Understanding Telomeres “The Guardians of Youth“

In the quest for eternal youth, scientists have long been fascinated by telomeres. These are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that play a crucial role in cellular aging. As our understanding of telomeres deepens, so too does our appreciation for their impact on skin health and aging. In this blog post, I explore the link between telomeres and skin aging.

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres function just like the plastic tips on shoelaces that prevent them from unravelling. Their primary function is to protect the integrity of chromosomes during cell division. By preventing them from deteriorating or fusing with neighbouring chromosomes. Our skin cell DNA contains a string of amino acids called telomeres.

With each cell division, telomeres shorten, acting as a cellular clock limiting the number of times a cell can replicate. Once telomeres become critically short, cells enter a state of senescence or undergo apoptosis (cell death). This process contributes to the aging process and the decline in skin tissue function and health.

• Short Telomere = Deteriorated skin cells appear older
• Longer Telomeres = Healthier skin cells, younger-looking skin

The discovery of how chromosomes are protected by Telomeres was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider and Jack W. Szostak in 2009.

Press release. NobelPrize.org. 2009.

The Role of Telomeres and their link to Skin Aging

Telomeres play a significant role in maintaining the regenerative capacity of skin cells. The link between telomeres and skin aging is undeniable. Every time a cell divides, chromosomes become shorter. The ends of the chromosomes are protected by telomeres. The only part of the chromosome that loses bases (about 25 to 200) is the end of the telomere. Without the telomeres, important parts of the chromosome are lost every time a cell undergoes DNA replication, around 50 to 70 times.

In younger cells, an enzyme called telomerase prevents telomeres from losing too many bases. By adding the TTAGGG repeat back to the ends of chromosomes. As a cell repeatedly divides, telomerase becomes less able to keep up with the number of bases that are required. Subsequently, the telomeres start to shorten as the skin cell ages.

As telomeres shorten with age, skin cells experience reduced proliferation and regeneration. Leading to the thinning of the outer layer of your skin. The loss of skin elasticity leads to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

External factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative stress can accelerate telomere shortening. Consequently, these factors exacerbate the aging process and further compromise skin health.

GGP A Potent ProAging Skin Ally

Geranylgeranylisopropanol (GGP), a cosmetic ingredient derived from the natural compound geranylgeraniol found in certain plants, targets telomere shortening and promotes cellular longevity, thereby exerting its pro-aging effects. Here’s how GGP may benefit the skin:

• Telomere Protection. GGP protects telomeres from premature shortening caused by oxidative stress and other external aggressors. By preserving telomere length, GGP helps maintain the replicative capacity of skin cells and supports their longevity.
• Cellular Regeneration. Studies suggest that GGP enhances the proliferation and regenerative potential of skin cells, promoting tissue repair and rejuvenation. By stimulating cellular turnover, GGP contributes to a more youthful, radiant complexion.
• Antioxidant Activity. GGP exhibits antioxidant properties, scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative damage to skin cells. By neutralising harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), GGP helps protect against premature aging and maintains skin health.
• Collagen Synthesis. GGP stimulates collagen synthesis in the skin, promoting firmness, elasticity, and overall skin tone. By enhancing collagen production, GGP helps minimise the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
• Skin Tone. Evens skin tone by fading redness and age spots.

Skin Aging and Telomere Protection – Backed By Science With Clinical Trials

 In vitro (in a lab) tests performed with GGP have demonstrated it’s efficiency: 

• Reduces oxidative stress. Production of intracellular peroxides reduced by 85%
• Limits telomere (DNA) shortening. Ensuring optimal replication as a young cell
• Rebalances the mitochondrial activity. An important part of healthy skin
• Promotes ATP synthesis +76%. Protects the cytoskeleton which is a complex, dynamic network of interlinking protein filaments present in the cytoplasm of all cells.
• The extracellular matrix metabolism is reactivated boosting collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis
• Collagen Type I synthesis +483%. Type I Collagen is found in the dermis provides tensile strength in the skin.
• Decorin Synthesis +32%. Helps to constitute extracellular matrix in collagen-containing tissues i.e the skin
• Hyaluronic acid synthesis +33%. The key molecule involved in skin moisture is hyaluronic acid which can retain water keeping your skin hydrated.
• Increased protection against peroxidation of the skin by up to 85% – Helping maintain the protective effect of the skin barrier.

