Skin Ageing and Mitochondrial Function: Science, Prevention and Regeneration
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and performs essential functions of protection, balance, immunity, and sensory perception. As it is in direct contact with the external environment and reflects internal physiological changes, it is also one of the tissues that most visibly manifests the signs of ageing.
This process is multifactorial, resulting from the interaction between intrinsic mechanisms, which are genetically programmed, and extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet radiation, pollution, and lifestyle. At the core of this degeneration lies mitochondrial dysfunction, which contributes to cellular bioenergetic decline, oxidative stress, and premature senescence the natural ageing process of cells.
Mitochondria are small structures within cells that act as “energy factories,” producing the energy required for optimal bodily function. Understanding the processes of cutaneous and mitochondrial ageing is essential for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.
How the Skin Ages: Biological and Molecular Processes of Cutaneous Ageing
Intrinsic, or chronological, ageing is characterised by a reduced proliferative capacity of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. As these cells lose their ability to renew, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, along with glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid. The skin becomes thinner, drier, and loses both radiance and elasticity.
Extrinsic ageing is caused by environmental factors, with UV radiation being the main trigger of photoageing. Excessive sun exposure aggravates this process and increases the production of free radicals responsible for degrading collagen and elastin fibres.
Other mechanisms such as protein glycation (when sugar molecules incorrectly bind to proteins, damaging them and accelerating cellular ageing) and low-grade chronic inflammation (“inflammaging”) contribute to tissue degradation, leading to deeper wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of firmness.
The Role of Mitochondria in Skin Ageing
Mitochondria, which are essential for energy production, over time begin to generate excessive free radicals and accumulate mutations in their DNA. This imbalance disrupts normal cellular function, accelerates senescence, and increases inflammation, further degrading the extracellular matrix.
Factors such as UV radiation, pollution, smoking, poor or high-calorie diets, sleep deprivation, chronic inflammation, and the decline of DNA repair mechanisms are major accelerators of this process.
Prevention
Although inevitable, ageing can be prevented, treated, and even partially reversed. Current scientific evidence supports an integrated approach that includes:
Primary prevention: daily sun protection, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, proper hydration, adequate sleep, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Antioxidants: topical substances such as vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, coenzyme Q10, and polyphenols that combat oxidative stress.
Mitochondrial modulation: supplementation that enhances NAD+ levels, regular physical exercise, caloric restriction, and compounds such as resveratrol.
Inflammation control: anti-inflammatory diets such as the Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3, topical niacinamide, and novel pharmacological agents under study (e.g., senolytics).
Aesthetic and Regenerative Interventions
Aesthetic procedures also play an important role in reversing visible signs of ageing. Retinoids, chemical peels, lasers, radiofrequency, high-intensity focused ultrasound, microneedling, and injectable biostimulators stimulate collagen production and promote skin renewal.
Regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), exosomes, and PDNR go beyond aesthetics they promote cellular regeneration and improve overall skin tissue health. Combined protocols, which integrate different techniques, amplify the effects of dermal regeneration and remodelling.
The Avenue Clinic Approach
At Avenue Clinic, we unite science and clinical expertise to provide personalised treatments that act on multiple layers of the skin and at a cellular level. Our protocols combine advanced technologies, regenerative therapies, and integrated strategies that enhance outcomes and prolong benefits not only correcting visible signs of ageing but also improving the long-term vitality and health of the skin.
Because ageing is inevitable, but ageing with balance and health is a conscious choice.
Article originally published in Marketeer, by Avenue Clinic