What Causes Skin Aging?
- Intrinsic aging: This is the bodyβs natural biological aging process, largely controlled by genetics. Over time, your skin gradually accumulates senescent cells, and natural processes like cellular repair begin to slow. This causes your body to produce less vital proteins like collagen and elastin and become less efficient at repairing cellular damage. These physical changes are responsible for the visible signs of aging, like wrinkles or hyperpigmentation.[2]
- Extrinsic aging: Caused by environmental factors, extrinsic aging expedites the aging your skin naturally experiences. UV exposure is a primary culprit behind extrinsic aging, accounting for up to 80% of the visible signs of skin aging. However, there are a wide variety of contributing factors.[3]
What Factors Influence Skin Aging?
- Biological Sex: Skin structure is similar for everyone, but sex hormones and how they change with age play a unique role in how skin ages. During menopause, shifts in a number of these hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, can affect skin thickness and cause collagen levels to plummet. In addition, men often have thicker skin, which can help retain firmness longer.[4]
- Skin Type: There is a huge range of skin types and tones that all age differently from one another. Whether it's the level of sebum your skin produces or melanin density, there is a strong correlation between skin type and extrinsic aging. For instance, people with darker, melanin-rich skin are less susceptible to skin damage, skin aging, and skin cancer because melanin dissipates UV radiation from the sun.[5,6]
- Diet: Skin health is closely linked to nutrition. By allowing your skin to maintain its barrier function, a diet high in protein, nutrients, and healthy fats helps it retain hydration. A diet rich in antioxidants can even directly prevent oxidative stress responsible for skin aging. On the other hand, a diet high in processed sugars has been linked to elevated levels of skin inflammation, a hallmark of skin aging.[7]
- Lifestyle and Health: Little choices add up. Studies have shown, for instance, that a single glass of red wine at dinner can benefit longevity due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, excessive alcohol consumption has been found to decrease skin barrier function, alter the lipid composition of the skin, and cause noticeable changes in facial skin integrity.[8,9] Similarly, smoking has been found to decrease epidermal thickness, alter skin pigmentation, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Smoking reduces your ability to synthesize the two most important types of skin collagen, types I and III, by around 20%.[10]
- Environment and Pollution: Your skin is the first line of defense against external contaminants. Studies have shown that ozone created by cars, refineries, and chemical plants activates a class of skin enzymes called metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down collagen and accelerate aging.[11]
What Causes Skin Aging?
- Intrinsic aging: This is the bodyβs natural biological aging process, largely controlled by genetics. Over time, your skin gradually accumulates senescent cells, and natural processes like cellular repair begin to slow. This causes your body to produce less vital proteins like collagen and elastin and become less efficient at repairing cellular damage. These physical changes are responsible for the visible signs of aging, like wrinkles or hyperpigmentation.[2]
- Extrinsic aging: Caused by environmental factors, extrinsic aging expedites the aging your skin naturally experiences. UV exposure is a primary culprit behind extrinsic aging, accounting for up to 80% of the visible signs of skin aging. However, there are a wide variety of contributing factors.[3]
What Factors Influence Skin Aging?
- Biological Sex: Skin structure is similar for everyone, but sex hormones and how they change with age play a unique role in how skin ages. During menopause, shifts in a number of these hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, can affect skin thickness and cause collagen levels to plummet. In addition, men often have thicker skin, which can help retain firmness longer.[4]
- Skin Type: There is a huge range of skin types and tones that all age differently from one another. Whether it's the level of sebum your skin produces or melanin density, there is a strong correlation between skin type and extrinsic aging. For instance, people with darker, melanin-rich skin are less susceptible to skin damage, skin aging, and skin cancer because melanin dissipates UV radiation from the sun.[5,6]
- Diet: Skin health is closely linked to nutrition. By allowing your skin to maintain its barrier function, a diet high in protein, nutrients, and healthy fats helps it retain hydration. A diet rich in antioxidants can even directly prevent oxidative stress responsible for skin aging. On the other hand, a diet high in processed sugars has been linked to elevated levels of skin inflammation, a hallmark of skin aging.[7]
- Lifestyle and Health: Little choices add up. Studies have shown, for instance, that a single glass of red wine at dinner can benefit longevity due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, excessive alcohol consumption has been found to decrease skin barrier function, alter the lipid composition of the skin, and cause noticeable changes in facial skin integrity.[8,9] Similarly, smoking has been found to decrease epidermal thickness, alter skin pigmentation, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Smoking reduces your ability to synthesize the two most important types of skin collagen, types I and III, by around 20%.[10]
- Environment and Pollution: Your skin is the first line of defense against external contaminants. Studies have shown that ozone created by cars, refineries, and chemical plants activates a class of skin enzymes called metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down collagen and accelerate aging.[11]
What Happens To Your Skin As You Age?
