CELL OPTIMISATION: skin

Dr Mayoni Gooneratne explores cell optimisation and its role in skin rejuvenation

Last month, we looked at cell optimisation in relation to muscle, fat, and bone. These factors are far more intrinsic and driven by chronological ageing. However, skin is much more impacted by external factors, such as sun exposure.

INFLAMMAGEING

We all know sun damage is the biggest cause of premature skin ageing, but what I want to explore in more detail in this article is inflammation or “inflammageing”.

Inflammation is a critical biological response to injury or infection and plays a key role in the body’s defence mechanism. It involves the activation of the immune system and the release of various chemical mediators that help eliminate harmful stimuli and initiate the healing process. However, while acute inflammation is beneficial and necessary for recovery, chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues.

Chronic inflammation is particularly concerning in the context of skin health. It can disrupt molecular pathways and cause long-term damage to the skin. Factors such as poor gut health, menopause, and elevated cortisol and sugar levels contribute to chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation manifests in several skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, premature ageing, and pigmentation disorders. These issues often arise due to the ongoing, low-grade inflammatory state that the body endures over time.

One significant source of chronic inflammation is the gut, often referred to as “leaky gut.” When the gut lining is compromised, it allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation. This condition underscores the importance of maintaining gut health to prevent inflammatory skin disorders and promote overall skin rejuvenation.

You may also hear people use the term inflammageing, which describes the process of ageing as it relates to inflammation both externally (i.e. your skin and environment) and internally (body organ systems and diseases).

MICROBIOME

We usually think of the gut when we hear the word “microbiome”, but the skin has a microbiome too.

The skin microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms inhabiting the skin’s surface, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and overall wellbeing and can have a profound effect on skin ageing.

This complex ecosystem comprises bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that interact with the skin and its surrounding environment. Optimising the skin microbiome involves promoting a diverse and balanced microbial community, which in turn supports various aspects of skin function, including barrier integrity, immune response, and inflammation regulation.

1. Skin barrier function

The skin serves as the body’s first line of defence against external threats, including pathogens, environmental toxins, and UV radiation. Abalanced microbiome contributes to the maintenance of the skin barrier by competing with potential pathogens for space and nutrients, thereby preventing colonisation and infection. Certain beneficial bacteria produce antimicrobial peptides that help regulate the skin’s microbial balance and protect against harmful invaders.

2. Immune regulation

The skin microbiome plays a vital role in modulating the immune system’s response to external stimuli. Beneficial microorganisms interact with immune cells in the skin, influencing immune tolerance and inflammation pathways. This interaction helps prevent inappropriate immune responses, such as allergies and autoimmune disorders while promoting a balanced immune reaction to pathogens and environmental triggers.

3. Inflammation control

Imbalances in the skin microbiome can contribute to inflammation and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, may lead to overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria or fungi, triggering inflammatory responses in the skin. By promoting a diverse microbiome and inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes, it’s possible to mitigate inflammation and maintain skin homeostasis.

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating stress responses and influencing various physiological processes throughout the body, including the skin, via the vagus nerve. Chronic stress can dysregulate the nervous system, leading to an overproduction of stress hormones such as cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can have detrimental effects on skin health, including increased inflammation and collagen breakdown, which contribute to accelerated ageing and skin damage.

• Inflammation: Cortisol has immunosuppressive effects, dampening the body’s inflammatory response. However, chronic cortisol elevation can paradoxically lead to increased inflammation in the skin, contributing to conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

• Collagen breakdown: Cortisol can impair collagen synthesis and promote collagen breakdown in the skin. High cortisol levels interfere with fibroblast activity, the cells responsible for producing collagen and maintaining skin structure. This can result in reduced skin elasticity, wrinkles, and sagging over time.

ENHANCING SKIN CELL FUNCTION THROUGH TARGETED INTERVENTIONS

For me, skin health isn’t just about what we can do from the outside; it’s about what we can do from the inside too. Supporting cellular health promotes optimal turnover and regeneration. This is part of the SkinFit process at my clinic.

We can enhance skin cell function and improve skin quality through targeted interventions, such as topical treatments, nutritional support, and lifestyle modifications.

1. Topical treatments

Using skincare products containing active ingredients such as retinoids, antioxidants (e.g. vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10), peptides, and growth factors can help support skin cell renewal, collagen production, and repair processes. These ingredients stimulate cellular turnover, enhance collagen synthesis, and protect against oxidative stress and environmental damage.

In addition to homecare, professional skincare treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and laser therapy can further enhance skin cell turnover, collagen production, and rejuvenation. These treatments can address specific skin concerns, stimulate cellular renewal, and promote overall skin vitality when performed by qualified skincare professionals.

Protecting the skin from UV radiation is crucial for preventing cellular damage, premature ageing, and skin cancer. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure can help safeguard skin cells from UV-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress.

