Fibroblasts in the dermis are responsible for the production of collagen to form the connective tissue. When these fibroblasts either age or encounter too many harmful oxidative stresses, such as UV light and pollution, they become senescent. Senescent cells are also called 'zombie cells' because they no longer divide, but they are also far from being dead. Click to watch the video
Senescent cells block an intracellular pathway that promotes their apoptosis (i.e. cell death) in order to prevent their own elimination. Moreover, they continue to secrete signalling molecules that promote inflammation and can influence surrounding cells into also becoming senescent. In younger tissue, senescent cells are usually cleared by the immune system.
In aged skin and skin that has been exposed to consistent stress, senescent cells accumulate. The resulting chronic inflammation exacerbates the ageing process by promoting collagen degradation, which leads to a lack of skin elasticity.
A novel concept known as “senolytics” helps to clear tissues of senescent cells in order to reduce inflammation and rejuvenate the tissue. For the first time, the concept of senolytics has been applied in the cosmetic field.
Alpine Rose Active from Mibelle Biochemistry was shown to act as a senolytic by reducing the number of senescent cells while not affecting the number of healthy cells.
The alpine rose (Rhododendron ferrugineum) is one of the most typical and prominent Swiss alpine plants. It grows at high altitudes and has developed impressive strategies to protect itself against dehydration and the attack of radicals and pathogens. Due to the difficulty of cultivating the alpine rose, Mibelle Biochemistry collaborates with organic farmers in the Swiss Alps who harvest the precious leaves of the alpine rose carefully by hand. The practice is completely sustainable as the leaves are regenerated the following year.
Alpine Rose Active has been shown to:
• Inhibit UVA-induced photo-ageing (protein carbonylation)
• Exhibit a senolytic effect – it eliminates senescent cells while not affecting healthy cells in a negative way. This rejuvenates the entire tissue as senescent cells contribute to skin inflammation and ageing
• Significantly reduce skin redness and increase skin elasticity.
