Lear E. Brace

1 Introduction The skin is the body's largest organ, and it plays a critical role in its defense against external factors, including chemical, radiological, and biological stressors. However, research into the role of skin aging is often correlated strictly with skin appearance without considering changes in the pathobiological basis and consequences of functional decline.

INTRODUCTION Skin aging is a multifaceted process influenced by internal and external stimuli that affect the skin at the cellular and molecular level [1]. These changes lead to visible alterations, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and dry skin [2]. Intrinsic factors contributing to skin aging include the accumulation of senescent cells [2-4], melanogenesis alteration [4], reduced collagen production [5], and reduced proliferation of basal keratinocytes [6].

1 INTRODUCTION Senescent cells are defined as cells that present stable arrest of the cell cycle, typical inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP), as well as transcriptional, epigenetic, metabolic, and morphological changes.1, 2 As stated by Munhoz et al., while necessary for proper embryonic development and tissue regeneration, senescent cells contribute to the age-associated deterioration of tissue function when accumulated.3 As such, research has shown that the...