Cellular senescence and aging result in a reduced ability to manage persistent types of inflammation. Thus, the chronic low-level inflammation associated with aging phenotype is called “inflammaging”. Inflammaging is not only related with age-associated chronic systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but also skin aging. As the largest organ of the body, skin is continuously exposed to external stressors such as UV radiation, air particulate matter, and human microbiome. In this review article, we present mechanisms for accumulation of senescence cells in different compartments of the skin based on cell types, and their association with skin resident immune cells to describe changes in cutaneous immunity during the aging process.

Kim J, et al. Yonsei Med J. 2023 Dec;64(12):721-729. https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2023.0234

Dry and eczema-prone skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and xerotic eczema primarily indicate an impaired skin barrier function, which leads to chronic pruritus. Here, we investigated the effects of a novel emollient containing H.ECM^TM liposome, which contains a soluble proteoglycan in combination with hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid. A prospective, single-arm study was conducted on 25 participants with mild atopic dermatitis or dry skin to assess the hydration and anti-inflammatory effect of the novel emollient applied daily over four weeks. All efficacy parameters, including itching severity, transepidermal water loss, and skin hydration, improved significantly after four weeks. The in vitro and ex vivo studies confirmed the restoration of the skin’s barrier function. The study revealed the clinical and laboratory efficacy of H.ECM^TM liposome in reducing itching and improving the skin’s barrier integrity. Thus, the use of H.ECM^TM liposome can be considered a therapeutic option for dry and eczema-prone skin.

Kim J, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2022 Jan;37(5):e37. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e37

Keloid scars are fibro-proliferative conditions characterized by abnormal fibroblast proliferation and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in keloid disease. Silibinin, a natural flavonoid isolated from the seeds and fruits of the milk thistle, is known to inhibit the mTOR signaling pathway in human cervical and hepatoma cancer cells. However, the mechanisms underlying this inhibitory effect are not fully understood. This in vitro study investigated the effects of silibinin on collagen expression in normal human dermal and keloid-derived fibroblasts. We evaluated the effects of silibinin on the expressions of collagen types I and III and assessed its effects on the suppression of the mTOR signaling pathway. Our findings confirmed elevated mTOR phosphorylation levels in keloid scars compared to normal tissue specimens. Silibinin treatment significantly reduced collagen I and III expressions in normal human dermal and keloid-derived fibroblasts. These effects were accompanied by the suppression of the mTOR signaling pathway. Our findings suggest the potential of silibinin as a promising therapeutic agent for preventing and treating keloid scars. Further studies are warranted to explore the clinical application of silibinin in scar management.