Factors influencing skin ageing in a Mediterranean population from Turkey

Beverage consumption and facial skin aging: Evidence from Mendelian randomization analysis

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have linked coffee, alcohol, tea, and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption to facial skin aging. However, confounding factors may influence these studies. The present two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) investigated the potential causal association between beverage consumption and facial skin aging.

METHODS

The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with coffee, alcohol, and tea intake were derived from the IEU project. The SSB-associated SNPs were selected from a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Data on facial skin aging were derived from the largest GWAS involving 16 677 European individuals. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) was the main MR analysis method, supplemented by other methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode). The MR-Egger intercept analysis was used for sensitivity analysis. Moreover, we conducted a replication analysis using data from another GWAS dataset on coffee consumption to validate our findings.

RESULTS

Four instrumental variables (IVs) sets were used to examine the causal association between beverage consumption (coffee, alcohol, tea, SSB) and facial skin aging. Our results revealed that genetically predicted higher coffee consumption reduced the risk of facial skin aging (OR: 0.852; 95% CI: 0.753-0.964; p = 0.011, IVW method). The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings, with no evidence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity. The results of replicated MR analysis on coffee consumption were consistent with the initial analysis (OR = 0.997; 95% CI = 0.996-0.999; p = 0.003, IVW method).

CONCLUSIONS

This study manifests that higher coffee consumption is significantly associated with a reduced risk of facial skin aging. These findings can offer novel strategies for identifying the underlying etiology of facial skin aging.

A cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted in Argentina to evaluate the impact of the exposome on skin aging

BACKGROUND

Skin aging is a gradual cumulative process that may be accelerated by various exposome factors.

AIMS

To investigate associations between exposome factors and facial skin aging in 11 locations in Argentina.

PATIENTS/METHODS

An observational, cross-sectional study with assessments by exposome questionnaire, Glogau photoaging classification from I to IV, AI-based algorithm analysis of 7 skin aging signs, and SCINEXA score.

RESULTS

Of 1346 participants, most were women (82%), aged 31-50 years (62%), of skin phototype III (52%), and living in urban areas (94%). The Glogau skin age was higher than the chronological age for 28% of overall participants, 36% of men, and 45% of participants from Ciudad de Buenos Aires versus 12% from Jujuy (p < 0.001). Being male (OR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.18-2.13), exposed to agrochemicals (OR = 1.59: 95% CI 1.01-2.51), of lower socioeconomic levels (OR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.32-3.21) and doing outdoor physical activity (OR = 1.33; 95% CI 1.00-1.76) increased the risk for premature aging. Odds decreased with high daily intake of water (OR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.59-0.97), daily dermocosmetic use (moisturizers [OR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.94], cleansers [OR = 0.53; CI 95% 0.42-0.67], retinoids [OR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.39-0.95]), and antiaging treatments (OR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.57-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Some exposome factors increased the risk for premature skin aging (physical outdoor activity, exposure to agrochemicals), while others were protective factors (high water intake, antiaging treatments, use of dermocosmetics). Locations with higher pollution levels had more premature skin aging.

Skin Aging Exposome in Skin of Color Populations: Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

As life expectancy increases, the comorbidities related to aging require greater attention. Skin aging exposomes were only recently defined and need additional delineation, particularly in Skin of Color (SOC) populations.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective is to shed the light and summarize the existing literature on skin aging exposome in SOC populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed an extensive search in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. We included peer-reviewed studies in SOC populations around the world regarding one or more of the skin aging exposome factors, and we grouped and organized the studies under each factor of the skin aging exposome.

RESULTS

Some environmental exposome factors are preventable or modifiable, for example, by applying broad-spectrum sunscreens with visible light protection, improving nutrition, and smoking cessation. Other factors such as air pollution will require more complex solutions. Our search revealed a paucity of references on skin aging exposome factors in SOC populations.

CONCLUSION

We identified the need for more dedicated studies in SOC populations to advance knowledge on skin aging exposome factors. This knowledge will provide a better understanding of approaches to minimize extrinsic skin aging in these populations.

