THE PATHWAYS OF SKIN AGING AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL
A breakthrough in Reverse Aging applied to the skin: targeting dysfunctional biomarkers with age to increase skin longevity.
Skin, a longevity actor.
A recent publication in Nature Aging by the Dior Reverse Aging board and LVMH Recherche reveals that the skin, far from being a mere witness to aging, is a major contributor to it. It particularly participates in stem cell exhaustion and chronic* inflammation*.
The “Skin Longevity Compass”: Identification of 15 pathways involved in skin-specific aging.
The “Skin Longevity Compass” by Dior, the result of 50 years of research and a partnership with Professor Vadim Gladyshev, a member of the Dior Reverse Aging board, decodes 15 biological pathways of skin aging at the molecular, cellular, and tissue level. A transcriptomic mapping of skin cells was performed on donors aged 25 to 80, analyzing over 12,000 genes and 1,000 biomarkers, to precisely decipher the skin’s age signature.
A closer look at 3 important pathways of skin longevity.
Following the pathways described at the organism level by C. Lopez-Otin in 2023, Dior highlights three aging pathways in the skin.
• Circadian Rhythms or the science of cycles: Circadian rhythms orchestrate biological functions over a 24-hour cycle. This new study highlights an alteration in the expression of 7 clock genes, confirming the central role of circadian rhythms in skin aging.
• Oxidative Stress, an invisible threat: Every day, the skin is exposed to oxidative stress. Dior’s study measured that with age, the expression of antioxidant factors decreases, affecting 8 genes and destabilizing an essential mechanism for protecting skin youth.
• Dermal Matrix, the support of skin youth: The dermis is mainly composed of an extracellular matrix that gives the skin its mechanical properties. Over time, dermal cells lose their ability to synthesize these components. Dior Science precisely identifies 39 markers to act upon to reverse this process. This important pathway of skin aging has also recently been added to the list of markers of organismal aging**.
**From geroscience to precision geromedicine: understanding and managing aging, Kroemer G., Cell. 2025 Apr 17;188(8):2043-2062.
Dior Science: 50 Years of excellence in skin youth.
With 5 international expertise centers and over 650 employees, Dior, backed by LVMH Recherche, has been a pioneer in skin rejuvenation for more than 50 years. This collaboration, which has resulted in over 700 scientific publications and 300 patents, reflects Dior’s commitment to going further in treating skin aging.
• Stem cell science: a pioneer since the 2000s, Dior has unveiled the secrets of skin regeneration.
• Inflamm’aging science: 25 years of research on chronic inflammation by LVMH Recherche for Dior have led to the development of strategies to effectively correct its visible effects.
• Micro-nutrition science: by connecting cellular nutrition and skin youth, Dior has developed true expertise in anti-aging micro-nutrition applied to skin care.
• With exclusive bioactives: from the first natural liposome in 1986 to the latest patented innovations, LVMH Recherche has constantly pushed the boundaries of efficacy for Dior by developing increasingly targeted active ingredients.
The identification of skin aging biomarkers for visible efficacy
A pioneer in skin stem cell research, Dior Capture’s OXC-Treatment technology stimulates oxygen transport, enabling a triple increase in type I collagen production1. The skin becomes firmer and better regenerated with the Serum and Cream.
1. In vitro test on ingredient.
An expert in inflamm’aging and micronutrition, Dior Prestige, with its Rosapeptide™ bioactive complex derived from the Rose de Granville, can multiply pro-collagen I1 and elastin2 production by 3, and hyaluronic acid3 production by 5. The Micro-huile de Rose and the cream exceptionally reverse the fundamental signs of aging: density, elasticity, and firmness.
1. In vitro test on Rosapeptide™ on Pro-density marker.
2. In vitro test on Rosapeptide™ on Elastin.
3. In vitro test on Rose molecular fraction on Hyaluronic acid.
The Golden Drop Life Technology™ from l’Or de Vie, sourced from the Yquem vineyard, acts
on cellular senescence, reducing the biological age of associated biomarkers by 20 years while stimulating the skin’s longevity system: SuperOxide Dismutase, protein of life, (+150%)1, Sirtuins (+30%)2, and NAD+ (+20%)3.
1. In vitro test on ingredient.
2. In vitro tests on ingredients.
3. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. In vitro test on ingredient: effect on the NAD+ precursor by the sap extract.
Reverse Aging for skin longevity
The culture of “aging better” is underway. Scientific progress is now tangible. Dior Science and LVMH Recherche will continue to innovate for lasting skin youth, anchored in a holistic approach to well-being.
Dr Virginie Couturaud
Docteur en Pharmacie, diplômée d’Etudes approfondies en Biologie Cutanée et Cosmétologie, Virginie Couturaud est directrice de la communication scientifique chez Parfums Christian Dior. Spécialiste de l’évaluation de l’efficacité cutanée, elle met en avant la science au service de la bonne santé de la peau.Doctor of Pharmacy with an advanced degree in Cutaneous Biology and Cosmetology, Virginie Couturaud is the Scientific Communication Director at Parfums Christian Dior. As a specialist in skin efficacy evaluation, she champions science in the service of optimal skin health.
