At the recent Aesthetics Medical Live event in London, our founder Professor Mark Birch-Machin took to the skin and body stage to talk all things Mitochondria. For those who missed it, here’s what he had to say.
Prof Mark Birch-Machin, Skin Life Analytics Founder
In the ever-evolving world of skincare and dermatological science, one thing is clear: ageing doesn’t just happen on the surface. At Skin Life Analytics, we’ve pioneered a new frontier in understanding skin ageing, not just by what we see, but by what happens beneath the surface, at the cellular level.
The Mitochondrial ‘Blueprint’ of skin ageing
Skin ageing is influenced by a cocktail of environmental stressors: ultraviolet radiation, air pollution, infrared light, visible light, and even blue light exposure. But how does the skin truly respond to these aggressors?
Enter mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the powerhouse of not only cellular energy but also a key indicator of cumulative skin stress and ageing. Unlike nuclear DNA, mtDNA is especially vulnerable to damage due to its proximity to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and limited repair mechanisms. Over time, this damage leads to reduced bioenergy production, increased oxidative stress and what we clinically recognise as “tired” or prematurely aged skin.
The vicious ‘cycle of ageing’
Our founder, Professor Mark Birch-Machin, has championed the mitochondrial theory of ageing for decades. His work demonstrates a clear link between external stressors such as sunlight, pollution, poor sleep, and diet and mitochondrial dysfunction. When mtDNA is damaged, mitochondrial performance declines, leading to further oxidative stress, which in turn causes more damage, a vicious cycle of ageing from the inside out.
From invisible damage to actionable insight
One of the biggest challenges in skincare is that results can feel intangible. Many consumers abandon their routines because they don’t see immediate or obvious benefits. That’s where Skin Life Analytics offers a game-changing solution.
Through a simple, non-invasive skin swab, we analyse mitochondrial DNA damage using advanced patented PCR techniques. Our test provides users with a quantifiable biomarker of skin stress, empowering both individuals and clinicians to track damage and improvements over time.
Real Science. Real Results.
Our approach is grounded in over 25 years of published research. Key findings show:
By turning invisible damage into visible, trackable data, we help aesthetic clinics offer more than just treatments – we provide insight. Clients can now understand the biological impact of their skincare routines and lifestyle choices in a way never before possible.
A skincare revolution you can measure
At Skin Life Analytics, we believe that seeing is believing, but more importantly, measuring is empowering.
Our world leading testing service brings mitochondrial health monitoring directly into aesthetic clinics, giving practitioners and clients alike the ability to monitor skin health with scientific precision.
Because when it comes to ageing, prevention starts beneath the surface.
To speak to us about bringing Skin Life Analytics into your clinic, get in touch with our team today.
Prof Mark Birch-Machin, Skin Life Analytics Founder
In the ever-evolving world of skincare and dermatological science, one thing is clear: ageing doesn’t just happen on the surface. At Skin Life Analytics, we’ve pioneered a new frontier in understanding skin ageing, not just by what we see, but by what happens beneath the surface, at the cellular level.
The Mitochondrial ‘Blueprint’ of skin ageing
Skin ageing is influenced by a cocktail of environmental stressors: ultraviolet radiation, air pollution, infrared light, visible light, and even blue light exposure. But how does the skin truly respond to these aggressors?
Enter mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the powerhouse of not only cellular energy but also a key indicator of cumulative skin stress and ageing. Unlike nuclear DNA, mtDNA is especially vulnerable to damage due to its proximity to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and limited repair mechanisms. Over time, this damage leads to reduced bioenergy production, increased oxidative stress and what we clinically recognise as “tired” or prematurely aged skin.
The vicious ‘cycle of ageing’
Our founder, Professor Mark Birch-Machin, has championed the mitochondrial theory of ageing for decades. His work demonstrates a clear link between external stressors such as sunlight, pollution, poor sleep, and diet and mitochondrial dysfunction. When mtDNA is damaged, mitochondrial performance declines, leading to further oxidative stress, which in turn causes more damage, a vicious cycle of ageing from the inside out.
From invisible damage to actionable insight
One of the biggest challenges in skincare is that results can feel intangible. Many consumers abandon their routines because they don’t see immediate or obvious benefits. That’s where Skin Life Analytics offers a game-changing solution.
Through a simple, non-invasive skin swab, we analyse mitochondrial DNA damage using advanced patented PCR techniques. Our test provides users with a quantifiable biomarker of skin stress, empowering both individuals and clinicians to track damage and improvements over time.
Real Science. Real Results.
Our approach is grounded in over 25 years of published research. Key findings show:
- MtDNA damage correlates with sun exposure – especially in areas frequently exposed to UV radiation.
- Air pollution accelerates mtDNA damage, affecting mitochondrial respiratory complexes and reducing cellular bioenergy.
- Infrared and visible light, often overlooked in skincare, also contribute to deep cellular stress.
- Gene expression of mitochondrial subunits declines with age, further accelerating the ageing process.
By turning invisible damage into visible, trackable data, we help aesthetic clinics offer more than just treatments – we provide insight. Clients can now understand the biological impact of their skincare routines and lifestyle choices in a way never before possible.
A skincare revolution you can measure
At Skin Life Analytics, we believe that seeing is believing, but more importantly, measuring is empowering.
Our world leading testing service brings mitochondrial health monitoring directly into aesthetic clinics, giving practitioners and clients alike the ability to monitor skin health with scientific precision.
Because when it comes to ageing, prevention starts beneath the surface.
To speak to us about bringing Skin Life Analytics into your clinic, get in touch with our team today.