Ageing is a universal concern as people worldwide are living longer. According to world demographics, the proportion of the population aged between 65 and 85 is steadily growing in all countries. As a result of improved global health conditions, the increasing ageing population leads to new challenges in managing age-related skin disorders.
At a biological level, skin ageing results from intrinsic factors like genetic predisposition, oxidative stress, etc., leading to fine wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity. Sun exposure or pollutants are extrinsic factors that accelerate skin ageing, resulting in premature loss of skin homeostasis and barrier function, as well as hyperpigmentation.
To design interventional strategies/compounds that will address various skin conditions, a deep understanding of the molecular pathways underpinning the ageing process is critical.
The Ageing Programme brings together biologists, engineers, and clinicians to understand the mechanisms driving skin ageing, enabling us to develop better treatments to slow the ageing process, treat age-related skin disorders and improve patient care.
Asian skin ages differently from Caucasian skin and can be more prone to skin conditions (e.g. hyperpigmentation). One focus area is the study of the differences between Asian and Caucasian skin in detail so that more customised treatments can be developed.
Another goal of the Ageing Programme is to understand how genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors impact our skin, with the goal of developing more effective treatments to delay stress-induced skin ageing.
For more information on the SKIN AGEING Programme, please contact Dr. Leah Vardy, Dr. Oliver Dreesen, and Dr. Sophie Bellanger