Skin aging risk factors: A nationwide population study in Mongolia risk factors of skin aging

The world population is aging and no country is immune to the consequences. We are not aware of any country-specific skin aging risk factors data for the Mongolian people. Thus, we aimed to study the risk factors associated with skin aging in the Mongolian population. A population-based cross-sectional study of 2720 study participants 18 years of age and older was performed evaluating the severity of skin aging based on cutaneous microtopography. Questionnaire data and skin physiological measurements were obtained. The odds ratios for skin aging grades associated with risk factors were estimated using ordinal logistic regression. Study participant's mean age was 45 years, ranging from 18 to 87. After adjustment for known risk factors, skin aging was associated with demographic risk factors such as increasing age (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.18-1.20), living in an urban area (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.12-1.55) and lifestyle factors including being a smoker (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.09-1.61), having a higher body mass index (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06) and higher levels of sun exposure time (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.06) were significantly associated with higher skin aging grades. Having dry (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.45-2.59) and combination skin (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.22-2.16) types were also independent risk factors associated with skin aging. Having very low skin surface moisture at the T-zone (aOR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.42-3.11) was significantly related to skin aging. Older age, urban living and toxic working conditions were independent demographic risk factors related to skin aging. Smoking, higher BMI, greater levels of sun exposure were significant lifestyle risk factors. Having a skin type other than normal was a physiologic risk factor for skin aging.

Impact of Exposome Factors on Epidermal Barrier Function in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Exposome factors, such as sleep deprivation and diet, could affect skin barrier function. The objectives of this study are to compare skin barrier function between patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) and healthy individuals, and to evaluate the effect of other exposome factors on skin. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with OSAS and healthy volunteers matched by age and sex were included. OSAS severity was assessed by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Validated questionnaires were used to assess diet, anxiety, depression, and psychological stress. Skin barrier function parameters including temperature, erythema, melanin, pH, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) were measured on the volar forearm. A total of 86 participants were included, 56 patients with OSAS and 30 healthy volunteers. TEWL was higher in OSAS patients than in healthy individuals (8.01 vs. 8.68 g·m⁻²·h⁻¹). Regarding disease severity, severe patients had higher TEWL values (9.31 vs. 8.46 vs. 7.08 g·m⁻²·h⁻¹) compared to moderate and mild patients. Patients with OSAS had significantly lower sleep quality (11.89 vs. 6.47 Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score; p < 0.001), poor adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (8.46 vs. 9.77; p = 0.005), and significantly higher anxiety and depression levels than healthy individuals. In conclusion, patients with OSAS may have skin barrier impairment, reflected in higher TEWL values. These patients also have higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and a lower adherence to a Mediterranean Diet, all exposome factors that might impact on skin barrier function.

Defining skin aging and its risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Skin aging has been defined to encompass both intrinsic and extrinsic aging, with extrinsic aging effected by environmental influences and overlaying the effects of chronological aging. The risk factors of skin aging have been studied previously, using methods of quantifying skin aging. However, these studies have yet to be reviewed. To better understand skin aging risk factors and collate the available data, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. We conducted our systematic review in compliance with Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched in October 2020 using specific search strategies. Where odds ratios were reported, meta-analyses were conducted using the random effects model. Otherwise, significant factors were reported in this review. We identified seven notable risk factors for various skin aging phenotypes: age, gender, ethnicity, air pollution, nutrition, smoking, sun exposure. This review's results will guide future works, such as those aiming to examine the interaction between genetic and environmental influences.

