Aging-associated Alterations in Epidermal Function and Their Clinical Significance

Overview

Journal Aging (Albany NY)

Specialty Geriatrics

Date 2020 Mar 29

PMID 32217811

Citations 53

Authors

Zhen Wang

Mao-Qiang Man

Tienan Li

Peter M Elias

Theodora M Mauro

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Chronologically-aged skin displays multiple functional changes in both the dermis and the epidermis. It appears that epidermal dysfunction, compromised permeability homeostasis, reduced stratum corneum hydration and elevated skin surface pH predispose to the development of aging-associated cutaneous and extracutaneous disorders. Improvements in epidermal function have been shown to be an effective alternative therapy in the prevention and treatment of some aging-associated cutaneous disorders, including eczematous dermatitis, pruritus, and xerosis. Recent studies demonstrated that epidermal dysfunction leads to the development of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation, termed 'inflammaging,' which is linked to the development of aging-associated systemic disorders. Thus, correction of epidermal dysfunction could comprise a novel strategy in the prevention and treatment of aging-associated systemic disorders as well. In this review, we summarize aging-associated alterations in epidermal function, their underlying mechanisms, and their clinical significance. Regimens to improve epidermal function in the elderly are also discussed.

Citing Articles

Bufadienolide Penetration Through the Skin Membrane and Antiaging Properties of spp. Juices in Dermal Applications.

Hering A, Cal K, Kowalczyk M, Kastsevich A, Ivashchanka Y, Ochocka J Molecules. 2025; 30(4).

PMID: 40005113 PMC: 11858577. DOI: 10.3390/molecules30040802.

Protective Effects of Against Senescence and Apoptosis in Epidermal Cells.

Tan Y, Hu A, Lu J, Lin Y, Li X, Yamaguchi T Biology (Basel). 2025; 14(2).

PMID: 40001970 PMC: 11851956. DOI: 10.3390/biology14020202.

Single-Cell Analysis Dissects the Effects of Vitamin D on Genetic Senescence Signatures Across Murine Tissues.

Sosa-Diaz E, Reyes-Gopar H, Anda-Jauregui G, Hernandez-Lemus E Nutrients. 2025; 17(3).

PMID: 39940287 PMC: 11820085. DOI: 10.3390/nu17030429.

Exploring melatonin's signalling pathways in the protection against age-related skin deterioration.

Taheri M, Seirafianpour F, Fallahian A, Hosseinzadeh A, Reiter R, Mehrzadi S Pharmacol Rep. 2025; .

PMID: 39883394 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-025-00699-5.

Lipidomic and Instrumental Evaluation of a Melatonin-Based In & Out Strategy Versus Topical Treatment in Skin Aging: A Randomized Prospective Trial.

Colombo F, Alfano S, Milani M Metabolites. 2025; 15(1).

PMID: 39852376 PMC: 11767497. DOI: 10.3390/metabo15010033.

References

Fluhr J, Kao J, Jain M, Ahn S, Feingold K, Elias P . Generation of free fatty acids from phospholipids regulates stratum corneum acidification and integrity. J Invest Dermatol. 2001; 117(1):44-51. DOI: 10.1046/j.0022-202x.2001.01399.x. View

Imokawa G, Abe A, Jin K, Higaki Y, Kawashima M, Hidano A . Decreased level of ceramides in stratum corneum of atopic dermatitis: an etiologic factor in atopic dry skin?. J Invest Dermatol. 1991; 96(4):523-6. DOI: 10.1111/1523-1747.ep12470233. View

Takagi Y, Kriehuber E, Imokawa G, Elias P, Holleran W . Beta-glucocerebrosidase activity in mammalian stratum corneum. J Lipid Res. 1999; 40(5):861-9. View

Elias P, Feingold K . Fatty acids are required for epidermal permeability barrier function. J Clin Invest. 1993; 92(2):791-8. PMC: 294916. DOI: 10.1172/JCI116652. View

Luebberding S, Krueger N, Kerscher M . Age-related changes in male skin: quantitative evaluation of one hundred and fifty male subjects. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2013; 27(1):9-17. DOI: 10.1159/000351349. View

Christensen K, Doblhammer G, Rau R, Vaupel J . Ageing populations: the challenges ahead. Lancet. 2009; 374(9696):1196-208. PMC: 2810516. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61460-4. View

Blaak J, Dahnhardt D, Dahnhardt-Pfeiffer S, Bielfeldt S, Wilhelm K, Wohlfart R . A plant oil-containing pH 4 emulsion improves epidermal barrier structure and enhances ceramide levels in aged skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2016; 39(3):284-291. DOI: 10.1111/ics.12374. View

Hatano Y, Man M, Uchida Y, Crumrine D, Scharschmidt T, Kim E . Maintenance of an acidic stratum corneum prevents emergence of murine atopic dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol. 2009; 129(7):1824-35. PMC: 2695850. DOI: 10.1038/jid.2008.444. View

Tanei R, Hasegawa Y . Atopic dermatitis in older adults: A viewpoint from geriatric dermatology. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2016; 16 Suppl 1:75-86. DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12771. View

10.

Schrader A, Siefken W, Kueper T, Breitenbach U, Gatermann C, Sperling G . Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012; 25(4):192-9. DOI: 10.1159/000338190. View

11.

Guillou S, Ghabri S, Jannot C, Gaillard E, Lamour I, Boisnic S . The moisturizing effect of a wheat extract food supplement on women's skin: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2010; 33(2):138-43. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00600.x. View

12.

Tezuka T, Qing J, SAHEKI M, Kusuda S, Takahashi M . Terminal differentiation of facial epidermis of the aged: immunohistochemical studies. Dermatology. 1994; 188(1):21-4. DOI: 10.1159/000247079. View

13.

Krien P, Kermici M . Evidence for the existence of a self-regulated enzymatic process within the human stratum corneum -an unexpected role for urocanic acid. J Invest Dermatol. 2000; 115(3):414-20. DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2000.00083.x. View

14.

Jiang Y, Lu B, Crumrine D, Man M, Elias P, Feingold K . IL-1alpha accelerates stratum corneum formation and improves permeability barrier homeostasis during murine fetal development. J Dermatol Sci. 2009; 54(2):88-98. DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2009.01.001. View

15.

Thornton M . Estrogens and aging skin. Dermatoendocrinol. 2013; 5(2):264-70. PMC: 3772914. DOI: 10.4161/derm.23872. View

16.

Feingold K, Elias P . Role of lipids in the formation and maintenance of the cutaneous permeability barrier. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013; 1841(3):280-94. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.11.007. View

17.

Egawa M, Tagami H . Comparison of the depth profiles of water and water-binding substances in the stratum corneum determined in vivo by Raman spectroscopy between the cheek and volar forearm skin: effects of age, seasonal changes and artificial forced hydration. Br J Dermatol. 2007; 158(2):251-60. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08311.x. View

18.

Ma T, Hara M, Sougrat R, Verbavatz J, Verkman A . Impaired stratum corneum hydration in mice lacking epidermal water channel aquaporin-3. J Biol Chem. 2002; 277(19):17147-53. DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M200925200. View

19.

Diridollou S, de Rigal J, Querleux B, Leroy F, Barbosa V . Comparative study of the hydration of the stratum corneum between four ethnic groups: influence of age. Int J Dermatol. 2007; 46 Suppl 1:11-4. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03455.x. View

20.

Luebberding S, Krueger N, Kerscher M . Age-related changes in skin barrier function - quantitative evaluation of 150 female subjects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2012; 35(2):183-90. DOI: 10.1111/ics.12024. View