Epigenetic Clocks In Skin Aging: From Exposome Drivers To Biomarkers And Therapeutic Interventions
Our skin, the body’s largest organ, visibly shows the passage of time, but this process is more than just wear and tear. It’s a complex interplay between our genetic blueprint and the world around us, a concept known as the “exposome.” Recent scientific advancements have shed light on how these external factors, such as sun exposure, pollution, smoking, diet, and stress, influence skin aging at a fundamental level through something called epigenetics. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene activity that don’t alter the underlying DNA sequence itself, but rather act like switches, turning genes on or off. For instance, these changes can silence genes responsible for skin regeneration while activating those that promote inflammation and aging. Scientists have developed “epigenetic clocks,” which are sophisticated tools that measure these epigenetic modifications, particularly changes in DNA methylation (a chemical tag on DNA), to accurately determine the biological age of our skin. These clocks are proving to be powerful biomarkers, offering a way to detect premature aging early and to tailor interventions specifically to an individual’s skin. The exciting news is that skin aging is increasingly viewed not as an inevitable decline, but as a modifiable process. This understanding is paving the way for new therapeutic strategies, including specialized topical creams, energy-based treatments like lasers, and even systemic approaches, all designed to target these epigenetic changes and potentially reverse or delay the visible signs of aging.
Source: link to paper