Skin aging and immune system

Abstract

Skin, as the largest body interface with the environment and the first line of defense against pathogenic invasions, experiences significant changes during ageing. Ageing occurs at the cellular level and reflects both a genetic program and cumulative environmentally imposed damage. The naturally occurring functional decline in the skin is often compounded and accelerated by chronic environmental insults, such as ultra violet and infrared irradiation as well as environmental carcinogens in the air. Several phenomena are responsible for ageing including telomere shortening, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. In ageing, all components of the skin like epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissues are subject to several changes during ageing which results in susceptibility to several diseases including infections and cancers. In addition, immunosenescence itself, results in several changes in innate and adaptive immunity system in the skin.