#114 The Scientific Mechanism of Male Aging Odor and Effective Countermeasures
Introduction
The "aging odor" that many middle-aged and older men suffer from is not merely an unavoidable phenomenon caused by age. Scientific research has elucidated its generation mechanism in detail, and effective countermeasures have also been revealed. In this article, we will explain in detail the true nature of aging odor, its causes, and fundamental countermeasures based on the latest research results.
What is the true nature of aging odor?
Main components of aging odor
The main component of aging odor is a chemical substance called "2-nonenal"^1. This unsaturated aldehyde emits a characteristic odor that combines a greasy smell with a grassy smell. According to research by Haze (2001), 2-nonenal was detected only in subjects aged 40 and older, and was not detected at all in the younger age group^1.
Generation patterns by age
According to research data, the detected amount of 2-nonenal shows a clear tendency to increase with age. It has been confirmed that the concentration of this compound in sebum rises sharply in both men and women from their 40s onwards^1. In men in particular, male hormones promote the development of sebaceous glands, so they tend to emit a stronger aging odor than women.
Mechanism of aging odor generation
Age-related changes in sebum composition
Age-related changes in sebum composition are deeply involved in the generation of aging odor. As people reach middle and old age, ω7 monounsaturated fatty acids, especially palmitoleic acid (9-hexadecenoic acid), which are almost non-existent in young people, increase in sebum^1.
Details of the oxidation process
According to research by Haze (2001), the following processes are involved in the production of 2-nonenal^1:
Accumulation of substrates: Increase in ω7 unsaturated fatty acids in sebum due to aging
Increase in lipid peroxides: Simultaneous increase in lipid peroxides in sebum
Oxidative chain reaction: Oxidative decomposition of ω7 unsaturated fatty acids proceeds with lipid peroxides as an initiator
2-nonenal production: 2-nonenal is produced through this oxidative decomposition process
Research has confirmed that there is a positive correlation between the amount of ω7 unsaturated fatty acids, the amount of 2-nonenal produced, and the amount of lipid peroxides^1.
Influence of living environment
Interestingly, recent research has revealed that the living environment also affects the intensity of aging odor. According to research by Rohto Pharmaceutical, it was discovered that aging odor becomes stronger when working from home compared to when working at the office^2. This phenomenon is thought to be related to a decrease in physical activity.
Progress in modern aging odor research
Discovery of direct effects on the skin
In a groundbreaking study conducted by Shiseido in 2021, it was scientifically proven for the first time in the world that nonenal causes direct damage to the skin^3. This study revealed that nonenal induces apoptosis (cell death) in epidermal cells and has the effect of thinning the skin.
Effects of masking fragrances
The same study discovered that fragrances with a masking effect against nonenal not only make the odor less noticeable but also suppress skin damage caused by nonenal^3. This suggests the potential for a new approach to skincare through fragrance.
Effective countermeasures against aging odor
Fundamental countermeasures through antioxidants
For fundamental countermeasures against aging odor, it is important to suppress the production of 2-nonenal. Research has confirmed that thiotaurine, an antioxidant, effectively suppresses the production of nonenal in vitro (in a test tube)^4.
Dietary countermeasures
Dietary measures are also effective. It is recommended to actively consume the following nutrients:
Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant abundant in citrus fruits
Vitamin E: Found in pumpkin and almonds, it prevents lipid oxidation
Polyphenols: Found in soy milk and sesame, they reduce oxidative stress
Skincare countermeasures
In terms of skincare, the following methods are considered effective:
Proper cleansing: Prevents excessive accumulation of sebum
Use of products containing antioxidant ingredients: Suppresses sebum oxidation
Utilization of masking fragrances: Makes the generated odor less noticeable
Improvement of lifestyle habits
In daily life, it is important to pay attention to the following points:
Moderate exercise: Maintains sweat gland function and promotes healthy perspiration
Stress management: Excessive stress increases active oxygen and promotes the oxidation of sebum
Smoking cessation: Smoking is one of the factors that worsens aging odor
Changes in body odor by age group
30s to 40s: The emergence of middle-aged oily odor
Men in their 30s and 40s experience a body odor called "middle-aged oily odor," which is different from aging odor^5. The cause of this odor is a component called "diacetyl," which is mainly generated around the head area and is characterized by a strong, stale oil-like smell.
50s and beyond: The beginning of full-scale aging odor
From the 50s onwards, full-scale aging odor caused by 2-nonenal begins to occur. From this period, the concentration of ω7 unsaturated fatty acids in sebum rises sharply, and the production of 2-nonenal is activated by the reaction with lipid peroxide^1.
Future research prospects
New treatment approaches
Current research is moving beyond simply masking odors to developing methods that intervene in the fundamental generation mechanism. In particular, research into new components that control the sebum oxidation process is attracting attention.
Addressing individual differences
Future research is expected to provide detailed analysis of differences in aging odor generation patterns based on individual genetic backgrounds and lifestyle habits. This is expected to enable the development of more personalized countermeasures.
Summary
Men's aging odor is primarily caused by 2-nonenal, which is generated by the oxidation of ω7 unsaturated fatty acids in sebum. For fundamental countermeasures, the use of antioxidants, proper diet, skincare, and lifestyle improvements are effective. Through a comprehensive approach based on scientific understanding, aging odor has become a fully manageable issue.
References
Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. "Discovery that aging odor becomes stronger when working from home compared to working at the office." September 28, 2021. https://www.rohto.co.jp/research/researchnews/technologyrelease/2021/0928_01/
Mandom Corporation. "What is 'middle-aged oily odor'?" August 31, 2023. https://www.mandom.co.jp/en/special/topics02.html
Shiseido Company, Limited. "Shiseido discovers that nonenal causes skin damage for the first time in the world." April 6, 2021. https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001904.000005794.html
Haze, S., Gozu, Y., Nakamura, S., Kohno, Y., Sawano, K., Ohta, H., & Yamazaki, K. "2-Nonenal newly found in human body odor tends to increase with aging." Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 116(4), 520-524, 2001. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11286617/
Yoko Aizu, Shinichiro Haji, Shoji Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Kono, Hiroshi Fukui, Yoshimaru Kumano, Kiyohito Sawano, Hideaki Ota, Kazuo Yamazaki. "Development of Countermeasure Products Based on the Generation Mechanism of Aging Odor." CiNii Research. https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1390001204501552000
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