Wrinkles and blemishes on the skin: the problem could be zombie cells

The accumulation of these cells is related to accelerated aging, with the appearance of wrinkles and spots

The American Academy of Dermatology Congress presented, in 2024, a topic that serves as a warning in skin care: zombie cells.

“As we age we undergo a process called senescence, in which cells lose the ability to divide, become damaged and accumulate. This cellular phenomenon also causes damage at the skin level, as it leads to the formation of a secretory phenotype associated with senescence, called SASP, which actively produces chemicals that promote inflammation and damage nearby cells. For this reason they have been the subject of numerous recent studies, which have classified them as senescent cells, or zombie cells”, explains pharmacist Patrícia França, scientific director of Biotec Dermocosmetics.

“The skin is very sensitive to the accumulation of this type of cells, due to inflammation caused by extrinsic factors, such as environmental factors, lifestyle, sleep and food deprivation, and intrinsic factors related to the natural wear and tear of the body together to its genetics, which damages skin tissue, promotes the development of certain pathologies and accelerates aging.”

In the skin, these cells are also linked to the chronic low-grade inflammatory process, known as inflammaging, which can promote the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes.

Strategies to inhibit the problem

Recently, strategies to manage the aging process by inhibiting the formation or even elimination of senescent cells have attracted increasing attention.

“Among the suggested plans for this management are inhibition of the mTOR pathway (mammalian target of rapamycin), an enzyme that regulates inflammatory signaling generated by SASP, and the use of sanolytic agents (eliminates senescent cells); and the use of senomorphic drugs (limiting the negative effects of senescent cells),” adds Patrícia.

He also explains that, since these changes occur at a molecular level, i.e. in the cells, it is necessary to be aware of the signals that our skin expresses, and already some simple gestures show us how the health of the skin is compromised and in a state of accelerated senescence, as mentioned in several lessons of the American conference: looking in the mirror, since the skin reflects our physical and mental health, a true envelope of sensations and chemical reactions that transmit healthiness and pathologies, is the body’s first line of defense and can say a lot about the our state of health; emotional control, stress balancing, healthy eating, with calorie restriction and use of supplements for the proper functioning of the immune system.

Other highlights of the congress

Simple actions and molecular strategies with effective nutraceuticals were the highlights of the congress.

“One molecular pathway that has been highlighted is the mTOR pathway, in particular mTORC1, a protein that controls certain responses in our metabolism when faced with daily stress conditions. Inhibiting this pathway with rapamycin, an immunosuppressant drug, was best,” says the pharmacist.

But is it possible to act without resorting to drugs? “Calorie restriction, according to scientists, is an effective strategy, but it may not be easy for many people and in this sense we have a way to inhibit the mTOR pathway through the AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase) enzyme using from Slim Green Coffee, a green coffee biomass rich in bioactives and fibers capable of increasing AMPK and inhibiting the mTOR pathway. In this combination, glycoxil, a metabolite of carnosine, could be used, since as we age we also have to think about eliminating “zombie cells””, underlines Patrícia.

In topical treatment, the pharmaceutical company recommends Scutaline, a biobotanical active ingredient extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, standardized in two polyphenols Wogonin and Baicalein which limit chronic inflammation and delay the appearance of senescent cells (zombie cells).

“The active ingredient protects the skin from the degradation of the extracellular matrix, mainly collagen, and from the consequent appearance of wrinkles and imperfections,” he concludes.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.