Skin Aging In Your 30s
What Happens To Your Skin As You Age?
Skin Aging In Your 30s
Skin Aging In Your 40s
Skin Aging In Your 40s
Skin Aging In Your 50s and Beyond
Skin Aging In Your 50s and Beyond
What Skin Longevity Options Are Available To You?
Invasive Treatments
- Laser therapy: Lasers emit high-energy waves that create controlled damage to treat everything from facial wrinkles to hyperpigmentation to acne scarring. Since some types of lasers can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker-skinned individuals, dermatologists specializing in this treatment can recommend the best and safest laser treatment for your concerns. Patients can expect redness and sensitivity for a few days to a month post-procedure.[16]
- Injections and Fillers: There are a wide variety of injections that enhance the visible appearance of your skin. One of the most common types, dermal fillers, uses hyaluronic acid to help visibly plump and restore lost volume to the skin for at least 6 months. Other microinjections containing hyaluronic acid, vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients, and growth factors have been shown to rejuvenate skin cells and enhance collagen and elastin production.[17,18]
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox, is now one of the most popular βanti-agingβ strategies. Administered via injection, botulinum toxin blocks the release of a neurotransmitter that controls muscle contractions. Botox helps prevent the formation of dynamic wrinkles by preventing specific muscles from contracting. While this can be an effective short-term strategy, Botox will not address the underlying causes of skin aging and can sometimes cause muscle atrophy with repeated use.[19]
- Microneedling: This procedure uses a device with fine needles that create tiny channels in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the skinβs repair process and trigger collagen and elastin production. When combined with topicals like growth factors, hyaluronic acid, or peptides, microneedling can significantly improve skin tone, texture, and resilience. Although immediate downtime is minimal, allowing for a rapid return to daily activities, the microchannels created can take several months to fully heal. This means that repeat treatments should be properly spaced out to avoid complications.[20]
What Skin Longevity Options Are Available To You?
Invasive Treatments
- Laser therapy: Lasers emit high-energy waves that create controlled damage to treat everything from facial wrinkles to hyperpigmentation to acne scarring. Since some types of lasers can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker-skinned individuals, dermatologists specializing in this treatment can recommend the best and safest laser treatment for your concerns. Patients can expect redness and sensitivity for a few days to a month post-procedure.[16]
- Injections and Fillers: There are a wide variety of injections that enhance the visible appearance of your skin. One of the most common types, dermal fillers, uses hyaluronic acid to help visibly plump and restore lost volume to the skin for at least 6 months. Other microinjections containing hyaluronic acid, vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients, and growth factors have been shown to rejuvenate skin cells and enhance collagen and elastin production.[17,18]
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox, is now one of the most popular βanti-agingβ strategies. Administered via injection, botulinum toxin blocks the release of a neurotransmitter that controls muscle contractions. Botox helps prevent the formation of dynamic wrinkles by preventing specific muscles from contracting. While this can be an effective short-term strategy, Botox will not address the underlying causes of skin aging and can sometimes cause muscle atrophy with repeated use.[19]
- Microneedling: This procedure uses a device with fine needles that create tiny channels in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the skinβs repair process and trigger collagen and elastin production. When combined with topicals like growth factors, hyaluronic acid, or peptides, microneedling can significantly improve skin tone, texture, and resilience. Although immediate downtime is minimal, allowing for a rapid return to daily activities, the microchannels created can take several months to fully heal. This means that repeat treatments should be properly spaced out to avoid complications.[20]
Non-Invasive Treatments
- Daily Habits: Never underestimate the power of daily routines. Your daily actions are some of the most powerful βanti-agingβ tools at your disposal! A healthy diet and cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser like PREP every night to remove environmental pollutants are essential steps for maintaining skin integrity and texture for the long term.
- Chemical Peels: Whether used at home or performed in an office, chemical peels encourage cell turnover by removing surface layers of the skin. Benefits include a thicker epidermis, increased collagen production, improved hydration, and reduced hyperpigmentation. Depending on the strength of the treatment, risks can include infection and irritation that can last for several months. Note that only gentle chemical peels should be used at home; medium and deep chemical peels should only be performed under the care of a trained professional.[21,22]
- UV Protection: Prevention is everything when it comes to keeping your skin young. The sun is the biggest culprit in aging skin, so sunscreen is a mustβeven on a cold or cloudy day. Don't just settle for any SPF, though. Look for one like OS-01 FACE SPF or OS-01 BODY SPF thatβs 30+ SPF and packed with actives like peptides and antioxidants to combat the effects of skin aging.
