The need for expensive anti-ageing creams could soon be a thing of the past after scientists discovered a way to reverse wrinkles by “switching off the ageing gene”.
The breakthrough could also put an end to baldness after tests showed hair grew back when the gene was targeted.
Ageing and baldness occur when the body’s cells start to slow down. The mitochondria, the part of the cell responsible for energy, stops working as well and the cell stops regenerating the way it used to. But now, scientists at the University of Birmingham in Alabama, believe they’ve found a way of turning off the gene responsible for that process. They found a mutation that caused mitochondrial dysfunction in mice, triggering visible hair loss and wrinkles within a matter of weeks.
When they switched off this mutation the mice grew thick fur and their skin became smoother – the same as healthy mouse of the same age. In humans the decline of the mitochondria in the cell is also linked to age-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and neurological diseases.
Scientists used the antibiotic doxycycline, often used to treat bacterial infections including acne and pneumonia, to induce ageing in the cells of the mice.
After four weeks they showed grey, thinning hair, ageing and lethargy.Their skin also became thicker, more inflamed and their hair follicles stopped regenerating. But when the mutation that damaged the cells was switched off, by stopping the antibiotics, the mice returned to how they looked before. Lead author Keshav Singh, a professor of genetics at the university, said: “To our knowledge, this observation is unprecedented.
While it may be impossible to completely get rid of wrinkles — particularly deep ones — it’s definitely possible to minimize their appearance. Registered Nurse Marsha Durkin clarifies, explaining that “although it’s impossible to completely remove wrinkles, minimize them by using good skin care techniques, antioxidants, toner and moisturizers, see a professional for laser treatments, skin peels and other wrinkle removing options, eat healthy and drink water, avoid stress and alcohol, and don’t smoke.” Through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and using effective wrinkle treatments, you can greatly reduce the appearance and formation of deep facial wrinkles.
Wear sunscreen. Studies have named the sun as the No. 1 cause of wrinkles. Wear a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. There is no need to go above SPF 50.
You need to wear sunscreen even when it’s not sunny. If you’re tanned, this doesn’t mean that you’re protected from the sun. Wear sunscreen no matter what! Wearing sunscreen will not only prevent wrinkles; it will also reduce your risk of getting skin cancer.
Reapply your sunscreen often — at least every 2 hours.Doctors recommend washing your face twice a day — no more than that. Over-washing your face can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture so that wrinkles appear deeper; it may even cause new wrinkles to form. Even if your skin is oily, don’t wash your face more than twice a day, as it can irritate your skin and, if you have acne, it can cause further breakouts.
People with mature skin (ages 40 and up) can likely get away with washing their faces with a cleanser each night, and only rinsing with cool water in the morning.
Use a toner after you wash your face. Applying a toner to your skin after you’ve washed your face can help balance your skin’s pH and keep it looking healthier. Just be sure to avoid toners containing alcohol, as this can dry out your skin.Use a good-quality moisturizer that targets wrinkles. Many moisturizers contain ingredients aimed at fighting and preventing wrinkles. Apply a moisturizer to your face twice a day: once after your morning face-wash and once after your evening face-wash.
There is little evidence to suggest that day and night creams are particularly different; however, some ingredients in moisturizers are made ineffective by the sun. For example, retinol, a highly effective wrinkle-fighter, is rendered inactive by sunlight, as are most prescription medications.