What Really Causes Skin Aging? A Look Beyond Outdated Studies

Written By Whitney Ebejer

Outdated Claims From Past Research

For decades, much of what we believed about skin aging came from early studies in the 1970s and 1990s that compared the thinnest skin on the face (which is also most sun‑exposed) with the thickest skin on the body, like the buttocks (which is usually sun‑protected). Read Study
Twin studies from the 1990s also suggested that about 80% of visible skin aging was due to environmental exposure—mostly UV damage—while only about 20% was genetically driven. Read Study

But here’s the problem:
✅ These early studies did not account for lifestyle factors like diet, stress, inflammation, sleep, or pollution.
✅ They overlooked the complex biology of inflammation, oxidative stress, and genetics that we now know play huge roles.
✅ They were based on cross‑sectional observations, not modern molecular science.

Updated Insights From Modern Research

More recent dermatology research paints a far more nuanced picture. Skin aging is a multifactorial process, shaped by both intrinsic (genetic and biological) and extrinsic (environmental and lifestyle) factors.

Modern reviews show:

  • Genetics and epigenetics influence about 25–30% of how our skin ages (Nature 2022).

  • UV exposure & pollution contribute a significant portion, but not the whole story (PMC 2018).

  • Chronic inflammation (“inflammaging”), stress hormones, and diet all drive cellular senescence and collagen breakdown (PMC 2023, PMC 2022).

  • Nutrition plays a large role; low antioxidants and high sugar intake speed up glycation and oxidative stress (PMC 2013, AJCN 2023).

  • Topical science has advanced to target senescent cells, rebuild collagen, and reduce inflammaging.

How Much Do These Factors Contribute?

Based on combined data from modern dermatology reviews, genetic studies, and environmental research, experts now estimate approximate contributions like this:

Factor Approximate Contribution to Skin Aging Key References

  • UV & Pollution (extrinsic environmental) ~40–50% (PMC 2018, PMC 2023)

  • Genetics & Epigenetics (intrinsic) ~25–30% (Nature 2022, PMC 2025)

  • Chronic Inflammation (inflammaging) ~10–15% (PMC 2023)

  • Diet & Nutrition ~10% (PMC 2013)

  • Stress & Lifestyle Factors (sleep, smoking, etc.) ~5–10% (PMC 2014)

(Percentages are approximate and interact with one another; they’re not perfectly additive.)

Tips to Support Your Skin From Aging

Here’s how you can take action—internally and externally—based on today’s research:

🥗 Internal Support

  • Keep stress and inflammation down: Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which speeds up collagen breakdown and inflammaging.

  • Follow a low‑carb, low‑sugar diet: This minimizes glycation (AGEs) that stiffen and break down collagen fibers.

  • Load up on antioxidants: Colorful vegetables, berries, green tea, and omega‑3 fats help fight oxidative stress.

  • Consider supplements: Consult your doctor about vitamins C, D, zinc, glutathione, coQ10 and omega‑3s to support skin health.

This is not medical advice. Always consult your physician before starting any new diet or supplement.

💧 External Support

🌟 Final Thoughts

Skin aging is not as simple as sun vs. no sun. It’s a complex interplay of your genetics, environment, lifestyle, and skincare habits. Thankfully, we now have a far better understanding—and more tools than ever—to slow the process and keep your skin healthy and vibrant.

By protecting from the outside and nourishing from the inside, you can make a real difference in how your skin looks and feels for years to come.

To schedule an appointment or consultation for skin care treatments & home care routines Click Here

To inquire with a Doctor of Osteopathy (Functional Medacine) for internal help Click Here

Whitney Ebejer
Next

The Secret Behind Premature Skin Aging: Understanding and Reversing Inflammaging