- βAnti-Agingβ Skin Care & Supplements: Topical skin care is one of the most popular tools for βanti-aging.β These products, which typically include ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, or retinoids, help repair and reverse signs of aging.
Non-Invasive Treatments
- Daily Habits: Never underestimate the power of daily routines. Your daily actions are some of the most powerful βanti-agingβ tools at your disposal! A healthy diet and cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser like PREP every night to remove environmental pollutants are essential steps for maintaining skin integrity and texture for the long term.
- Chemical Peels: Whether used at home or performed in an office, chemical peels encourage cell turnover by removing surface layers of the skin. Benefits include a thicker epidermis, increased collagen production, improved hydration, and reduced hyperpigmentation. Depending on the strength of the treatment, risks can include infection and irritation that can last for several months. Note that only gentle chemical peels should be used at home; medium and deep chemical peels should only be performed under the care of a trained professional.[21,22]
- UV Protection: Prevention is everything when it comes to keeping your skin young. The sun is the biggest culprit in aging skin, so sunscreen is a mustβeven on a cold or cloudy day. Don't just settle for any SPF, though. Look for one like OS-01 FACE SPF or OS-01 BODY SPF thatβs 30+ SPF and packed with actives like peptides and antioxidants to combat the effects of skin aging.
- βAnti-Agingβ Skin Care & Supplements: Topical skin care is one of the most popular tools for βanti-aging.β These products, which typically include ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, or retinoids, help repair and reverse signs of aging.
How To Choose Which Topical Ingredients To Use?
- Retinoids: Retinoids like retinol and tretinoin have long been considered the gold standard in skin longevity for their ability to boost collagen and smooth out wrinkles by speeding up cell turnover.[23] These results are possible because retinoids encourage rapid cellular division in deeper skin layers. However, they can also be intense on the skin as rapidly produced skin cells are often sub-functional and cause unhealthy peeling and inflammation. In fact, in a study performed by OneSkin scientists, retinol was shown to significantly increase a biomarker linked to aging. You can read more about the research behind retinol hereto learn more about retinol 101 reload.[24]
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide, a potent form of Vitamin B3, is widely celebrated for its multi-functional benefits in skincare. This powerhouse ingredient reinforces the skinβs natural barrier, which helps reduce moisture loss, soothe inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores, making it a favorite for sensitive or reactive skin. One of niacinamideβs most unique qualities is its role as a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a vital coenzyme that plays a significant role in enhancing cell survival and longevity by aiding cellular metabolism and DNA repair, which are crucial for maintaining youthful, resilient skin.[25,26]
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants are a must-have in any skin longevity regime that work by neutralizing damaging molecules responsible for skin aging, known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). UV radiation is the leading cause of ROS generation in skin cells, which has been linked to skin inflammation, alterations to skin pigmentation, and reduced synthesis of collagen in the dermal layer. You should incorporate antioxidants into your diet and skin care regimen.[27,28]
- Hyaluronic acid: That fresh, hydrated glow you have when youβre young? Itβs thanks to hyaluronic acid, which keeps skin plump by holding in hydration. The bodyβs natural stores of hyaluronic acid are mainly found in the extracellular matrix, a system of fibers that maintain skin structure. As you age and accumulate UV damage, hyaluronic acid begins to break down and disappear from your skin. Thankfully, daily topical application has been found to replace lost hyaluronic acid, decrease wrinkle depth, and restore up to a 50% increase in skin tautness.[29,30]
- Peptides: Peptides are like mini proteins that can have a range of impacts on your cells. Unlike many βanti-agingβ ingredients, peptides can absorb deep into the skin and some may address the root causes of skin aging. Peptides can act as signaling molecules to help your skin cells function optimally and even intervene in age-related processes like cellular senescence. One of these peptides is OS-01, the breakthrough ingredient behind our topical supplements.
How To Choose Which Topical Ingredients To Use?
