Longevity Science & Skin Secrets

The Hard Cell: How The Science Of Skincare Is Changing

The secret to healthier skin? Working with its natural ageing process. Olivia de Courcy gets smart about cell senescence.

Over the past few years, longevity has become the beauty buzzword. It’s a concept based on the simple principle: prevention is better than cure. And something that was once an in-clinic principle with its advanced devices and injectables to prevent the onset of core factors of ageing such as fine lines, skin laxity and pigmentation, has now extended onto our bathroom shelves.

The industry is embracing this evolution, with scientists redefining the foundations of skincare longevity. ‘What excites me most about longevity science in skincare is how we’re expanding the conversation beyond just correcting signs of aging to proactively supporting the skin’s long-term health and function,’ shares Dr Annie Black, international scientific director at Lancôme. ‘Skincare is becoming more adaptive, and more rooted in the biology of how skin ages, not just how it looks.’

For some, this is a complete reversal of long-held beliefs about how skin should be treated, as Joanna Ellner, ex-journalist and founder of skincare brand Reome, notes: ‘As a former beauty director, I wrote often about the perceived need to voraciously encourage cell turnover – the eternal pursuit of fresh, new baby cells to do away with the old, and ergo, look 10 years younger. Now, based on the growing body of research, I think completely contrary to that. Our cells – the ones we have now – should be protected, nourished, and preserved, slowing down the need for accelerated turnover, and in doing so, we extend the life and youthfulness of skin, right where it is.’

The problem that the longevity movement has emerged to solve, is that ‘our life span is continuously increasing, but our health span remains stagnant,’ says Professor Jacques Proust, medical director of Nescens Preventive Medicine Centre. He notes there are 15 factors of biological ageing, and one of the biggest culprits of premature ageing is skin senescence. ‘Senescence occurs when cells stop naturally dividing and become stagnant. Instead of dying, they start secreting inflammatory markers,’ says Proust. ‘They are known as “zombie cells” because they contaminate those around them.’ It’s not something that can necessarily be prevented; senescence is a natural part of ageing, but it can be delayed, and there are a host of buzzy ingredients that can help reduce the inflammation and contamination of neighbouring, healthy cells.

Find out more at the link below.

Spotlight: Legato Eau de Parfum

Legato Eau de Parfum 100ml by Miller Harris, £180 | millerharris.com

British fragrance house Miller Harris is proud to announce the launch of Legato Eau de Parfum. The latest addition to its evocative Stories collection, inspired by passages of text from Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson. This addictive, alluring and sweet scent is a modern take on a vanilla gourmand, with an essence of cherry coupled with sandalwood and musk.

Does Ear Seeding Actually Work?

A holistic practice that has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ear seeding is trending on TikTok right now, where devotees are raving about the wellness benefits. But what actually is it? And does it really work?

What is ear seeding?

‘Ear seeding is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that works by gently stimulating pressure points on the ear to bring balance to the body and mind,’ explains Giselle Boxer, who founded her ear seed brand East Healing after winning backing on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. ‘Tiny seeds are placed on specific points, which correspond to different organs and systems, helping to improve sleep, support mood, release tension and ease stress.’

What are the benefits?

There are supposedly a whole host of skin, health, stress reduction and pain relief benefits associated with ear seeding. And while it might all sound a bit woo woo, the World Health Organisation officially recognises auricular therapy – which includes ear seeding – as an effective form of microacupuncture.

Can you do it yourself?

Nowadays, there are many safe at-home kits which guide you through administering the seeds yourself, such as East Healing and AcuPips. They come complete with ear maps, which you can use to identify areas you’re keen to improve.

But, if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, auricular therapy is also on offer at many acupuncture and wellness clinics.

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Wellness Pop-Ups & Events To Book Now

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Win A Three Months’ Supply Of NIANCE’s Age-Reversing Epigen12 Cell Renewal Supplements

As we’re all considering how to keep our bodies fit and healthy for longer, investing in cell renewal is more crucial than ever. Want to set your biological clock back by 12 years? Enter now to win a three months’ supply of NIANCE‘s age-reversing Epigen12 Cell Renewal supplements worth £855.