Scientists continue to investigate the mechanisms behind aging in the hopes of understanding better how to increase longevity and youthfulness. In 1961, they discovered a type of cells, so-called “zombie cells,” which were found to be largely responsible for age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and many others. These cells also contribute to skin aging.
This article explains what zombie cells are and how they affect our bodies, providing recommendations on how to remove them.
What Are Zombie Cells?
In medicine, zombie cells are known as senescent cells. They are inactive cells that have stopped dividing (which is crucial for the development and functioning of our organism), but they resist dying.
As zombie (senescent) cells accumulate over time, they impair tissue function and release a variety of proteins known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This group of proteins includes inflammatory agents that can further accelerate aging, create tissue toxicity, and prompt healthy cells to enter a senescent state.
What Causes Zombie Cells?
Cellular senescence naturally occurs with aging, but other processes can also trigger it. They include:
- Genetic mutations
- Telomere attrition (shortening of chromosome ends)
- Oxidative stress
- Chronic inflammation
- Exposure to toxins
- UV radiation
- Nutrient deprivation and more
Where Do Zombie Cells Accumulate?
Zombie cells accumulate in different organs in the body, including the brain, fat deposits, and the skin, especially within the dermis and epidermis layers. By spreading their toxic effects to surrounding cells and tissues, senescent cells damage healthy organs throughout the body.
How Do Zombie Cells Affect Us?
In young, healthy people, the immune system efficiently removes senescent cells. However, with age or because of immune dysfunction, zombie cells accumulate, contributing to tissue damage. They secrete pro-inflammatory molecules called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which create tissue toxicity and prompt healthy cells to enter a senescent state.
How Zombie Cells Affect the Skin
The harmful inflammatory molecules secreted by zombie cells can damage the skin's structure. This results in several visible signs of aging, including:
- Loss of firmness and elasticity - The skin becomes looser and less resilient over time.
- Thinner and more fragile skin - The outer protective layer deteriorates, increasing sensitivity and susceptibility to damage.
- An increase in wrinkles and uneven skin texture - The breakdown of structural proteins leads to visible aging effects.
- Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress - This ongoing cycle of damage accelerates the aging process.
How Zombie Cells Affect the Body
The accumulation of zombie cells can lead to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and a host of aging-related diseases. They include:
- Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s)
- Metabolic dysfunction (e.g., insulin resistance)
- Liver and kidney diseases
- Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular problems
Can You Stop Zombie Cells?
It is possible to delay the formation of zombie cells. Health experts emphasize the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles and avoiding stressors that trigger chronic inflammation. The general advice is to eat a wholesome diet, manage stress, get enough sleep, avoid the sun, and limit exposure to UV radiation and industrial toxins.
How to Get Rid of Zombie Cells?
Scientists are developing innovative treatments, such as senotherapy, which targets senescent cells. They work either by selectively eliminating zombie cells or by mitigating the harmful impacts of the inflammatory substances they release.
Lifestyle modifications can also help reduce stressors and support the immune system to flush out senescent cells.
1. Antioxidant Skin Care
Research on senolytics is revolutionizing the cosmetics industry. While many anti-aging skincare products focus on boosting collagen production or providing hydration, they often overlook the underlying issue of senescent cell buildup.
To combat zombie cells through skincare, consider incorporating ingredients that help minimize their formation. Our skin experts at Vibrant Skin are working on a new vitamin A serum that will target senescent cells and visibly rejuvenate the skin.
Other effective antioxidant ingredient options include:
- Niacinamide
- Peptides
- Vitamin C
- Glutathione
- Camu camu
- Kakadu plum
- Ferulic acid
- Alpha lipoic acid
- NAC
- Pomegranate extract
These ingredients can be found in Vibrant C Serum, which boosts skin resilience and promotes a youthful look.
1,3 beta-glucans also fight skin senescence by enhancing collagen production, improving skin texture, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. This potent ingredient is present in Vibrant Desert Vibe.
Matcha green tea, rich in EGCG, is another notable ingredient known for its potential senolytic properties. It is present in Vibrant Elevate.
By prioritizing these ingredients, you can protect your skin against the effects of aging and support a healthier, more youthful appearance.
2. Balanced, Nutrient-Rich Diet
Our cells need nutrients like amino acids, glucose, and fats to perform their activities and for repair. They also need antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients to protect them from free radicals and oxidative damage.
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet provides all essential nutrients. It includes a moderate intake of main food groups – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, healthy fats, and dairy – and limits sugar and processed foods, which increase inflammation.
3. Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary protocol that involves eating in a restricted time window to help the cells rest, heal, and repair. IF has various health benefits, such as lower blood sugar, improved metabolism, reduced weight, and lower inflammation. Medical professionals speculate it may also help clear damaged cells.
4. Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity promotes blood flow and nutrient delivery to cells, enhancing their function and repair. It is one of the most effective ways to improve longevity and overall health.
A recent study showed an exercise program consisting of two strength and endurance training sessions per week can suppress the secretion of harmful substances by zombie cells and reduce their negative impact, such as weaker bones and muscles, lack of energy, and cognitive decline.
5. Stress Management
Short-term and low-dose stress can stimulate cellular repair, but persistent stress leads to DNA damage, cell death, or the cell’s inability to divide. To support cellular health and slow down aging, health experts recommend managing stress through practices such as meditation, yoga, massage, social interactions, and other relaxation techniques.
Note: Learn how stress affects the skin and how to treat stressed skin.
6. Healthy Sleep
Sleep deprivation disrupts the secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate the bodily processes involved in cellular regeneration. Chronic sleep loss exacerbates cellular stress, inflammation, and DNA damage, contributing to faster biological aging and a higher risk of age-related diseases.
Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted and consistent sleep (starting before midnight) to improve melatonin production, overall hormonal balance, and cellular repair.
7. Hormone Balancing
Most bodily processes rely on hormones to mediate communication between cells. A hormonal imbalance can disrupt cellular processes. For example, an imbalance in insulin and cortisol levels can disrupt glucose uptake, mitochondrial activity, and metabolic processes, leading to cellular aging.
Hormonal balance depends on various factors, from lifestyle habits to external stressors. Health experts emphasize the importance of an integrated wellness approach – a healthy diet, regular physical activity, quality sleep, and stress management – for hormonal balance and optimal health.
8. Dietary Supplements
Supplements can support cellular health by providing essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients. The most effective longevity supplements include glutathione, vitamin C, creatine, vitamin D, CoQ10, curcumin, vitamin E, and more. They help reduce oxidative stress, balance hormones, improve immunity, and aid cell repair.
However, not all supplements are necessary for everyone and may help primarily in cases of nutrient deficiencies. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. They can assess your nutrient levels and overall health to determine whether a specific supplement would benefit you.
9. Senolytics
Senolytics are a new class of medications that target and clear senescent cells. They are not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and they may only be effective in people with a high number of zombie cells. They include:
- Quercetin
- Dasatinib
- Fisetin
- Navitoclax
- Luteolin
- Curcumin analog
- Piperlongumine
- Verteporfin
- 25-hydroxychloroquine, etc.
Clinical trials on humans are in the early stages and these medications are not yet approved for use for this purpose in the general population.
Other promising innovative treatments under development include immune modulation therapies and gene editing.
Conclusion
Zombie cells are identified as significant factors in aging and the development of age-related diseases. They accumulate in the skin and other organs and can have harmful effects on our health. Medical experts recommend healthy lifestyle habits to help the immune system clear zombie cells and innovative topical products with senolytic ingredients.