Searching predictive factors of efficacy and safety in a fractional CO2 laser

A few studies discussed short outcomes in fractional CO₂ laser. This study aimed to seek factors of medium-term efficacy and safety in patients treated for facial rejuvenation or acne scars. This single-center, prospective, single-arm, evaluator-blinded cohort study included patients of 18 years and older undergoing a fractional CO₂ laser for facial skin rejuvenation or atrophic acne scars. One session of ultrapulsed fractional 10 600 nm CO₂ laser was performed with the Deep FX TM mode in acne scars and the Active FX TM mode in facial rejuvenation and acne scars. Follow-up was carried out for 6 months. In the end, a patient self-satisfaction assessment was obtained. A blinded physician graded improvement based on pretreatment and 6-month photography. The study included 75 patients, of whom 88% were women. Forty-five had facial rejuvenation, and 30 had atrophic acne scars treatment. Half of the patients were satisfied. The physician-blinded evaluation indicated "good to very good" improvement in 46.7% of facial rejuvenation patients, and 30% of acne scars patients. Hyperpigmentation and folliculitis were recorded in 15 and 3 patients, respectively. This study did not find statistically significant factors to predict outcomes in a fractional CO₂ laser. We could however note better results in acne scar patients of thicker skin, and facial rejuvenation patients of younger age and thinner skin. We counted more hyperpigmentation events in phototypes III and IV, and it was reversible in all cases.

Risk factors and self-perception for facial aging among Nepalese population

BACKGROUND

Facial appearance has increasing importance to individuals and women, in particular. Till date, there are no reports of the extrinsic factors influencing skin aging in Nepalese population.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risk factors and self-perception for facial aging in Nepalese population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 attendees aged 30-70 years visiting the dermatology outpatient department of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. An interview of the attendees was conducted to establish their perceived risk factors and age knowledge based on a questionnaire. The facial wrinkling was estimated by facial wrinkle scores using standardized visual assessment method by a dermatologist who was blinded with regard to all risk factors and age of the subjects.

RESULTS

Around 50% of attendees were conscious about facial health, 53% perceived their facial age as their chronological age, 39% used some facial care products, and 68% were aware of the risk factors for facial aging. The major perceived risk factors were unhealthy eating habits, stress, less exercise, dehydration, diseased state and sleeping habits. A significant association was found between increasing age, place of birth in hills or mountains and sun exposure with high wrinkling score.

CONCLUSION

Facial skin wrinkles can be considered as a marker for intrinsic aging. Though the main factor responsible for extrinsic aging is ultraviolet radiation, identification of the factors may help in motivating the individuals for the adoption of a range of healthy behaviors for facial age in Nepalese population that may provide important public health benefits.

Smoking status and attractiveness among exemplar and prototypical identical twins discordant for smoking

Smoking is associated with negative health of skin and increased signs of facial ageing. We aimed to address two questions about smoking and appearance: (1) does facial appearance alone provide an indication of smoking status, and (2) how does smoking affect the attractiveness of faces? We used faces of identical twins discordant for smoking, and prototypes made by averaging the faces of the twins. In Task 1, we presented exemplar twin sets and same sex prototypes side-by-side and participants (n = 590) indicated which face was the smoker. Participants were blind to smoking status. In Task 2 a separate sample (n = 580) indicated which face was more attractive. For the exemplar twin sets, there was inconclusive evidence participants selected the smoking twin as the smoker more often, or selected the non-smoking twin as the more attractive more often. For the prototypes, however, participants clearly selected the smoking prototypes as the smoker more often, and the non-smoking prototypes as the more attractive. Prototypical faces of non-smokers are judged more attractive, and prototypical faces of smokers are correctly identified as smokers more often than prototypical faces of matched smokers/non-smokers [corrected]. We discuss the possible use of these findings in smoking behaviour change interventions.

The skin aging exposome

The term "exposome" describes the totality of exposures to which an individual is subjected from conception to death. It includes both external and internal factors as well as the human body's response to these factors. Current exposome research aims to understand the effects all factors have on specific organs, yet today, the exposome of human skin has not received major attention and a corresponding definition is lacking. This review was compiled with the collaboration of European scientists, specialized in either environmental medicine or skin biology. A comprehensive review of the existing literature was performed using PubMed. The search was restricted to exposome factors and skin aging. Key review papers and all relevant, epidemiological, in vitro, ex vivo and clinical studies were analyzed to determine the key elements of the exposome influencing skin aging. Here we propose a definition of the skin aging exposome. It is based on a summary of the existing scientific evidence for the role of exposome factors in skin aging. We also identify future research needs which concern knowledge about the interaction of distinct exposomal factors with each other and the resulting net effects on skin aging and suggest some protective measures.