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repair mechanisms. Hence, the identification of compounds that specifically intervene in these mechanisms
is highly relevant for the prevention of exposome-induced skin aging. The soluble extract of Deschampsia
antarctica (a polyextremophile Gramineae), Edafence®, obtained from the leaves of the plant, has shown its
capacity to protect from the detrimental effects of cutaneous environmental factors. Regarding air
pollutants, Edafence® has the potential to induce endogenous antioxidant responses, confers protection
against toxic compounds and dioxins, and prevents alterations to tissue architecture, skin barrier integrity,
and dermal proliferation. There is also evidence that this extract reduces the impact of tobacco on cell
viability, supporting its ability to maintain and enhance the tissue repair mechanisms. Moreover, exposure
to Edafence® protects human skin from deleterious effects induced by UVR (e.g., senescence, oxidative
damage, proapoptotic stress, and alterations on extracellular matrix remodeling enzymes) and the harmful
impact exerted by visible, infrared, and blue light radiation. Finally, clinical studies conducted on the effect
of topical preparations containing Edafence® support that this aqueous extract in combination with
antioxidants and retinoids improves the integrity and the function of skin. In conclusion, although future
studies are needed to elucidate the mechanistic basis of its activity, Edafence® confers protection against
environmental aggressive factors in urban areas and prevents skin aging.

The microbiome and ageing. Abadías-Granado et al. . The skin is colonized by an enormous variety of
[3]
microbial communities (e.g., bacteria, fungi, mites, and viruses) that play a necessary role in various
essential functions and are in constant interaction with both the host as well as the immune system. Thus,
skin can be perceived as an ecosystem in which microbiota is determined by both internal (e.g., sex, age,
genetics, and immune response) and external factors (e.g., biogeography, diet, cosmetics, and lifestyle).
Under normal conditions, these communities are nonpathogenic, but its imbalance or dysbiosis, may
influence the health of the host becoming an important factor for the development of numerous diseases.
The physiological changes associated to aging disrupt the balance of cutaneous microbiota, so age-
associated dysbiosis could be a trigger of aging. In this sense, it was suggested that skin microbiome was the
most accurate indicator to predict chronological age. Accordingly, a balanced skin microbiota would offer
skin additional protection against premature aging. In fact, there is increasing interest in the use of oral and
topical probiotics as a therapy for regulation of microbiota balance, which would support skin barrier
function and protect against environmental stressors. Different studies also suggest that dysbiosis may be
involved in the genesis and progression of cancer mainly through a reaction of immune system to the
microbiome imbalance. With regard to skin cancer, the excess of Staphylococcus aureus in actinic keratoses
and squamous cell carcinomas has been described, suggesting the implication of this bacteria in the
progression from actinic keratoses to squamous cell carcinomas. In contrast, other studies have proposed
the skin microbiome to be a suppressor of tumor growth. Thus, microbiota may play a dual role in skin
cancer, promoting it or protecting against it.

[4]
Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty. Reilly and Lozano . Collagen is
an essential protein arranged in networks of fibers that provide support to the skin and contribute to the
maintenance of its strength, elasticity, and firmness. The synthesis and degradation of collagen are crucial
processes for the development, repair, and maintenance of tissues from various anatomical and
physiological systems. Fibroblasts are responsible for its production, in addition to producing other essential
proteins such as elastin or glycosaminoglycans. The activation of fibroblasts by physical tension of the
extracellular matrix (ECM), biochemical stimuli, or signaling pathways, results in an increase in the
production of collagen. Over time, from adult stage, fibroblasts become less active, collagen production
declines and collagen fibers become functionally impaired, reduced in density, and become disrupt, leading
to the loss of skin firmness. In this process, known as chrono-aging, skin becomes thin, dry, and finely
wrinkled. Oxidative stress resultant from the overproduction of ROS is one of the main causes of damage to