- Retinoids: Retinoids like retinol and tretinoin have long been considered the gold standard in skin longevity for their ability to boost collagen and smooth out wrinkles by speeding up cell turnover.[23] These results are possible because retinoids encourage rapid cellular division in deeper skin layers. However, they can also be intense on the skin as rapidly produced skin cells are often sub-functional and cause unhealthy peeling and inflammation. In fact, in a study performed by OneSkin scientists, retinol was shown to significantly increase a biomarker linked to aging. You can read more about the research behind retinol hereto learn more about retinol 101 reload.[24]
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide, a potent form of Vitamin B3, is widely celebrated for its multi-functional benefits in skincare. This powerhouse ingredient reinforces the skinβs natural barrier, which helps reduce moisture loss, soothe inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores, making it a favorite for sensitive or reactive skin. One of niacinamideβs most unique qualities is its role as a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a vital coenzyme that plays a significant role in enhancing cell survival and longevity by aiding cellular metabolism and DNA repair, which are crucial for maintaining youthful, resilient skin.[25,26]
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants are a must-have in any skin longevity regime that work by neutralizing damaging molecules responsible for skin aging, known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). UV radiation is the leading cause of ROS generation in skin cells, which has been linked to skin inflammation, alterations to skin pigmentation, and reduced synthesis of collagen in the dermal layer. You should incorporate antioxidants into your diet and skin care regimen.[27,28]
- Hyaluronic acid: That fresh, hydrated glow you have when youβre young? Itβs thanks to hyaluronic acid, which keeps skin plump by holding in hydration. The bodyβs natural stores of hyaluronic acid are mainly found in the extracellular matrix, a system of fibers that maintain skin structure. As you age and accumulate UV damage, hyaluronic acid begins to break down and disappear from your skin. Thankfully, daily topical application has been found to replace lost hyaluronic acid, decrease wrinkle depth, and restore up to a 50% increase in skin tautness.[29,30]
- Peptides: Peptides are like mini proteins that can have a range of impacts on your cells. Unlike many βanti-agingβ ingredients, peptides can absorb deep into the skin and some may address the root causes of skin aging. Peptides can act as signaling molecules to help your skin cells function optimally and even intervene in age-related processes like cellular senescence. One of these peptides is OS-01, the breakthrough ingredient behind our topical supplements.
How Is OS-01 Different From Other Skin Longevity Treatments?
How Is OS-01 Different From Other Skin Longevity Treatments?
- Aging is a natural process that signifies growth and experience, deserving respect rather than disdain.
- Understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of skin aging enables the development of effective interventions and treatments.
- While invasive skin care procedures can be effective, non-invasive treatments and consistent daily skincare routines are among the most powerful tools for promoting skin longevity.
- Protecting your skin from environmental damage like UV radiation and pollution can prevent primary sources of visible skin aging.
- Peptides, like OS-01, represent a new dawn in skincare by rejuvenating and repairing existing skin aging and helping to prevent future skin aging to put you in control of the longevity of your skin.
- Aging is a natural process that signifies growth and experience, deserving respect rather than disdain.
- Understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of skin aging enables the development of effective interventions and treatments.
- While invasive skin care procedures can be effective, non-invasive treatments and consistent daily skincare routines are among the most powerful tools for promoting skin longevity.
- Protecting your skin from environmental damage like UV radiation and pollution can prevent primary sources of visible skin aging.
- Peptides, like OS-01, represent a new dawn in skincare by rejuvenating and repairing existing skin aging and helping to prevent future skin aging to put you in control of the longevity of your skin.
- https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/anti-aging-cosmetics-market-102768
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18377617/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4344124/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6116811/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2671032/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15492432/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7146365/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3181/00379727-166-41110
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6668865/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11966688/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3583881/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6827031/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/exd.14818
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7859014/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/3900798
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559150/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10413051/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24810127/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2856357/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4976400/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921757/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547752/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2699641/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-023-00109-1
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24993939/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18165311/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5514576/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8776015/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3583886/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3970829/
- Zonari, A., et al. Senotherapeutic peptide treatment reduces biological age and senescence burden in human skin models. Npj Aging, 9(1), 1-15. 2023.
- Zonari A., et al. Double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical investigation of peptide OS-01 for skin rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024.
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/anti-aging-cosmetics-market-102768
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18377617/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4344124/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6116811/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2671032/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15492432/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7146365/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3181/00379727-166-41110
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6668865/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11966688/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3583881/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6827031/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/exd.14818
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7859014/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/3900798
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559150/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10413051/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24810127/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2856357/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4976400/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2921757/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547752/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2699641/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-023-00109-1
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24993939/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18165311/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5514576/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8776015/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3583886/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3970829/
- Zonari, A., et al. Senotherapeutic peptide treatment reduces biological age and senescence burden in human skin models. Npj Aging, 9(1), 1-15. 2023.
- Zonari A., et al. Double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical investigation of peptide OS-01 for skin rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024.
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims