You may have heard the age-old saying that beauty is only skin-deep. Considering the complexity and function of our skin’s extracellular matrix, that creates a whole new meaning to the term. But how pivotal is focusing on repairing our cells to a healthy complexion? What impact do our genetics and other influences have in swaying the cellular cycle of our skin?

Ahead, experts share how our cells affect the behavior and appearance of our skin and some approaches to consider when future-proofing our complexion.

From Cell Death to Regeneration: Rebuilding After Injury

The ability to regrow lost or damaged tissues is widespread, but highly variable among animals. Understanding this variation remains a challenge in regeneration biology. Numerous studies from Hydra to mouse have shown that apoptosis acts as a potent and necessary mechanism in regeneration. Much is known about the involvement of apoptosis during normal development in regulating the number and type of cells in the body. In the context of regeneration, apoptosis also regulates cell number and proliferation in tissue remodeling. Apoptosis acts both early in the process to stimulate regeneration and later to regulate regenerative patterning. Multiple studies indicate that apoptosis acts as a signal to stimulate proliferation within the regenerative tissues, producing the cells needed for full regeneration. The conservation of apoptosis as a regenerative mechanism demonstrated across species highlights its importance and motivates the continued investigation of this important facet of programmed cell death. This review summarizes what is known about the roles of apoptosis during regeneration, and compares regenerative apoptosis with the mechanisms and function of apoptosis in development. Defining the complexity of regenerative apoptosis will contribute to new knowledge and perspectives for understanding mechanisms of apoptosis induction and regulation.

Our Skin Cells

Like any living organism, our skin is made up of billions of cells that help it on the surface to function optimally.

Our skin cells are the cornerstone of the human body, intricately woven together, with different functions. Elastin, collagen, proteins, and proteoglycans join to form what is more commonly known as the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers of the skin.When these cells become damaged through various factors (like environmental, lifestyle, nutritional, or physical stressors), it can cause an imbalance in our skin’s ecosystem. This may result in our skin reacting visibly with changes like inflammation, pigmentation, premature aging, dehydration, redness, or dryness.

Genetics and Cellular Repair

As individuals, we are all unique, and we can also say this for the genetic makeup of our skin and how our cells behave. “Genetics influence our skin’s behavior, the size of oil glands, lipid content, and melanin richness, all these factors play a role in the way that the skin responds,” Ziad Halub, the Founder of Supper Club Skincare, says. “Skin conditions, like pigmentation, can be heavily influenced by our genetic coding. Skin color affects how the skin protects itself against UV damage. All skin types experience photoaging, but different ethnic groups have different mechanisms to deal with photodamage more successfully than others. ” Ultimately, often underplayed, genetics play an important part in the formula for optimal skin health.

Lifestyle Influences

Genetics isn’t the only significant influence when considering the restoration of the skin’s matrix, and lifestyle factors are also contributors. “Our appearance is reflected in the quality of our whole lifestyle,” explains Professor Bader, Founder of Augustinus Bader. “Epigenetic science tells us that how we age is dependent on 30 percent of our genes and 70 percent on what we do with them.”

Bader also adds that lifestyle factors comprise diet, sleep, exercise, and geography. “These factors can eventually cause chemical modifications around the genes that will turn those genes on or off over time,” he says. As Bader outlines, the genes in our skin are permanent, but we can influence the way they behave and function, and when we nourish and support our bodies, our skin can become the best version of itself.

Repair Versus Regeneration

So, if prioritizing a balanced and healthy complexion, you may be wondering if you should focus on repair or regeneration. “Cellular turnover is the consequence of cellular repair,” Dr. Francessa Ferri, Head Scientist at Irene Forte Skincare, says. “It results in antioxidants counteracting the production of free radicals, induces the skin’s cell viability, activates tissue regeneration, and positively influences the microRNAs linked to skin aging,” she explains. According to Dr. Ferri, the key is striving for a happy medium between repair and regeneration.

Recently, experts have started exploring how high-percentage acids and potent exfoliation treatments compromise the skin as the industry strives for cellular turnover and regeneration. “Not only does high percentage acids and potent exfoliating facial treatments affect the barrier function, but it can also make the skin work harder to repair itself against damage,” Halub says. “Yes, this results in higher cell turnover and can stimulate collagen production, but it also sensitizes the skin, which can increase redness, irritation, inflammation, and photosensitivity.”

A Holistic and Balanced Approach

Experts say it is vital to adopt a skin approach that considers topical skincare and lifestyle habits. Combeau Founder Erika Fogeiro tells Byrdie that small yet sustainable steps can support cellular regeneration. “Each day without satisfying our organism’s needs brings on new cellular damages which, in the long run, have repercussions on our skin’s well-being,” she explains.

We each have the potential to course-correct our cells, and it requires knowledge and education around our genetic disposition, skincare products, and lifestyle influences that will ultimately map and future-proof the health of our skin.

Modifying Your Routine

To support cell repair and aid regeneration, it’s essential to look inward. “Each individual requires different things, but there are two constants: The first is anti-inflammatory ingredients and supplements,” Halub says. “By calming down inflammation within the skin and body, it relieves the stress on the body and allows for healthier cells.” Secondly, Halub says an antioxidant-rich diet and skin regimen will help against free-radical damage.

While the approach we can take to cellular repair isn’t straightforward, healing from within alongside topical treatments, optimizing qualitative supplements, and prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits is one step towards a balanced and healthy complexion.

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