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Lately, there\u2019s been growing conversation around cellular aging, but what does it actually mean? We know our cells age along with the rest of our body, but how does that process affect our appearance and is there anything we can do about it? We asked the experts to break down what cellular aging really is\u2014and how it differs from the aging we can see. Ahead, they answer your biggest questions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThink of cellular aging as what\u2019s happening under the hood of a car, while visible aging is the exterior paint job and bodywork,\u201d says Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD. Cellular aging refers to the biological processes occurring at the molecular and cellular level that drive aging from within.<\/p>\n
At the cellular level, these changes affect how cells function, communicate and regenerate. \u201cThis includes DNA damage, telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress from free radicals and the gradual, age-related decline in cellular repair mechanisms,\u201d he explains. <\/p>\n
Visible aging is what we see on the surface of the skin, including fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, loss of elasticity, uneven texture and sagging skin, explains Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen cells become dysfunctional over time, they start sending harmful signals to neighboring cells, leading to higher inflammation, tissue degradation and a weakened skin barrier,\u201d says OneSkin cofounder and CEO Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira. \u201cThat eventually shows up as visible aging, so visible aging is the symptom; cellular aging is the root cause.\u201d<\/p>\n
That relationship isn\u2019t always linear. \u201cYou can have significant cellular aging occurring without visible signs appearing yet,\u201d adds Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. Conversely, you can have visible aging that appears more advanced than the underlying cellular health would suggest, particularly due to sun damage and other external factors.\u201d He compares it to a car with a beat-up exterior but a strong engine.<\/p>\n
One of the key biological drivers behind cellular aging\u2014and its visible effects\u2014is cellular senescence, a state of permanent cell cycle arrest that plays a central role in how aging unfolds in the skin, explains West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD.<\/p>\n
\u201cCellular aging involves the accumulation of senescent cells that have stopped dividing but remain in the tissue, releasing inflammatory signals that accelerate aging,\u201d adds Joel Schlessinger, MD.<\/p>\n
According to Dr. Beer, as different cells become senescent, we see different signs of visible aging, including dark spots, laxity, wrinkles and uneven texture.<\/p>\n
\u201cAddressing cellular aging requires a more comprehensive approach that targets the underlying biological mechanisms rather than just treating surface symptoms,\u201d says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.<\/p>\n
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger agrees, emphasizing the importance of a dual approach. \u201cIt\u2019s about combining medical-grade skin-care products with protective measures and healthy lifestyle habits that support optimal cellular function,\u201d he says. \u201cYou can\u2019t focus on just one aspect and expect comprehensive results.\u201d<\/p>\n
In practice, that means starting with prevention, then building from there. Here\u2019s some of what they recommend doing to address cellular aging.<\/p>\n
As with visible aging, prevention is critical to addressing cellular aging, so lather on the sunscreen daily. \u201cSunscreen can help decrease reactive oxygen species and damage from UV exposure,\u201d explains Dr. Beer.<\/p>\n
Without consistent SPF, other interventions won\u2019t perform as effectively. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen helps prevent ongoing DNA damage and oxidative stress that drive both cellular and visible aging, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.<\/p>\n
The foundation of a great skin-care routine \u201cstarts with powerful antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, resveratrol, and polypodium leucotomos, which neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level,\u201d explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger. \u201cThese ingredients act as cellular protectors, shielding DNA and mitochondria from damage.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRetinoids and retinols are also important because they\u2019re some of the few ingredients with proven ability to influence cellular behavior,\u201d he continues. \u201cThese vitamin A derivatives work at the skin\u2019s surface to increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and actually regulate gene expression related to aging.\u201d<\/p>\n
While many traditional skin-care products focus on correcting surface-level damage, some newer approaches aim deeper. \u201cTo address cellular aging, you have to work at the molecular level,\u201d says Dr. Oliveira. That means \u201cactivating skin cells to behave more like younger cells.\u201d Innovative ingredients, such as OneSkin\u2019s proprietary peptide OS-01, are designed to target biological markers of aging, not just how skin looks on the surface.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeyond creams and ointments, we have a variety of treatment options in the office ranging from lasers and chemical peels to injectables, biostimulators and platelet-rich plasma,\u201d says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. \u201cThese all work to send signaling molecules that communicate with cells to promote repair and stimulate collagen synthesis. They help maintain the communication pathways that naturally decline as we age.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger also points to advancements in energy-based treatments as particularly promising. \u201cLow-level light therapy, radiofrequency microneedling and fractional resurfacing can stimulate cellular repair mechanisms and improve mitochondrial function, essentially jumpstarting cells to function more efficiently,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n
Dr. Beer also recommends resurfacing lasers and microneedling, which boost collagen production through controlled injury. In addition, poly-L-lactic acid injectables such as Sculptra \u201cstimulate neocollagenesis, can decrease inflammation and promote epidermal stem cell proliferation.\u201d Hyaluronic acid injections may offer similar benefits, he adds, noting they can also help reduce the inflammatory burden associated with senescent cells.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s really fascinating is how much cellular aging is influenced by factors beyond what we put on our skin,\u201d says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, who points to sleep quality, stress management, regular exercise and diet as key contributors.<\/p>\n
\u201cSleep is like your body\u2019s maintenance shift: when cellular repair happens. Without adequate sleep, you\u2019re essentially skipping crucial repair time. On the flip side, chronic stress accelerates cellular aging through increased cortisol and inflammation.\u201d Consider it your reminder to prioritize a truly good night\u2019s sleep\u2014tonight and beyond.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n