ABSTRACT
Since skin projects socially valuable attributes such as status, wealth, sexuality, and age, the demand for younger-looking skin in older age is a reality for a growing sector of our society. Between 2000 and 2050, the percentage of elderly American citizens is expected to increase from 12% to 21%. The “baby boomers” cohort of 76 million people will make up a signicant portion of the population during this time.1 Although safe and effective anti-aging skin care may be targeted towards the elderly, concern over aging skin is not limited to this population. Psychosocial complications due to aging skin, including social anxiety, depression, and isolation, are also observed in much younger people.2 In one study, more than 50% of women under 30 years old reported dissatisfaction with age-related changes in skin, including bags under their eyes, freckles, patchy hyperpigmentation, and ne wrinkles.2 This suggests that people of various ages may seek anti-aging treatments to improve self-esteem and enhance social relations. Pharmaceutical companies have produced creams and other materials to assist in cutaneous rejuvenation. These cosmetic interventions often include topical peptides and proteins as drugs to target wrinkles, rm skin, and reverse the effects of solar and natural aging of skin.
