[ref] Turmeric is a good source of curcumin in the diet, but it is hard to get enough this way to make a difference. Curcumin supplements are also available and may be easier to take daily.
Related article: Curcumin, studies, genetic interactions
Natural MMP1 inhibitors:
Related Articles and Topics:
References:
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