SKINIPEDIA - Skin Encyclopedia Studies: Human Skin Texture

Fine Skin Lines, Wrinkles & Human Skin Texture - a study by P&G Beauty

Putting the Pieces Together: Genomics, Inflammation & Skin Aging

Utilizing the sophisticated tools of genomics, P&G Beauty researchers are learning more about inflammatory pathways and their effects on skin aging. One of these research endeavors was presented by Michael Robinson, PhD, at the 21st World Congress of Dermatology. The study compared the sun-exposed skin of the forearm and the sun-unexposed skin of the buttocks in both young and older clinical test subjects.

Gene chip technology allowed the researchers to identify exact processes and metabolic pathways that were different in young versus old skin. Additionally, it allowed scientists to identify pathways that were active in young skin but were inactive in old skin as well as pathways that were overly active in the older skin, such as inflammation.

Genes observed in the older clinical test subjects shared consistent themes, including:

• Immune and inflammatory response genes were up-regulated;

• Extra-cellular matrix genes were up-regulated, though photoaging was more commonly associated with collagen gene changes and chronological skin aging with keratin gene changes;

• Protease/peptidase activity was upregulated;

• Oxidoreductase activity and epidermal development process genes were down-regulated.

The overarching theme, of course, is that an inflammatory response was observed in older and photodamaged skin. By understanding how specifi cgenes are modulated by the aging process, scientists now have the means to tailor treatments to shut down those processes which age the skin considerably.

Th is study is just the beginning of the potential that is possible through gene chip technology. Through an analysis of these pathways at the gene expression level, these researchers are making discoveries that will ultimately lead to advances in cosmetic options for consumers. Spurred by the promising findings to date, P&G Beauty scientists are continuing to explore this new frontier across multiple research end points. For the growing ranks of patients who seek non-invasive solutions to common dermatological problems, gene chip technology provides an understanding of skin aging never before
possible, and, in doing so, offers extraordinary potential for improving topical anti-aging treatments.

Summary

Wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin texture are persistent and universal concerns of aging patients, particularly women. But new innovations in topical treatments are allowing these concerns to be addressed both through preventative care, specifically the inclusion of ingredients that protect against UV-related damage, and restorative skin creams that deliver anti-aging benefits. Ingredients that have been shown to unequivocally deliver wrinkle, fine line and texture benefits include niacinamide, peptides, retinyl propionate and N-acetyl glucosamine. Through refined applications of complex sciences and advanced technologies, P&G Beauty researchers are gaining a more complete picture of the underlying biological processes at work in aging skin. This methodological process has led to the ability to identify gene targets and tailor topical interventions accordingly. One dominant theme that has emerged is the age-related process of inflammation, and thought leaders predict future anti-aging research and treatments will further expand upon and apply this body of knowledge.

 

Human Skin Texture by Nykolai Alexander