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What makes skin look young: biological markers

What makes skin look young: biological markers How does our skin age? As we grow old, we can notice visible signs of aging, such as fine lines or loss of firmness. But within our body, our skin's biological mechanisms allow us to learn more about how we age, before these signs even appear. Today, scientific research focuses increasingly on biological markers. These measurable indicators are great tools that reveal how our skin functions and evolves over time. This approach makes it possible to move beyond surface observations and explore the biological age of the skin, opening the way to more targeted and preventive longevity skincare strategies.
Creation Date:
Update Date: 14 Jul 2026

What factors influence skin aging?

What factors influence skin aging? How does skin aging work? This is a progressive, multifactorial and uneven process, depending on each individual's skin. When our skin gets older, many biological processes naturally slow down: cellular regeneration, collagen and elastin production, but also the skin barrier's ability to repair and protect itself. At the cellular level, mitochondria (the so-called powerhouse of the cells) also play a key role. Indeed, mitochondria produce the energy required for our cells to function properly, repair and renew themselves. As mitochondrial activity gradually decreases with age, cells may become less efficient, which can contribute to visible changes in the skin.

Skin aging is also influenced by external factors (such as sun exposure, pollution or oxidative stress) which may accelerate the biological processes involved in aging. So, it is essential to bear in mind that the skin does not age as a whole: some functions decline earlier than others, depending on our lifestyle, the care we take of our skin, the environment, as well as our genetics and hormonal variations, specific to each individual.

What are biological markers?

Biomarkers (or biological markers) are measurable indicators in our body. They give us precious information about our biological condition. A biological marker is actually a measurable signal that tells us what is happening within our body, a key indicator of our health, potential illness, and our aging process. When it comes to aging biomarkers, examples include: collagen production, mitochondrial activity, cell turnover rate, oxidative stress levels, skin thickness… These factors allow scientists to objectively measure the condition and aging of the skin, rather than relying solely on appearance and visible signs of aging (such as wrinkles, fine lines, firmness, loss of radiance, etc.).

How biological markers help us better understand our skin aging process

With the belief that biological markers are essential tools for cosmetic research and the development of long-lasting skincare products, Lancôme has conducted extensive research on biomarkers. Our teams have identified more than 260 cutaneous biomarkers linked to the parameters of skin longevity. These are measurable biological signals such as proteins, molecular markers. Rather than just our chronological age, they reflect the actual biological age of our skin, not just its current appearance. They can signal potential future aging issues and help us act preventively to preserve our skin's longevity, before the signs of aging even appear.

Working with the Korean start-up NanoEntek, Lancôme has developed an innovative device to analyze these biomarkers, directly from the surface of the skin. This new tool, Longevity AI Cloud™, can estimate the skin's biological age. Out of the full map of 260 biomarkers, the device focuses on 5 key biomarkers that serve as reliable indicators of skin aging dynamics. It helps us understand the complex mechanisms that influence skin vitality and youthfulness, by detecting even the tiniest, invisible changes. Derived from computational biology, this comprehensive biological mapping of skin and hair longevity is truly a first in the beauty industry.

Absolue Longevity MD by Lancôme, a range dedicated to skin's longevity

What if a skincare range could truly influence your biological age and transform your skin aging journey? With Absolue Longevity MD, Lancôme introduces the first skincare range validated by medical doctors, designed not around chronological age but biological age.

Mitopure®, a cutting-edge ingredient for skin longevity

Powered by L'Oréal Longevity Integrative Science, Absolue Longevity MD goes beyond treating visible signs of aging. It targets the root causes of skin aging at the cellular level, placing control of your skin's life trajectory into your hands. At the heart of Absolue Longevity MD lies Mitopure® by Timeline, the leading Urolithin A for longevity, now exclusively infused in skincare. Mitopure® is a pure, validated form of Urolithin A that acts directly on mitochondria, renewing cellular energy at its source. By revitalizing the skin's powerhouses, it helps restore optimal regeneration, skin repair, and vitality.

Our first proactive personalized & longevity skincare to reverse your skin's visible biological age, at every life stage.

Skin does not age all at once. Absolue Longevity MD unfolds into three targeted sub-ranges, each calibrated to a distinct biological moment:

Anticipate (Early Age): For younger skin, acting on aging signs before they appear.

Intercept (Mid-Age): For skin in its mid-life phase, tackling aging signs as they appear.

Reset (Mature Age): For more mature skin, addressing aging signs after they appear.

Each phase features a dedicated products, formulated with Mitopure® to deliver results.

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