Key takeaways Beiersdorf’s Skin Longevity Summit
- Beiersdorf hosted its first Skin Longevity Summit, uniting dermatologists and longevity specialists to advance scientific understanding of biological ageing.
- Epigenetics and biological age measurement were central themes, reflecting a shift from treating visible ageing to proactively maintaining cellular function.
- The summit showcased Beiersdorf’s long-term research, including its epigenetic active Epicelline® and patented Skin Age Clock technology.
- Experts discussed clinical applications, psychosocial considerations, and responsible innovation, positioning longevity as an emerging dermatological discipline.
In late February, German skincare and health company Beiersdorf held its first Skin Longevity Summit at its headquarters in Hamburg.
The scientific forum brought together more than 320 dermatologists and longevity experts from around the world and featured 20 expert speakers specialising in epigenetics, biological age reversal, and future standards of ageing management.
Experts included longevity pioneer Prof David Sinclair and Dr Elke Groenniger, the principal scientist behind Beiersdorf’s epigenetic active ingredient Epicelline.
The company noted that “longevity is reshaping both the beauty and health industries” and said the event aimed to unite cross‑disciplinary specialists – including experts in nutrigenomics and psychiatry – to move the scientific conversation beyond trends.
Epigenetics takes centre stage in redefining skin ageing
Beiersdorf also highlighted that longevity is no longer a niche concept, with consumer attention shifting from correcting signs of ageing to proactively maintaining biological function.
“We are witnessing a paradigm shift as emerging longevity science reshapes the understanding of skin ageing, and transforms the skin care landscape,” said Burcu Andreae‑Nehlsen, President Derma & Health Care at Beiersdorf.
Epigenetics sits at the centre of this shift, as environmental and lifestyle factors influence gene expression over time. Rather than treating ageing as a purely chronological process, Beiersdorf said it is reframing it as a biologically measurable and modifiable trajectory.
“Epigenetics is redefining our understanding of how skin ages,” explained Dr Gitta Neufang, Chief Research & Development Officer at Beiersdorf. “Our patented skin-specific age clock helps us find novel skin care solutions that make people look younger than they really are. Leveraging our scientific expertise in the field of epigenetics, our goal is not only to improve single functionalities of aged skin cells, but to fundamentally rejuvenate skin cells.”
Dr Neufang said that the recent summit aimed to connect science, clinical practice, and consumer needs to advance skin longevity in a holistic way.
Epicelline and the Skin Age Clock
Beiersdorf’s work in epigenetics led to the development of its active ingredient Epicelline, which was first launched in 2024 under the Eucerin brand. It is backed by more than 15 years of research, 16 peer-reviewed publications, and screening of over 50,000 ingredients. Epicelline reactivates longevity-associated genes and has been validated using Beiersdorf’s patented Skin Age Clock technology. The data demonstrates a measurable reduction in biological skin age at a cellular level.
The Skin Longevity Summit is the latest event in collaboration with dermatologists for Beiersdorf. The company’s partnership with the medical community dates back to 1882, when dermatologist Prof Paul Gerson Unna worked with Paul Beiersdorf to establish the scientific foundation for what later became Eucerin.
Clinical, psychological, and technological insights into skin longevity
At the two-day summit, the first day centred on the biological foundations of skin longevity, including epigenetic regulation, the clinical relevance of skin-specific age clocks, and how longevity science applies across different skin phototypes.
The second day shifted towards clinical and psychosocial dimensions of ageing management. Sessions explored preventive strategies, the psychological experience of ageing, and how aesthetic procedures can integrate with epigenetic skincare approaches. The discussions also covered the responsible use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in diagnostics and personalisation.
Emphasis remained on scientific rigour, open exchange, and evidence-based progress. Rather than presenting longevity as a marketing narrative, discussions reinforced its emergence as a distinct dermatological discipline rooted in measurable biology and clinical validation.
“At Beiersdorf, we have been working closely with dermatologists for more than 125 years,” said Andreae-Nehlsen. “Our continuous collaboration with world-leading experts ensures every innovation is rooted in rigorous skin science and shaped by real patient insights as well as consumer needs.”
She added that the Skin Longevity Summit builds on this heritage by creating a platform for deeper scientific exchange and pushing frontiers in skin longevity.
As longevity dominates innovation in the beauty and wellness sector, Beiersdorf is positioning itself as shaping future standard for evidence-based skin longevity.
