Cellular ageing is a natural part of life, but the accumulation of senescent cells, often called “zombie cells”, can contribute to chronic inflammation, tissue dysfunction and visible signs of skin ageing. Senescent cells no longer divide but secrete inflammatory molecules, proteases and free radicals, collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). For practitioners in aesthetics, dermatology and nutrition, understanding senolytics provides an exciting avenue to support skin health at a cellular level.
What Are Senolytics?
Senolytics are compounds that selectively target and eliminate senescent cells from tissues. By removing these dysfunctional cells, senolytics can reduce inflammation, improve tissue repair and restore cellular homeostasis. In the context of skin health, senolytics may support:
These effects are particularly relevant for clients seeking both preventative and restorative skin treatments, as clearing senescent cells allows for healthier cellular turnover and regeneration.
- Enhanced collagen production and skin elasticity
- Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
- Improved tone and texture
- Optimised barrier function and hydration
These effects are particularly relevant for clients seeking both preventative and restorative skin treatments, as clearing senescent cells allows for healthier cellular turnover and regeneration.
The Role of Nutrition in Senolytic Support
Certain plant-based foods and compounds have senolytic properties or can support the body’s natural ability to manage senescent cells. These include:
A diet rich in these plant-based compounds not only supports senolytic activity but also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that help protect skin from oxidative stress, UV damage and environmental ageing factors.
- Flavonoids such as quercetin (found in apples, berries and onions)
- Fisetin (strawberries, grapes, cucumbers)
- Curcumin (turmeric)
- Polyphenols from green tea, cacao and colourful vegetables
A diet rich in these plant-based compounds not only supports senolytic activity but also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that help protect skin from oxidative stress, UV damage and environmental ageing factors.
Integrating Senolytics into Skincare and Aesthetic Practice
While senolytic supplements and compounds are still under clinical research, practitioners can incorporate this knowledge into holistic skin care strategies:
By understanding and leveraging the role of senolytics, aesthetic and dermatology professionals can offer clients a science-backed, integrative approach to reduce visible signs of ageing while promoting long-term skin resilience.
Continue your professional learning.Explore the Skin Nutrition Science Glossary, a growing resource designed for practitioners in aesthetics, nutrition and wellness science.
Article by Star Khechara
Professional agehacker, author, speaker, founder of skin nutrition institute
About me
Ex-skincare formulator and beauty author turned skin-nutrition educator: Star distilled her 20+ years of skin-health knowledge into the world’s first international accredited skin-nutrition school to teach skin therapists, facialists, face yoga practitioners and estheticians how to help their clients feed the skin from within for cellular-level rejuvenation and vibrant beauty.
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