How Epigenetics Can Improve Skin Longevity: Insights from 17 Years of Beiersdorf Research

Key Takeaways

• Beiersdorf has researched epigenetics for more than 17 years.
• The patented Skin Age Clock measures biological skin age using epigenetic markers.
• EPICELLINE® has demonstrated effects in reversing the biological skin age.
• Recent studies linked biological age reduction with visible skin improvements.
• Skin longevity depends on both innovative ingredients and consistent daily skin care routines.
  

What if aging wasn’t just something you see — but something you could measure, understand, and even influence? Deep within our skin, tiny molecular switches — known as epigenetic markers — quietly record the story of our lives: sun exposure, lifestyle, stress. Nowadays, science is learning how to read — and rewrite — that individual story. 

At Beiersdorf, more than 17 years of epigenetics research are bringing this vision closer to reality. Using technologies such as the patented Skin Age Clock, scientists can measure biological skin age and evaluate ingredients such as EPICELLINE® that reverses the biological age und helps to support skin longevity. Recent studies have linked these biological effects with visible improvements in skin appearance.

In this interview, Dr. Elke Grönniger, Associate Director & Lab Manager “Skin rejuvenation & Longevity”, and Dr. Björna Windisch, Senior Innovation Manager, share how breakthrough science translates into innovative skin care products. 

Longevity – what does it mean?

The term “longevity” literally means “long life.” However, this does not only mean simply living more years, but also spending this time healthy, active, mentally fit and full of energy – and literally feeling comfortable in your own skin. The holistic goal is therefore to positively influence the processes of aging and thus optimize the health span. When applied to skin, longevity for us at Beiersdorf means addressing the root causes of aging to enhance skin functionality and regenerative capacity, rather than simply concealing visible signs of aging.

Elke: A key breakthrough was our patented Skin Age Clock, a unique skin-specific epigenetic biomarker for aging. Based on more than 1,000 skin samples, we trained an AI-powered algorithm to reliably distinguish between younger and older epigenetic profiles, allowing us to determine the biological age of the skin with high precision.This technology enables us to identify and evaluate epigenetically active ingredients that can positively influence biological skin age, such as EPICELLINE®, which has been shown to reduce biological skin age.

Importantly, we do not rely on a single measurement tool. The Skin Age Clock is complemented by a broad portfolio of diagnostic tools, including AI-supported wrinkle analysis and the PRIMOS 3D skin measurement technology. 

Björna: The Skin Age Clock is much more than a measurement tool - it is a strategic innovation platform. As our patented skin-specific epigenetic biomarker for aging, it helps take important decisions throughout the innovation process, from identifying promising active ingredients to validating their biological effect.

At the same time, the Skin Age Clock is essential in providing evidence for the entirely new mode of action of our epigenetic ingredient EPICELLINE® and the products containing the active. Consumers should be able to clearly understand what they are buying and why it works. It is exactly this kind of information they demand increasingly and that a technology like the Skin Age Clock can provide.

Additionally, our close collaboration with dermatologists further validated our research findings from an external perspective - ensuring our product developments are firmly rooted in robust skin science. 

Björna: Skin longevity is an exciting field, but it is also a complex one. At Beiersdorf, we started educating consumers about concepts such as epigenetic patterns and our Age Clock technology well before launching products based on these insights. Our goal is to make the science behind our epigenetic innovations and the unique active ingredient easy to understand and explain how they contribute to healthier, more resilient skin over time.Scientific tools like our Skin Age Clock technology are critical in making our product claims credible.

We see an increased shift in the mindset of consumers from classic anti-aging towards skin longevity – changing the focus from short-term cosmetic effects towards supporting the skin’s long-term functionality and youthful appearance. This development also impacts the way we think about innovation. The aim is to meet these evolving expectations of consumers while ensuring scientific credibility. This is also reflected in our language and communication. As consumers navigate an increasingly complex landscape of information, they are increasingly challenged to distinguish credible science from misinformation, transparent communication and scientifically substantiated innovations are essential to build trust.

Elke: We are convinced that the next major leap will come from an even deeper understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms interact with other biological pathways involved in skin longevity. That is why we are also deeply exploring cellular senescence, mitophagy and cellular energy production.

Turning a scientific breakthrough into a global innovation platform requires long-term research, robust validation, and the ability to translate complex science into meaningful consumer benefits. This, in turn, requires strong collaboration across disciplines — from biology and dermatology to data science, product development, and consumer communication. Our bold ambition is to fundamentally change how skin ages. And we are convinced that epigenetic science will play a crucial role in making that vision a reality for consumers around the world.

Björna: A consistent skin care routine is essential, particularly when products are specifically developed to work together and have been tested as a system. By combining complementary ingredients and formulations, we can support the skin more effectively than with isolated applications. This principle is especially relevant for epigenetic skin care solutions. Applying active ingredients at different times of the day and in different formulations can help maximize overall efficacy. That is why, our epigenetic active is paired with carefully selected complementary active ingredient partners in our new day cream, night cream and eye cream. An effective skin longevity routine must also include daily protection. UV exposure remains one of the most significant drivers of skin aging. Therefore, the new day cream combines our epigenetic active with SPF 30, helping to protect the skin from UV radiation while supporting longevity-related biological processes.

Ultimately, skin longevity is not about quick fixes. It is about consistently supporting the skin’s biological health and cellular functionality every day through a routine that combines scientifically validated ingredients, targeted formulations and effective protection.

Björna: At Beiersdorf, we have created a scientific platform that extends beyond a single product or brand. This allows us to understand how epigenetic approaches can address different consumer needs across categories, skin concerns, and life stages. We scale this innovation step by step ensuring that every application is backed by scientific evidence and tailored to the respective consumer expectations in different markets.

Ultimately, our ambition is to make the benefits of epigenetic skin science accessible to more consumers around the world.

Thank you very much for the fascinating insights.