- Wed Feb 08, 2012 3:47 am
#26264
Intrinsic aging versus Photo-aging:
We daily read in beauty magazines that sunlight damages the skin in the ways very similar to aging. Studies showed that long-term exposure of the skin to the sun causes wrinkles. Aging of the skin can be classified in two definite types, intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging. It is evaluated from researches that intrinsic aging is due to genetic factors and telomere shortening.
Telomeres, the terminal sequences on chromosomes, shorten with each successive cell cycle until the critical length is reached and cycle arrest or apoptosis occurs (Vaziri H, 1996).
It is evident from several research based studies that genetics has great impact on aging. In human, intrinsic aging is the combination of three factors; atrophy of the dermis attributed by the loss of collagen fibers in the skin, degenerative changes in the elastic fibers of skin and thirdly dehydration. Extrinsic aging is due to different environmental factors and sun exposure is the main factor.
Aging of the skin is a complex biological process which causes disruptive changes in the physical integrity of skin. Intrinsic aging of the skin is a natural process due to degenerative changes in the body and skin. Wrinkles appear due to the loss of reliance of the elastic layer of the skin due to aging. Wrinkles signify aging.
Photo-aging or the extrinsic aging is due to the excessive and unprotected exposure to the ultraviolet sunrays. Photo-aging is superimposed on the intrinsic aging and is the cause of wrinkles with other skin problems. UV-rays are the major hazard in skin care cancers. Extrinsic factors cause generation of free radicals which trigger degenerative changes in the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin. Aging of the skin is characterized by the sagging of the skin, fine lines and wrinkles and discoloration. Included with the environmental factors, genetics also influence the aging process.
Novel strategies are required to at least control the process of skin aging. Different pharmacological interventions, such as, retinoic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids are in the market for the treatment of skin aging. New pharmacological agents, such as elastase inhibitors and collagen boosters are also appears to be effective anf may prove effective in future for treatment of aging of the skin.
Reference:
Vaziri H, Benchimol S. From telomere loss to p53 induction and activation of a DNA-damage pathway at senescence : the telomere loss/DNA-damage model of cell aging. Exp Gerontol. 1996;31:295-301.
Bernstein EF, Uitto J. The effect of photodamage on dermal extracellular matrix. Clin Dermatol. 1996;14:143-151.
Escoffier C, de Rigal J, Rochefort A, Vasselet R, Leveque JL, Agache PG. Age-related mechanical properties of human skin: an in vivo study. J Invest Dermatol. 1989;93:353-357.
We daily read in beauty magazines that sunlight damages the skin in the ways very similar to aging. Studies showed that long-term exposure of the skin to the sun causes wrinkles. Aging of the skin can be classified in two definite types, intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging. It is evaluated from researches that intrinsic aging is due to genetic factors and telomere shortening.
Telomeres, the terminal sequences on chromosomes, shorten with each successive cell cycle until the critical length is reached and cycle arrest or apoptosis occurs (Vaziri H, 1996).
It is evident from several research based studies that genetics has great impact on aging. In human, intrinsic aging is the combination of three factors; atrophy of the dermis attributed by the loss of collagen fibers in the skin, degenerative changes in the elastic fibers of skin and thirdly dehydration. Extrinsic aging is due to different environmental factors and sun exposure is the main factor.
Aging of the skin is a complex biological process which causes disruptive changes in the physical integrity of skin. Intrinsic aging of the skin is a natural process due to degenerative changes in the body and skin. Wrinkles appear due to the loss of reliance of the elastic layer of the skin due to aging. Wrinkles signify aging.
Photo-aging or the extrinsic aging is due to the excessive and unprotected exposure to the ultraviolet sunrays. Photo-aging is superimposed on the intrinsic aging and is the cause of wrinkles with other skin problems. UV-rays are the major hazard in skin care cancers. Extrinsic factors cause generation of free radicals which trigger degenerative changes in the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin. Aging of the skin is characterized by the sagging of the skin, fine lines and wrinkles and discoloration. Included with the environmental factors, genetics also influence the aging process.
Novel strategies are required to at least control the process of skin aging. Different pharmacological interventions, such as, retinoic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids are in the market for the treatment of skin aging. New pharmacological agents, such as elastase inhibitors and collagen boosters are also appears to be effective anf may prove effective in future for treatment of aging of the skin.
Reference:
Vaziri H, Benchimol S. From telomere loss to p53 induction and activation of a DNA-damage pathway at senescence : the telomere loss/DNA-damage model of cell aging. Exp Gerontol. 1996;31:295-301.
Bernstein EF, Uitto J. The effect of photodamage on dermal extracellular matrix. Clin Dermatol. 1996;14:143-151.
Escoffier C, de Rigal J, Rochefort A, Vasselet R, Leveque JL, Agache PG. Age-related mechanical properties of human skin: an in vivo study. J Invest Dermatol. 1989;93:353-357.
