Summary Background Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide hormone that has many beneficial biological effects, including protection against age‐related disorders. However, less is known about its role in intrinsic skin ageing, which is accelerated by an increase in senescent cell fraction in skin tissue. Objectives To investigate the novel function and the underlying mechanism of OT in preventing cellular senescence in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) isolated from the skin of female donors of different ages. Methods NHDFs from young and old donors were exposed to conditioned medium from senescent or control NHDFs in the presence or absence of 10 nmol L−1 OT for 3 days, and were continuously subcultured for 12 days. Subsequently, various age‐associated signs of senescence including decreased proliferation rate, elevated p16 and p21 levels, and positivity for senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase expression were examined. Results We found that OT suppressed senescence‐associated secretory phenotype‐induced senescence in NHDFs, and its effect depended on the age of the donor's NHDFs. The inhibitory effects of OT required signalling by OT receptor‐mediated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2). The age‐dependent antisenescence effects of OT are closely related to hypermethylation of the OT receptor gene (OXTR). Conclusions Our findings bring to light the role of OT in the prevention of skin ageing, which might allow development of new clinical strategies. What's already known about this topic? Senescent keratinocytes and fibroblasts accumulate with age in the skin and contribute to the loss of skin function and integrity during ageing. Senescent cells secrete senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which includes the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐1, chemokines, extracellular matrix‐remodelling proteases and growth factors. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) and its receptor (OXTR) have protective effects against various age‐related disorders. What does this study add? OT suppressed SASP‐induced cellular senescence in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs), depending on the age of the NHDFs’ donor. The inhibitory effects of OT on cellular senescence required OXTR‐mediated phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, which enhanced nuclear localization of Nrf2, a vital factor in the antioxidant defence system. The age‐specific antisenescent effects of OT were closely related to hypermethylation of OXTR. What is the translational message? Our results suggest that OT and OXTR agonists could be clinically promising agents for the improvement of age‐associated skin ageing, especially in women.

tions from the body surface), smell (fragrance), and sight (the process of becoming and looking beautiful). The positive stimulation of these senses by makeup can induce sensory as well as psychological pleasure. In order to understand the relationship of women to their makeup, we interviewed different groups of women on their quality of life and makeup habits. Then, through four standard well-validated psychometric selfquestionnaires, we examined the possible relation between the need to make up oneself and specific psychological features. Our first results clearly showed that makeup could support two opposite 'up' functions, i.e., 'camouflage' vs. 'seduction.' Concerning their psychological profiles, results showed that women of the functional class 'camouflage' are more anxious, defensive, and emotionally unstable compared to those of the functional class 'seduction,' who appear to be more sociable, assertive, and extroverted. Further analyses revealed a division of the two classes into subclasses of volunteers with opposed personality and psychological profiles. This new classification allowed us to define more precisely the relations existing within the subjective experience of women during the makeup process. In conclusion, our study revealed that beyond the simple application of colorful products on the face, makeup has two major functional implications depending on specific psychological profiles of women.J. Cosmet. Sci., 59,[151][152][153][154][155][156]

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