A Review on Calorie Restriction and Skin Aging

Skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by the interaction of intrinsic factors, such as genetic, hormonal, and metabolic changes, and extrinsic factors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, smoking, and dietary habits. The combined effects of these factors lead to various structural and functional alterations in the skin, including reduced collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix degradation, increased oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and impaired cellular regeneration. Clinically, these changes manifest as wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. In recent years, nutritional interventions have emerged as a promising approach to delay the skin aging process. Among these strategies, calorie restriction has gained considerable attention due to its potential anti-aging effects. Calorie restriction is defined as a reduction in energy intake without causing malnutrition while maintaining an adequate supply of essential nutrients to preserve metabolic homeostasis. It has been shown to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species, attenuate oxidative stress, suppress chronic systemic inflammation, and modulate several molecular pathways involved in aging, including the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), mammalian target of mTOR(definition)-inhibiting drug studied for extending healthspan and lifespan." style="text-decoration:underline dotted; text-underline-offset:2px; cursor:help;">rapamycin(definition) (mTOR), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and sirtuin signaling pathways. Through these mechanisms, calorie restriction may help preserve skin structural integrity, improve cellular function, and delay the onset of visible signs of skin aging. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying skin aging, elucidate the relationship between nutrition and skin health, and summarize the current scientific evidence regarding the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of calorie restriction in slowing the skin aging process. The findings of this review are expected to serve as a foundation for the development of nutrition-based preventive and therapeutic strategies to promote skin health and improve the quality of life in the aging population.