Cellular senescence is a natural process where cells lose the ability to divide and function normally. While it plays a crucial role in halting damaged cells from becoming cancerous, its accumulation can have negative effects—especially on skin health. Senescent cells, often referred to as “zombie cells,” linger in tissues and secrete inflammatory molecules that damage surrounding healthy cells, accelerating skin aging.
Why Senescence is Harmful to Skin
Over time, senescent cells build up in the skin, leading to a cascade of negative effects, such as collagen breakdown, reduced skin elasticity, and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. These cells can disrupt the natural regenerative cycle of the skin, making it harder for your complexion to repair itself, which accelerates visible aging.
Recent Discoveries in Cellular Senescence
Cellular senescence entails a permanent proliferative arrest, coupled to multiple phenotypic changes. Among these changes is the release of numerous biologically active molecules collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Senescent Associated β-Galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) has been identified as a reliable marker (in situ and in vitro) for senescent cells. Recent studies have also shown that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) participates in regulation of cellular senescence and that senescent cells accelerate aging by triggering inflammation (inflammaging), weakening the skin barrier and making it more susceptible to external damage. Unlike glycation (the cross-linking of proteins due to sugar exposure) or Reactive Oxygen Species (unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress), senescence is a separate aging process linked to cellular dysfunction.
Senolytic vs Senomorphic: What is the Difference?
As there is ample evidence placing senescent cells as one of the causes of age-related dysfunction, it has now been considered as one of the hallmarks of skin aging. An option to eliminate the negative effects of chronic senescent cells is to kill them specifically, using compounds called senolytics. Another strategy to inhibit the functions of senescent cells is through the specific inhibitors of SASP (senomorphics).
Stopping the Cascade of Senescence with Sytheon Actives
Sytheon has harnessed the power of nature and science to develop actives that combat cellular senescence.
Synastol® TC (Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract) has anti-senescence effect, works by reducing SA-β-Gal and activating AMPK protein kinase and found to be more than two-fold effective than Resveratrol. TC also lowers the levels of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) contained in extracellular vesicles, which are known to promote aging. These effects work together to slow down skin aging and improve overall cell health.
Synastol® TC (Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract) has anti-senescence effect, works by reducing SA-β-Gal and activating AMPK protein kinase and found to be more than two-fold effective than Resveratrol. TC also lowers the levels of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) contained in extracellular vesicles, which are known to promote aging. These effects work together to slow down skin aging and improve overall cell health.
Conclusion
Cellular senescence is a major contributor to skin aging, but understanding how it works opens the door to targeted solutions. With the right ingredients, like Sytheon’s actives, you can prevent and even reverse the negative effects of senescent cells, giving your skin the best chance to stay youthful and radiant.
By addressing cellular senescence directly, you are not just stopping aging in its tracks, you are empowering your skin to thrive.