Skin ageing

# How does the ageing process work? Ageing is a biological process that is pre-programmed by our genes. We can determine to a certain extent whether this process runs faster or slower. The ageing process begins in our cells. Every cell contains telomeres, small sections at the ends of the chromosomes. With every cell division that our body cells undergo, the telomeres become a little shorter. After a certain number of cell divisions, the telomeres are so shortened that no further cell division is possible. The cell becomes inactive and switches to sleep mode. This process plays an important role in the ageing process, as our body cells divide less and less over time and are less able to regenerate. The genetic components are one aspect, our lifestyle, our behavior and our diet are the other. The ageing process as a whole and skin ageing in particular can be influenced by various measures. These include: - UV exposure - smoking - exercise - skin care - Nutrition and an adequate supply of vital substances > ## Good to know > > To protect your skin, we recommend a diet rich in vital substances, sufficient exercise, a healthy lifestyle and avoiding oxidative stress. You can do this, for example, by protecting your skin from strong UV radiation and cigarette smoke. A diet rich in antioxidants (such as fruit, vegetables, etc.) can help to minimize oxidative stress and ward off free radicals. ## Oxidative stress and the ageing process There is a healthy balance in the body between so-called free radicals (highly reactive molecules) and our protective mechanisms. Our cells are confronted with free radicals every day and our antioxidant protective shield is equally challenged on a daily basis. If our defense mechanisms are inferior to the free radicals, cell damage can occur. Depending on the duration, we speak of acute or chronic oxidative stress, which manifests itself, among other things, in more rapid skin ageing. This manifests itself, for example, in: - Pigmentation disorders - wrinkling - dryness - Loss of elasticity and other skin changes # What does genetics have to do with it? We are investigating five genes that have an influence on your skin ageing: The IRF4 gene (interferon regulatory factor 4 gene) is known for its role in the immune system and regulates, among other things, the body's response to oxidative stress. - Variant rs12203592 of the IRF4 gene: The genotypes T/T and C/T show an increased ageing process of the skin under the influence of light (UV radiation). The MC1R gene (melanocortin-1 receptor gene) carries the blueprint for a receptor in the cells that plays an important role in the pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes. Mutations in the MC1R gene can lead to different hair and skin colors, such as red hair, light skin and freckles. The gene also controls the skin's reaction to UV radiation. - Variant rs1805005 of the MC1R gene: The genotypes T/T and G/T show increased sensitivity to light (UV radiation) and consequently increased skin and facial ageing. - Variant rs1805009 of the MC1R gene: Genotypes C/C and C/G show increased sensitivity to light (UV radiation) and consequently increased skin and facial ageing. The STXBP5L gene (Syntaxin Binding Protein 5L gene) carries the blueprint in the cells for a protein that is found in various tissues and organs, including the brain. New studies indicate a direct link between the gene and skin ageing. - Variant rs470647 of the STXBP5L gene: Genotype C/C shows a reduced sensitivity of the skin to light (UV radiation) and consequently reduced wrinkling and skin ageing. - Variant rs470647 of the STXBP5L gene: The genotypes C/T and T/T show an inconspicuous photosensitivity (UV radiation) of the skin and subsequently a normal and non-significant wrinkling and skin ageing. The MMP1 gene (matrix metalloproteinase 1 gene) carries the blueprint for the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 1 in the cells. The enzyme plays an important role in the breakdown of collagen. Collagen is the most important structural protein in tissue and its degradation is associated with a corresponding loss of volume. In the course of the ageing process, the enzyme activity of MMP1 in the skin increases, more collagen is broken down and at the same time too little is formed. This leads to a loss of skin structure, the formation of wrinkles and a visible loss of elasticity. - Variant rs1799750 of the MMP1 gene: Genotypes C/C and C/- show increased wrinkle formation. - Variant rs1799750 of the MMP1 gene: The genotype -/- shows reduced wrinkle formation. The H2AFY2 gene (H2A Histone Family Member Y2 gene) carries the blueprint for a protein in the cells that is responsible for the structure and organization of the DNA in the chromosomes. Recent studies have shown an exciting link between a variation in the H2AFY2 gene and drooping eyelids. - Variant rs16927253 of the H2AFY2 gene: Genotypes C/C and C/T show good protection against drooping eyelids. Subjects with these genotypes are less often confronted with drooping or drooping eyelids in old age.