Cellular detoxification, postbiotics and the circadian cycle: the new science for well-aging

In many ways, understanding cellular detoxification processes stands at the forefront of multiple developments in the field of well-aging cosmetics. Paired up with new discoveries around circadian rhythms and the role postbiotic ingredients can play in them, true groundbreaking developments in this area are poised to transform our notions of skin ageing processes.

With the theme ‘Rethinking science’, the IFCSS Congress in 2023 represents the perfect stage for having a look at new achievements in the field of cosmetic science in general and the way to approach cellular detoxification in particular. 

Since our first participation in 1992 at Yokohama (Japan), at Provital we’ve taken an active role in sharing our research around natural ingredients in this platform. In the case of the 33rd IFCSS Congress, it’s time for our investigation around cellular detoxification, probiotic origins and the circadian cycle.

A new approach to well-aging and cellular detoxification

Cellular detoxification can be defined as the process by which cells remove harmful substances, toxins, and cellular waste. 

The removal of harmful substances is essential because accumulated toxins can interfere with cellular processes, damage cellular structures, and lead to various health issues. Thus, cellular detoxification represents a continuous and critical physiological process that ensures cells can maintain their normal function and overall health, and it occurs in various cell types throughout the body. 

The current renovated focus on circadian rhythms has brought a new light into cellular detoxification processes. In fact, it’s now understood that the relation between cellular detoxification and the circadian cycle is quite significant. 

As the circadian cycle regulates various physiological and behavioural changes in living organisms over a 24-hour period, this internal biological clock is also present in cells involved in detoxification processes. As such, several detoxification pathways and enzymes involved in cellular detoxification display rhythmic patterns of activity that are tightly regulated by the circadian clock.

On the other hand, recent works have shown that exposure to blue light affects skin ́s functions and the biorhythm of skin cells, resulting in signs of facial fatigue and ageing.

So at Provital, we decided to direct our research efforts to investigate a new pro-aging solution that explores the impact of blue light on the circadian rhythm and its effect on skin functions, including cellular detoxification. 

Through our research, we looked into this phenomenon on keratinocytes irradiated with the blue light that is equivalent to 5h/day for a month of screen exposure. This allowed us to observe how keratinocytes exposed to blue light displayed a desynchronization of their circadian cycle. 

More specifically, Real-Time Quantitative PCR was carried out to analyse the expression of circadian clock genes (Clock and Cry1) and other circadian-related genes. The data we obtained relating to the expression for each circadian gene were fitted to a sinusoidal curve, representing the periodic oscillations of the circadian rhythm. This method allowed us to detect a desynchronization in phase and amplitude of the curves, meaning the blue light affected the normal circadian expression of these two key genes.

The solution to cellular detoxification has a probiotic origin

The research presented in this edition of the IFCSS Congress moves on to recognise the use of a postbiotic (Lactococcus lactis ferment lysate) to revert this undesirable desynchronization. It features the research behind our most recent launch, Circanblue™.

Through this investigation, we observed how keratinocytes treated with Circanblue™ restored the expression rhythm of both genes CLOCK and CRY1 closer to non-irradiated cells. In fact, both returned gene expressions to basal levels after 24 h. 

Additionally, a true disruptive approach for well-aging was also at stake, as we observed a positive modulation of genes related to the skin’s circadian cycle, including a melatonin receptor, MTR1, and a repairing enzyme, SIRT1; pointing out a potential antioxidant activity, ROS scavenging, mitochondria homeostasis, anti-inflammatory activity and suppression of damage in the skin. 

Some other favourable conclusions around the use of Circanblue™included its cellular detoxification activity, thanks to its role in activating cellular pathways related to the circadian rhythm, Nqo-1 and Hmox1.

All in all, Provital’s participation at the 33rd IFCSS Congress represents a positive outlook for cosmetic science and the current efforts in understanding and encouraging cellular detoxification in different and innovative ways.