Current Aging Science - Online First

Skin aging is a complex biological process driven by intrinsic factors, such as genetics and cellular metabolism, and extrinsic factors, including environmental stressors like UV radiation, pollution, and lifestyle choices. These factors result in visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, reduced skin elasticity, and pigmentation. This review presents the recent findings on phytoextracts as natural anti-aging agents, highlighting their bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and applications in skin rejuvenation.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, focusing on articles published from 2000 to 2023. Search terms such as “phytoextracts and skin aging,” “natural antioxidants and collagen synthesis,” and “bioactive compounds and skin rejuvenation” were used. Inclusion criteria involved peer-reviewed studies on phytoextracts with experimental evidence of anti-aging effects, focusing on human and in-vitro models. Exclusion criteria included non-English articles, review papers without experimental data, and studies unrelated to skin aging. Recent research articles focusing on skin aging mechanisms and the efficacy of phytoextracts were identified. Particular attention was given to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-boosting properties of phytoextracts.

This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms through which phytoextracts counteract oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix degradation. Notable examples include the role of resveratrol in activating longevity genes, curcumin in reducing UV-induced damage, and ginseng in improving skin elasticity. These compounds were found to exhibit potent anti-aging mechanisms through their antioxidant activity and collagen-boosting effects. Advanced delivery technologies, such as nanocarriers, enhance the efficacy of these bioactives.

Phytoextracts demonstrate significant potential in combating skin aging by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and enhancing collagen production. While the results are promising, further clinical studies are required to validate their long-term efficacy and safety in skin aging management.

Regular physical activity (PA) promotes mental and physical health. Nevertheless, inactivity is a worldwide pandemic, and methods to augment exercise benefits are required. The constrained disorder principle (CDP) characterizes biological systems based on their inherent variability. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between intra-individual variability in PA and disability among non-athlete adults.

In this retrospective analysis of the longitudinal SHARE survey, we included non-disabled adults aged >50 with at least six visits over 14 years. Self-reported PA frequency was documented bi- to triennially. Low PA intensity was defined as vigorous PA frequency less than once a week. Stable PA was described as an unchanged PA intensity in all consecutive middle observations. The primary outcome was defined as a physical limitation in everyday activities at the end of the survey. Secondary outcomes were cognitive functions, including short-term memory, long-term memory, and verbal fluency.

The study included 2,049 non-disabled adults with a mean age of 53 and 49.1% women. In the initially high PA intensity group, variability in PA was associated with increased physical disability prevalence (23.3% vs. 33.2%, stablevs.unstable PA; P<0.01; adjusted P<0.01). In the initially low PA intensity group, variability was associated with a reduced physical disability (45.6% vs. 33.3%, stablevs.unstable PA; P=0.02; adjusted P=0.03). There were no statistically significant differences in cognitive parameters between the groups. Among individuals with the same low PA intensity at the beginning and end of follow-up, variability was associated with reduced physical disability (56.9% vs. 36.5%, stablevs.unstable PA; P=0.02; adjusted P=0.04) and improved short-term memory (score change: -0.28 vs. +0.29, stablevs.unstable PA; P=0.05).

Incorporating variability into PA regimens of inactive adults may enhance their physical and cognitive benefits.