EVER heard of the term ‘zombie cells’?
They’re exactly what they sound like – cells that are neither living nor dead.
According to skin experts, these lingering cells could actually expedite the ageing process of our skin.
Chemical engineer and founder of Skin Masterclass, Cigdem Kemal-Yilmaz, explained how we acquire them in the first place – and what we can do to combat them.
She told Sun Health: “Our skin cells have a life cycle, and, over time, they become senescent and stop functioning at optimal levels and undergo a process called apoptosis, or cell programmed death.”
But so-called zombie skin cells don’t follow this process.
“Some skin cells do not respond to the body’s instructions for cell death,” Cigdem explained.
“Although they are non-functioning, they are not dead either, hence the term ‘zombie cells’.”
How do zombie cells cause our skin to age faster?
A few ineffective cells lingering on our face might not sound like cause for concern.
But according to the skin specialist, zombie cells can have a domino effect, “infecting other, healthy cells in proximity”.
Their effect has been likened to a single rotten fruit in a fruit basket – gradually, the mould will spread to other fruit.
Zombie cells work in the same way, contaminating nearby cells.
Cigdem explained: “These ‘zombified’ cells cause an auto-immune response in the body and, as inflammation is the root of ageing, this accelerates the ageing process.
“This can appear in the skin as fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity.”
How can I combat zombie skin cells?
Thankfully, there are some things we can do to prevent this domino ageing effect.
“To combat zombie cells, you need to stimulate collagen production as this restores skin cell populations that have been depleted from senescent cells,” Cigdem said.
“There are various methods to stimulate collagen production from supplements to injectables,” she went on, but these often come with a hefty price point.
“Retinols are a great and cost-effective way to boost collagen,” the skin specialist said.
“Fat-soluble retinol penetrates into the stratum corneum, also known as the top part of the skin’s epidermis, and, to a small extent, into the skin’s dermis as well.
“This, in turn, increases blood circulation as well as boosting collagen and elasticin production in the skin for a ‘plumping’ effect that reduces the first signs of ageing in the skin such as fine lines or wrinkles.”
What products should I go for?
Cigdem had a couple products to recommend.
The first of these was the COSRX Retinol 0.1 Cream, which retails for £30 on ASOS, BeautyBay, CultBeauty, Escentual, LookFantastic and Sephora.
The low concentration of retinol in this product makes it ideal for first-time retinol users, Cigdem explained.
It’ll smooth, hydrate and improve the look of rough, dull and slightly creased skin by stimulating collagen production in the skin and help stop sagging in its tracks.
The skin specialist’s second recommendation was another COSRX product, the Retinol 0.5 Oil – also £30.
This is a more concentrated product for intermediate-level retinol users, she explained, and can help improve the appearance of fine lines, creases, and wrinkles, while nourishing and moisturising the skin.
If £30 seems a bit too pricey, there are more affordable options you can go for.
The Ordinary offers various concentrations of retinol, from 0.2 to 2 per cent.
And prices range from £6.90 to £10.
You can find The Ordinary products at Boots, LookFantastic and CultBeauty.