In vivo (on human skin) tests were carried out on 28 female volunteers:

• Helps to reduce the visible signs of aging on the face and décolleté
• Smoothes fine lines/wrinkles, restructures and re-densifies the skin
• Wrinkle depth decreased by 26.5% after one month of treatment.
• 80% of the panel consider that their skin is less creased and much firmer after a 2-month treatment
• 93% said they experienced more hydration.

The Role of ATP Synthesis and Skin Health

Your skin is a high-turnover organ. On average, it takes an estimated 40 to 56 days for your epidermis to completely turn over. This timeline lengthens as we age, and its constant renewal depends on the rapid proliferation of its Epidermis Stem Cells. The energy requirement for active cells is met by mitochondrial respiration. An ATP-generating process driven by a series of proteins. Mitochondria have important roles in skin function. Mitochondrial damage in skin cells accumulates with age and in response to solar light and pollution. There is increasing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are key features in all aging tissues, including skin.

Skin is constantly defending against environmental insult, it is important to maintain its integrity. Aging skin has reduced wound healing capacity and increased water loss. This increases susceptibility to cuts and infection. Skin therefore becomes more prone to irritation leading to skin conditions such as dermatitis that cause inflammation of the skin. It is essential to maintain an adequate skin barrier function.

Protect, Prevent and Rejuvenate

LUCA Lipid Ferment Vitamin C Serum contains The High Performance Active Juvinity™ a revolutionary skincare breakthrough incorporating enhanced telomeres technology. Inspired by Nobel Prize Telomeres Innovation and designed to reverse the visible effects of aging skin cells. Juvinity™ prolongs the life of a skin cell, thus reducing the visible effects of skin aging.

• Preserving telomere health is important as you age, and can help preserve the youthful appearance of your skin 
• Telomeres are the end caps of chromosomes and are important in the cellular replication process
• Telomeres get shorter and shorter as you age, losing their ability to protect your DNA from the effects of aging.
• Geranylgeranylpropanol is a substance that helps protect your skin telomeres better than any other cosmetic ingredient currently available. Juvinity™ is a patented substance.
• Antioxidants Vitamins C and E have telomere-protective properties. Vitamin C and E are in LUCA Lipid Ferment Vitamin C Serum. You can read “How To Minimise UV Skin Damage With Vitamin C” on our Holistic Wellness Matters Blog.

SHOP LUCA Lipid Fermet Vitamin C Serum

Conclusion

We have uncovered the link between telomeres and skin aging along with the incredible benefits fro the topical application of the GGP protects telomeres, stimulating cellular regeneration, providing antioxidant protection, and enhancing collagen synthesis. The daily rejuvenation of the skin, diminishes wrinkles, helping to restore a youthful complexion.

Delay the signs of skin aging by Incorporating LUCA Lipid Ferment Vitamin C Serum into your skincare ritual. LUCA is enriched with Juvinity™ offering a protective approach that combats the signs of skin aging. This multi-award-winning serum helps maintain radiant, healthy skin for years to come – your future skin will thank you!

Until next time, be human, be kind, be you.

REFERENCES:

• Harlyk, Christopher, et al. “Composition for cosmetic use comprising geranylgeranyl-propanol and methods.” U.S. Patent Application No. 11/763,495, filed June 15, 2007. Available at Justia Patents and Google Patents.
• Jang, Ji-Eun, et al. “A Novel Geranylgeranyl Isopropanol that Diminishes UV-Induced Wrinkle Formation and DNA Damage.” Journal of Dermatological Science, vol. 70, no. 3, 2013, pp. 204-211. Available at Journal of Dermatological Science.
• Hsu, J., et al. “Geranylgeranyl isopropanol alleviates the progression of age-related skin degeneration through enhancing cellular survival.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 17, no. 2, 2018, pp. 191-197. Available at Wiley Online Library.
• Sreedhar A, Aguilera-Aguirre L, Singh KK. “Mitochondria in skin health, aging, and disease.” Cell Death Dis. 2020 Jun 9;11(6):444. doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2649-z. Available at PubMed and PMC.
• Stout R, Birch-Machin M. “Mitochondria’s Role in Skin Ageing.” Biology (Basel). 2019 May 11;8(2):29. doi: 10.3390/biology8020029. Available at PubMed and PMC.
• Koster MI. “Making an epidermis.” Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Jul;1170:7-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04363.x. Available at PubMed and PMC.
• Cavallasca J. The central role of stem cells and telomeres in the aging process. Long Life, 2017. Available at: www.longlonglife.org/…/