Skin aging

Abstract

For decades it has been appreciated that aging is the consequence of both genetic and environmental influences. Genetic factors are evident, e.g., in the >100-fold variation among species in the rate of aging; and recent studies of fruit flies, worms, and even mice have identified specific longevity genes whose modification can greatly alter lifespan [22]. Conversely, a role for -environmental factors can be deduced both from epidemiologic and laboratory-based experimental data. Such influences include ionizing radiation, severe physical and psychological stress, overeating versus caloric restriction, and in the case of skin ultraviolet irradiation. © 2011 Springer- Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.