Jean-Francois Nicolay, "PREVENTION OF NEURAL DEGENERATION OF THE SKIN: A Novel Anti-Aging Approach"

Aging is associated with a loss of neurons. Neuronal degeneration affects both the central nervous system, being responsible for cognitive ability decline, and the peripheral central system. In the skin, "neurodegeneration" causes sensory perception decrease and multiple physiological impairments such as altered thermoregulation, limited sweating, hypopigmentation, and impaired wound healing. The majority of cutaneous nervous endings are located in superficial layers of the skin. Environmental stress (heat, pollution, UV radiations) is a major challenge, as neurons have a low regenerative potential, and limited antioxidant defenses. Therefore, neuroprotection is needed to oppose "extrinsic aging" of the skinís nervous network. A "neuroprotective" ingredient will be presented. It is acting through a non–specific mechanism (anti–oxidant effect), and a specific mechanism (neurotrophic effect).