2. Nutritional support

A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids is essential for maintaining optimal skin health. Nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids play key roles in supporting skin cell function, collagen synthesis, and repair mechanisms. Consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the necessary nutrients to nourish skin cells from within.

3. Hydration

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining skin cell hydration, elasticity, and function. Drinking an adequate amount of water and using hydrating skincare products containing humectants (e.g. hyaluronic acid and glycerin) can help replenish moisture levels in the skin and support optimal cellular hydration.

4. Lifestyle modifications

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, stress management, adequate sleep, and smoking cessation can positively impact skin cell function and overall skin health. Exercise promotes circulation, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery to the skin, while stress reduction techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help mitigate cortisol-induced inflammation and premature ageing.

5. Supplementation

Even with a healthy diet, supplementation can be beneficial to support cellular health. My recommendations for skin include NAD+, zinc, omegas, collagen, and vitamin D. These supplements play crucial roles in enhancing skin health, supporting cellular function, and promoting overall well-being.

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): NAD+ is a coenzyme found in all living cells, essential for energy production and cellular metabolism. It helps repair damaged DNA, supports the production of ATP (the energy currency of cells), and has been shown to slow the ageing process. By boosting NAD+ levels, we can enhance the skin’s repair mechanisms and resilience against stress and damage.

Zinc: Zinc is a trace mineral vital for numerous enzymatic reactions and immune function. It plays a key role in collagen synthesis, DNA repair, and cell division, which are all critical for maintaining healthy skin. Zinc also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for treating conditions like acne and reducing skin irritation.

Omega fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential fats that the body cannot produce on its own. They are vital for maintaining the skin’s lipid barrier, which helps retain moisture and protect against environmental damage. These fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the reduction of redness, swelling, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Collagen: Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin, providing structure and elasticity. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Supplementing with collagen can help replenish the skin’s natural reserves, promoting firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen supplements have also been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is crucial for skin health. It helps regulate the skin’s immune system and can prevent infections. Vitamin D is also involved in the growth and repair of skin cells, and its antiinflammatory properties can help manage skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. While sunlight is a primary source of vitamin D, supplementation ensures adequate levels, especially for those with limited sun exposure.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CELLULAR MILIEU

Considering the broader cellular milieu, including hormonal balance, stress management, DNA integrity, and detoxification pathways, is also crucial for comprehensive ageing interventions. Addressing factors such as hormonal fluctuations, stress-induced cortisol mobilisation, and toxin exposure supports overall cellular health and resilience.

1. Hormonal balance

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes, including growth, metabolism, and repair. Imbalances in hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol can impact cellular function and contribute to age-related changes. Addressing hormonal fluctuations through lifestyle modifications, hormone replacement therapy (when appropriate), and stress management techniques can help maintain hormonal balance and support cellular health.

2. Stress management

Chronic stress can have profound effects on cellular health, leading to increased cortisol levels, oxidative stress, inflammation, and accelerated ageing. Implementing stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help mitigate the impact of stress on cells and promote overall resilience.

3. DNA integrity

Preserving DNA integrity is essential for maintaining cellular function and preventing mutations that can lead to cancer and other age-related diseases. Factors such as oxidative stress, exposure to environmental toxins, and inadequate DNA repair mechanisms can compromise DNA integrity. Supporting DNA repair pathways through antioxidant-rich diet, supplementation (e.g. vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol ), and lifestyle habits (e.g. avoiding smoking, reducing exposure to pollutants) can help protect against DNA damage and maintain cellular health.

4. Detoxification pathways

The body’s detoxification pathways, including the liver, kidneys, skin, and lymphatic system, play a crucial role in eliminating toxins and waste products that can accumulate within cells and tissues. Supporting detoxification pathways through hydration, nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, and targeted detox protocols (e.g. fasting, sauna therapy, herbal supplements) can help optimise cellular detoxification and reduce the burden of toxins on cells.

5. Nutritional support

Providing cells with adequate nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is essential for supporting cellular metabolism, energy production, and repair processes. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients can provide the building blocks necessary for cellular health and longevity.

CONCLUSION

Taking a holistic approach to cellular health involves addressing multiple interconnected factors that influence overall cellular function and resilience. By optimising hormonal balance, managing stress, preserving DNA integrity, supporting detoxification pathways, and providing adequate nutritional support, individuals can promote healthy ageing and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Embracing a comprehensive approach to cellular milieu not only supports individual cells but also contributes to overall well-being and vitality.

DR MAYONI GOONERATNE

Dr Mayoni Gooneratne MBBS, BSc, MRCS, AFMCP is the founder of Human Health and SkinFit, which offers a range of services to help women overcome the blocks that stand between them and their best and highest potential.

She is a former NHS colorectal and pelvic floor surgeon, and realised early on in her career that conventional healthcare structures kept people moving towards illness, rather than being health. So, she set about creating The Clinic by Dr Mayoni which allows her and her world class team to deliver her unique ‘cell-up’ approach to health care.