TLDR Skin aging is caused by stem cell damage and can potentially be delayed with treatments like antioxidants and stem cell therapy.
The 2015 review discussed the impact of adult skin-resident stem/progenitor cells (SKPs) on skin aging, noting that their dysfunction or loss leads to a decline in skin thickness, wrinkles, and other aging signs. It explained that skin aging involves telomere shortening, DNA repair defects, oxidative stress, and genetic/epigenetic changes that damage these stem cells, resulting in skin homeostatic imbalance and aging. The review also covered potential therapies, such as antioxidants, hormone replacement therapy, and stem cell-based treatments, which may delay or prevent skin aging. It stratified skin aging into three phases related to stem cell damage, decline in regenerative abilities, and stem cell exhaustion or dysfunction, which contribute to age-related skin changes. The importance of understanding adult stem cells for regenerative medicine was emphasized, along with the characteristics and functions of various stem/progenitor cell subpopulations in skin health and regeneration.
99 citations,
January 2014 in “Nature communications” Scientists created stem cells that can grow hair and skin.
64 citations,
January 2013 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Human stem cells can help form hair follicles in mice.
179 citations,
April 2012 in “Nature Communications” Regenerated fully functional hair follicles using stem cells, with potential for hair regrowth therapy.
160 citations,
April 2012 in “Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine” Telocytes might help with skin repair and regeneration.
57 citations,
April 2009 in “Differentiation” SDF-1/CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 are crucial for melanocyte movement in mouse hair follicles.
70 citations,
May 2008 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Notch/RBP-J signaling is crucial for proper placement and timing of melanocyte development in hair follicles.
130 citations,
June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Estrogen Receptor ß (ERß) is the main hormone controller in human skin and hair follicles, not Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) or the Androgen Receptor (AR).
180 citations,
January 2003 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Menopause can lead to skin and hair problems due to hormonal changes, but hormone replacement therapy might help slow these effects.
138 citations,
May 2000 in “Maturitas” Estrogen replacement can improve skin health in menopausal women but doesn't reverse sun damage or prevent hair loss.
36 citations,
September 2009 in “Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine” New treatments targeting skin stem cells show promise for skin repair, anti-aging, and cancer therapy.
143 citations,
September 2008 in “Experimental gerontology” Skin aging is due to impaired stem cell mobilization or fewer responsive stem cells.
1 citations,
March 2022 in “IntechOpen eBooks” Aging reduces skin stem cell function, leading to changes like hair loss and slower wound healing.
1 citations,
April 2016 in “CRC Press eBooks” Skin aging reflects overall body aging and can indicate internal health conditions.
165 citations,
June 2007 in “European Journal of Cell Biology” Hair follicle stem cells are key for hair and skin regeneration, can be reprogrammed, and have potential therapeutic uses, but also carry a risk of cancer.
