Antiaging: Where Are the Data?

Much of cosmetic dermatology is directed toward maintaining a youthful appearance of the skin. Thus, it behooves cosmetic dermatologists to understand both external and internal drivers of skin aging. Skin-specific drivers of aging such as UV light exposure, cigarette smoking, and overall health status have been illuminated in the literature. Human and animal studies have identified several drivers of systemic or organism-wide aging, as well as potential interventions to slow the rate of aging. These include calorie restriction, reduction of carbohydrate intake, modulation of insulinlike growth factor-I, use of antioxidants, adequate exercise and sleep, and reduction of stress. There are some data to recommend lifestyle changes to slow aging; however, much remains to be studied.