Transcription Factor p53 and Skin Aging

Abstract—The review is dedicated to one of the molecular factors of skin aging essential for cosmetic medicine for the elderly. Cell renewal processes slow down with aging, and the proliferation–apoptosis equilibrium shifts towards cell death. One of the pivotal apoptotic markers is transcription factor p53. Its expression in skin keratinocytes increases under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Mutant forms of p53 have been revealed in 70% of keratinocytes of skin exposed to ultraviolet radiation. On the one hand, suppression of p53 expression decreases apoptosis in skin cells, thereby decelerating senescence. On the other hand, it promotes the development of neoplasms in the skin. Thus, support of the physiological balance of p53 expression in skin cells is important for theoretical and practical gerontocosmetology. In addition, p53 can be used as a marker for skin cell functionality in response to anti-aging cosmetic products and to instrumental cosmetology.