Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in skin ageing: a review

Abstract

SynopsisAs the proportion of the ageing population in industrialized countries continues to increase, the dermatological concerns of the aged grow in medical importance. Intrinsic structural changes occur as a natural consequence of ageing and are genetically determined. The rate of ageing is significantly different among different populations, as well as among different anatomical sites even within a single individual. The intrinsic rate of skin ageing in any individual can also be dramatically influenced by personal and environmental factors, particularly the amount of exposure to ultraviolet light. Photodamage, which considerably accelerates the visible ageing of skin, also greatly increases the risk of cutaneous neoplasms. As the population ages, dermatological focus must shift from ameliorating the cosmetic consequences of skin ageing to decreasing the genuine morbidity associated with problems of the ageing skin. A better understanding of both the intrinsic and extrinsic influences on the ageing of the skin, as well as distinguishing the retractable aspects of cutaneous ageing (primarily hormonal and lifestyle influences) from the irretractable (primarily intrinsic ageing), is crucial to this endeavour. Ré suméComme le pourcentage de la population vieillissante dans les pays industrialisés s'accroît, les préoccupations dermatologiques des personnes âgées augmentent en importance sur le plan médical. Les modifications structurelles intrinsè-ques sont une conséquence naturelle du vieillissement et sont génétiquement déterminées. La vitesse de vieillissement diffère significativement selon les différentes populations et selon les différ-ents sites anatomiques, même pour un seul individu. La vitesse intrinsèque du vieillissement de la peau pour un individu peut être aussi très influencée par les facteurs personnels et environnementaux, en particulier le taux d'exposition à la lumière ultra-violette. La photodégradation qui accélère considérablement le vieillissement visible de la peau augmente également beaucoup le risque de formation de néoplasme cutané. Au fur et à mesure que la population vieillit, il faut davantage se préoccuper de diminuer la morbidité réelle associée au vieillissement de la peau, plutôt que de palier à ses conséquences cosméti-ques. Il est donc crucial de s'efforcer à mieux comprendre les facteurs intrinsèques et extrinsè-ques qui agissent sur le vieillissement de la peau et aussi de faire la distinction entre les aspects réversibles du vieillissement cutané (facteurs essentiellement hormonaux et mode de vie) et les aspects irréversibles (principalement le vieillissement intrinsèque). The demographics of the U.S.A. are changing rapidly with respect to its elderly population; by 2030, one of every five Americans is expected to be over 65 [3]. It is predicted that life expectancy in the U.S.A. and other industrialized countries will continue to increase, hitting 100 years by about 2025 [4]. Women, with longer average life expectancies than men, can expect to spend more than one-third of th...

Exposure to fine particulate matter associated with senile lentigo in Chinese women: a cross‐sectional study

“…Intrinsic ageing of the skin occurs naturally due to physiological changes over time at variable but genetically pre‐determined rates 13. Hormone replacement substantially reverses some of the intrinsic effects 14.…”

Elastin structure and its involvement in skin photoageing

“…According to Farage et al [12], skin ageing occurs inevitably as a consequence of physiological changes over time due to genetic factors and changes in cell metabolism and the tissue structure [13][14][15][16]. Intrinsic or chronological ageing is the term used to characterize these natural changes.…”

“…Intrinsic or chronological ageing is the term used to characterize these natural changes. Additionally, extrinsic factors, including UV radiation, pollution, nicotine use, repetitive muscle movements, lifestyle and diet, can act as accelerators or intensifiers of ageing signs [12,16].…”

Características Histológicas de la Piel de la Cara Volar del Pulgar en IndividuosChilenos con Desvanecimiento del Dactilograma

“…Lozada & Rueda (2010) observaron una dermis adelgazada, alteración y pérdida de colágeno, disminución de elastina, disminución de vasculatura y tortuosidad de capilares. Farage et al (2008) también describieron cambios en la composición lipídica de los estratos córneos, mostrando variaciones regionales en el perfil de su contenido y composición, determinando alteraciones en la permeabilidad de la piel. Además, se ha descrito que la piel envejecida se encuentra menos hidratada, menos elástica, más permeable y más susceptible a la irritación.…”