1. What Is Cellular Aging?

Skin aging begins at the cellular level. When cells divide beyond a certain number of times or are exposed to various stresses, they enter a state called ‘cellular senescence,’ in which they no longer divide.[4] These senescent cells do not simply stop functioning; they secrete various signaling molecules known as ‘SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype),’ which can also affect surrounding healthy cells.[5]

2. Why Collagen Decreases Dramatically After the Mid-30s

Collagen, the key component that maintains skin elasticity and volume, begins to decline in production from the mid-20s. Research indicates that after the 30s, collagen decreases by approximately 1% each year.[6] This change is associated with a decline in the function of fibroblasts in the skin’s dermal layer.[7]

Fibroblasts are the primary cells that produce collagen and elastin. As these cells age, their capacity to produce collagen decreases while the activity of collagen-degrading enzymes (matrix metalloproteinase, MMP) increases.[8] As a result, the skin gradually loses its firmness and wrinkles deepen.

3. How Senescent Cells Make Surrounding Cells Age

One important characteristic of senescent cells is that they can influence the surrounding microenvironment by spreading signals of functional decline. The SASP secreted by senescent cells contains various cytokines and growth factors that can transmit aging signals to neighboring healthy cells.[9] This is known as ‘paracrine senescence’ and is being studied as one of the primary causes of accelerated aging.

In skin science, research on ‘senolytics,’ selectively managing these senescent cells, and ‘reverse aging,’ restoring senescent cell function to a youthful state, is being actively conducted.[10][11]

Amorepacific has combined ingredients discovered from nature with advanced biotechnology to develop various technologies that can help restore damaged skin structure and enhance skin vitality.

1. RE.D FlavonoidTM: Reverse Aging Technology Discovered from Camellia

RE.D FlavonoidTM is a bioflavonoid ingredient extracted from camellia seeds using eco-friendly methods. This ingredient can help reverse aged skin cells to a youthful state by inhibiting PDK1 (3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1), a key factor in skin reverse aging.[3][17][18]

In clinical studies, results showed a two-fold increase in moisture content, a 3.5-fold improvement in skin density, a nine-fold enhancement in translucency, and 50% reduction in wrinkles. This was the first verification of skin reverse aging effects in human studies, earning NET (New Excellent Technology) certification from Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2022.[18]

2. SenomuneTM: Senolytics Technology Discovered from Green Tea

Senolytics is an approach to managing aging by reducing senescent cells that can affect skin aging or by weakening the harmful signals that senescent cells secrete.[10][11] After screening over 100 in-house and third-party ingredients, Amorepacific identified tea plant root extract (a triterpenoid saponin family compound) that may possess senolytic and senomorphic properties.[22] Based on this, Amorepacific developed ‘SenomuneTM’ technology that targets aging-related factors, and subsequently filed a patent for ‘senotherapy composition comprising tea plant root extract’ (Application No. 10-2023-0084876) to advance the technology.[23]

3. Epigenetics: Gene Expression Optimization Technology

Epigenetics is the study of how gene expression is regulated without changes to the DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes are also known to play an important role in the skin aging process.[12]

Amorepacific has been conducting ‘Skin Epigenetics’ research in collaboration with the Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology. In partnership with domestic experts, including Professor Sung Hee Baek of Seoul National University (epigenetic regulation of autophagy and skin aging) and Professor Dong Hun Lee of Seoul National University College of Medicine (interaction between DNA methylation and histone modifications), Amorepacific is researching the potential for epigenetic regulation of skin aging.[24]

Based on this research, Amorepacific conducted a clinical study on 23 pairs of identical twin sisters with different skin conditions to answer the question, ‘Can innate genetic limitations be overcome?’ The results showed that the twin with relatively poorer skin condition (the recessive side) reversed the skin level of the twin with better skin condition (the dominant side) within just 8 weeks.[25] This demonstrates the potential of an epigenetic approach, indicating that skin conditions can be improved through lifestyle and environmental management even when genetic conditions are identical.

4. Precision Delivery Technology: Effective Penetration of Active Ingredients

No matter how excellent an ingredient is, it is difficult to achieve results if it cannot be delivered deep into the skin. Amorepacific has developed precision delivery technologies that effectively transport active ingredients to targeted areas of the skin.[13]

5. Scalp Vitality Technology: Follicle Activation

The scalp is also part of the skin and is affected by aging. Amorepacific is researching technologies that may help promote scalp health and hair growth through follicle stem cell activation.[14]

6. Device Technology: Skin Care Using Advanced Devices

Using devices alongside skincare products may help enhance skin care results. Amorepacific is developing home-care beauty devices based on skin science research.