Using scientific advances that have recently emerged from the Human Genome Project, skin scientists are beginning to gain a deeper understanding of the genes involved in the skin aging process. Gene chip technology can measure the signals sent out by thousands of genes at a time. Using gene chips, skin scientists are in the process of identifying the genes that play a role in maintaining healthy skin as well as how the signals or messages sent out by genes change as skin begins to age. Gene chip technology allowed scientists to identify exact pathways that were overly active in the older skin such as (chronic) inflammation.

Using data generated by the human genome project, out of the 20,000 to 25,000 known human genes, researchers have found around 1,500 genes that play a key role in aging skin. ‘The human genome project has made it possible to analyze aging from hundreds of genetic changes that occur in the skin during the aging process. Skin ages due to intrinsic (e.g. free radical, inflammaging, mitochondria damage) or extrinsic causes (e.g. UV radiation). Scientist have found that groups of genes involved in the various intrinsic and/or extrinsic aging process are switched on/off. About 400 genes involved in inflammation become more active associated with aging process. 40 genes involved in the collagen degradation are found to be more active with aging. About 200 genes are found to affect or weaken the activity of natural neutralizer of free radicals – the natural molecule in the body that are antioxidants – with age. Another group of genes influence how the skin reacts to sunlight.

One of the most important factors in skin aging is hydration – the way that skin collects and retains its moisture, using natural water-binding molecules in the extracellular matrix of the dermis connective tissue known as ground substance such as proteoglycan. As skin gets older, the genes that control this process (moisture retention capacity) become less active and skin can retain less moisture, leading to wrinkles. Scientist has found that up to 700 genes could be involved in this process

By narrowing down the genes involved with skin aging, researchers hope to create drugs and creams which can stimulate some genes and suppress others to restore youthful looks and prevent skin aging. By understanding how specific genes are modulated by the skin aging process, scientists have been able to tailor treatments to inhibit those processes that are overactive in the aging skin and stimulate those pathways with reduced activity in aging skin.