Sirtuins have been showing up more as your skin's latest BFF. You probably didn't know you already have them—and the key is in knowing what to do with them.

Sirtuins—say what?

sir-TOO-ins...that's how you say it.

What are Sirtuins?

According to Los Angeles plastic surgeon John Gross, MD, “sirtuins occur naturally within the human body, and when stimulated they can stop the aging clock.” More specifically, sirtuins are defined as a class of seven different naturally occurring enzymes essential to the survival of cells, regulation of metabolic processes and in some cases even as a biological defense mechanism.

What do sirtuins mean for my skin?

Basically, sirtuins help prolong the life of cells—so the thinking goes that if you can stimulate sirtuins to do their job, i.e. promote cell longevity, you can inhibit the effects of aging on skin.

What stimulates sirtuins?

The original studies on sirtuins were actually related to sirtuin activation as a result of calorie-restriction; according to a New York Times article (6/4/08) the studies, carried out on laboratory rodents, revealed a connection between tissue-preservation and a famine-like diet. In 2003, it was discovered that sirtuins could be activated by some natural compounds--resveratrol being the most touted. Resveratrol is an ingredient found in some red wines—it comes from the skins of red grapes. Resveratrol has also become a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin care.

Does resveratrol work?

The jury is still out, at least where topical application of resveratrol to stimulate sirtuins is concerned. Resveratrol is one of the more potent antioxidants on the market (idebenone and coffeberry are others)—so creams with resveratrol can at least be expected to provide some topical protection against free radical damage. Companies that have been marketing skincare touting sirtuin stimulating properties include Estee Lauder, Avon, Cellex-C, and Natura Bisse.