Key takeaway: Senescent cells—cells that stop dividing but keep leaking inflammation—are a hidden driver of visible skin aging, and that same inflammation may spill over into the rest of the body. Declining estrogen accelerates the process, which is why skin can feel like it's aging in fast-forward during perimenopause and menopause.
The cellular science of skin aging
Most of what we're told about aging skin focuses on the surface — wrinkles, spots, whatever the newest serum promises to erase. Our recent Studio Session with Carolina Reis Oliveira, PhD in stem cell biology and tissue engineering and cofounder and CEO of OneSkin, made the case that the real story is happening underneath, at the cellular level.
Senescent cells, Carolina explained, are aging cells that have stopped dividing but still leak inflammation that speeds up aging in the cells around them.
“It's like one rotten orange in a basket,” she said. “It's getting moldy, and that eventually spoils the whole basket.”
When we're young, our immune systems clear these cells out; as we age, that clearance slows, the cells build up, and the inflammation they release breaks down collagen and weakens the skin's barrier, a real driver of the aging we see in the mirror.
That's also why “younger-looking” and “biologically younger” aren't the same thing. A wrinkle-free face isn't automatically a healthy one. Healthy skin, Carolina says, is resilient skin. It bounces back from stress, holds a strong barrier, and keeps inflammation low, wrinkles or not.
Estrogen plays a bigger role in this than most of us realize. It protects against oxidative stress, supports collagen production, and helps keep inflammation in check. When it drops during perimenopause and menopause, many women lose collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin fast. It’s part of why skin can feel like it's aging in fast-forward during this transition.
We also got into her honest take on retinol, what she really thinks about the word “anti-aging” (her answer might surprise you), and her own refreshingly simple skincare routine.
Note: You must be a member of the Livelong Women’s Circle™ to view this replay. If you aren’t a member of the Livelong Women’s Circle yet, you can sign up for a free account here. Replays will be available for 7 days from today to general Circle members. Inner Circle members have forever access to all Studio Session replays.
Want to actually try it? Carolina and her team at OneSkin are offering our community 15% off a first order — use code LIVELONG at oneskin.co/LIVELONG.
Join us for an upcoming Studio Session
📍Let's Talk GLP-1s: What's Real, What's Hype, and What's Next — Thursday, August 6, 11:10 AM PDT/2:10 PM EDT
📍Small Weights, Real Results: An Intro to Blood Flow Restriction Training — Tuesday, August 25, 1:30 PM PDT/4:30 PM EDT
Ask your own questions
The Livelong Women’s Inner Circle™ offers priority for joining all live Studio Sessions and asking your specific questions as well as replays from our Women’s Health Summits and ongoing access to all previous Studio Session replays. Use the code LLWCIRCLE for $75 off membership through the end of the month.
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The information provided about wellness and health is for general informational and educational purposes only. We are not licensed medical professionals, and the content here should not be considered medical advice. Talk to a doctor before trying any of these suggestions.
