Environmentally-Induced (Extrinsic) Skin Aging: Exposomal Factors and Underlying Mechanisms

As a barrier organ, the skin is an ideal model to study environmentally-induced (extrinsic) aging. In this review, we explain the development of extrinsic skin aging as a consequence of skin exposure to specific exposomal factors, their interaction with each other, and the modification of their effects on the skin by genetic factors. We also review the evidence that exposure to these exposomal factors causes extrinsic skin aging by mechanisms that critically involve the accumulation of macromolecular damage and the subsequent development of functionally altered and/or senescent fibroblasts in the dermal compartment of the skin.

Automated summary

The skin, as a barrier organ, is an ideal model for studying environmentally-induced aging. This review explains how exposure to specific exposomal factors can lead to extrinsic skin aging, involving interactions between these factors and genetic modifications, ultimately causing macromolecular damage and changes in fibroblasts in the dermal compartment of the skin.