Researchers look into the cellular mechanisms behind saggy jowls

 

Have you ever looked in the mirror at your loose neck skin and wondered what exactly happens when the skin ages? Well, researchers at the Karolinska Institute and Helsinki University, Max Planck Institute for Biology and Aging and the University of Wisconsin conducted a study to determine the mechanisms behind thinning skin.

The study authors found that the oxygen radicals that are produced by mitochondria – the cell's energy metabolizer – have a tendency to damage cell structures, leading to deteriorated skin, gray hair, baldness, osteoporosis and anemia.

"This suggests that oxygen radicals can regulate stem cell function and that these cells are very susceptible for mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings may also be important to understand mechanisms of mitochondrial disease," said researcher Suomalainen Wartiovaara.

Authors of the study said that antioxidants work to rid the body of damaging free radicals. This suggests that consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help slow the aging process.

In addition, it may be helpful to use the best neck creams that contain antioxidant-rich ingredients in order to firm neck skin.