APPLIED ANATOMY OF SKIN AGING: AN INTEGRATED AYURVEDIC AND MODERN BIOMEDICAL PERSPECTIVE

Skin aging is a progressive biological process involving structural, functional, and biochemical deterioration of the skin due to intrinsic genetic mechanisms and extrinsic ambient factors. Modern dermatology explains skin aging through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular growth arrest, matrix metalloproteinase activation, and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), leading to extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and loss of dermal integrity.[1-4] Ayurveda describes aging (Jara) as a natural, inevitable process primarily governed by Vata dosha, associated with depletion of Rasa and Rakta dhatus, resulting in dryness (rukshata), wrinkling (vali), and loss of complexion (varna hani).[5,6] Classical texts such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita provide a systemic framework for understanding aging and rejuvenation (Rasayana). This article presents an integrated applied anatomical analysis of skin aging from both modern biomedical and Ayurvedic perspectives, highlighting convergences and therapeutic implications.