Biological age testing, also known as biometric age assessment, or longevity testing, is an innovative approach to understanding the aging process at a cellular level. In partnership with the London Regenerative Institute, FACES+’s Dr. Steven R. Cohen uses data-driven evidence to find the unique answers his patients are looking for. 

What is an inevitable part of aging? Are you aging faster or slower than you thought? And what are some of the practical things that you can do to fight the process? Providing comprehensive guidance, biological age testing uses your own DNA as a window into your health. From detailed DNA analysis and full body scans to the microscopic analysis of your cells, and the “real” age of your skin, biological age testing unlocks health data unique to you, so you can find your biological age and take proactive steps to stay healthy. And, based on your results, renowned expert Dr. Cohen can formulate a personalized treatment plan to support your longevity.

To learn more about biological age testing and how it can benefit you, contact FACES+ today at (858) 453-7224. Our experienced staff will be happy to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohen at our state-of-the-art facility in San Diego. Take control of the aging process and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more youthful-looking you.

What is Longevity Testing?

Dr. Steven Cohen and his team at FACES+ are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health, vitality, and longevity through the latest advancements in biological age testing. Pioneered by anti-aging scientists and medical professionals, biological age testing is a new approach that provides insight into the true state of our aging process. It involves non-invasive procedures where samples are collected and analyzed in a laboratory. By utilizing advanced epigenetic clocks ⁽¹⁾ and other sophisticated technologies, we can accurately measure the rate at which a patient’s body is aging and compare it to their chronological age. This information can be invaluable in tailoring interventions that address specific areas of concern.

Understanding your biological age can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

What Does Biological Age Testing Look At?

A biological age test may look at the following.

Biological Age vs. Chronological Age

As we journey through life, our faces and bodies bear witness to the passage of time. The visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and gray hair, are all familiar markers of our chronological age. However, have you ever wondered why some individuals seem to defy their years, appearing youthful and vibrant well into their golden years?

The aging process is complex, influenced by myriad factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures. While our chronological age simply counts the number of years we have lived since birth, our biological age takes into account the health of our cells, providing a more accurate reflection of our overall well-being.

Think of it this way: while your birth certificate may reveal one age, your body’s internal clock may be ticking at a different pace. By examining biomarkers of aging, and other key aspects of our health, doctors can gain valuable insights into an individual’s biological age.

Why does this matter? Because understanding and managing our biological age can have profound implications for our healthspan, or the number of healthy, vibrant years we enjoy in life. By maintaining optimal cellular function, we can potentially delay the onset of age-related diseases and enhance our longevity.

Biomarkers

One of the key aspects of biological age testing is the analysis of biological markers. ⁽²⁾ These markers are specific characteristics or measurements within the body that can indicate the level of aging. By analyzing these markers, we can gain valuable insights into an individual’s biological age and assess their overall health status. 

What are Telomeres?

Telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes, play a crucial role in determining biological age. Telomere length:

As we age, telomeres naturally shorten, leading to cellular degradation and increased susceptibility to diseases. ⁽³⁾ By measuring the length of telomeres, we can assess the rate of aging and better understand an individual’s biological age.

Epigenetics

Epigenetics also plays a significant role in assessing biological age. Epigenetic changes refer to modifications in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by various factors such as lifestyle, environment, and stress levels. By studying epigenetic patterns, we can gain insights into how these changes impact biological age and potentially identify interventions to slow down the aging process.

The Mitotic Clock

The mitotic clock is a fundamental concept in the field of biology that unravels the mysteries of cellular aging. It is also a crucial aspect of analysis in biological age testing.

Imagine your cells as tiny timekeepers, diligently measuring the passage of time through the process of cell division. This intricate clockwork mechanism governs how our cells replicate their DNA, ensuring the continuity of life.

What is Mitosis?

At the core of the Mitotic Clock lies the concept of mitosis – a crucial stage in the cell cycle where chromosomes are duplicated and distributed equally between two daughter cells. With each round of cell division, the genetic material contained within our cells undergoes replication. However, there is a catch – the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes, the telomeres, gradually shorten with each replication.

Telomeres act as a safeguard, preventing the erosion of essential genetic information during DNA replication. As they progressively shorten, our cells face a critical juncture known as senescence – a state of irreversible growth arrest. This marks a pivotal moment in the aging process, as our cells lose their ability to divide further, leading to the accumulation of damaged cells within our bodies.

Understanding the intricacies of the Mitotic Clock provides us with valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying aging and longevity. By studying the factors that influence the rate at which our cells divide and the maintenance of telomere length, researchers are uncovering strategies to slow down or even reverse the aging process. ​​

How Old is Your Skin?

While chronological age is simply the number of years you have been alive, biological age takes into account various factors that contribute to the aging process of your skin. Skin aging is a complex process influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. 

Collagen Depletion

One of the most visible signs of skin aging is the development of wrinkles. Wrinkles occur as a result of collagen degradation and loss of elasticity in the skin. Collagen, a protein that provides structure and support to the skin, naturally breaks down over time, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

UV Damage

Excessive sun exposure also plays a significant role in skin aging. UV radiation from the sun damages the skin’s DNA, leading to the formation of hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and an uneven skin tone. Additionally, prolonged sun exposure accelerates collagen breakdown and contributes to the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

As a facial rejuvenation expert, Dr. Cohen can suggest multiple ways to address the biological age of your skin and rejuvenate its appearance. There are various anti-aging treatments available, ranging from non-surgical procedures like laser treatments, advanced needling, injectables, and ACP therapy, to surgical interventions such as facelifts or eyelid surgery.

At FACES+, our team is dedicated to providing personalized and effective solutions for your anti-aging concerns, including cosmetic treatment plans unique to each patient. Contact us at (858) 453-7224 to schedule a consultation at our San Diego practice. 

3D Body Analysis

A 3D body scan is a medical technology that can provide valuable insights into your biological age and overall health status. In the field of preventive medicine, understanding one’s biological age is crucial for developing personalized treatments and interventions to optimize health and promote longevity.

During a 3D body scan, advanced imaging technology captures detailed measurements of your body, including body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone density, and posture. By comparing these measurements to established norms and using sophisticated algorithms, we can determine how well your body is aging relative to your chronological age.

The information obtained from a 3D body scan goes beyond mere aesthetics; it provides us with invaluable data for assessing your current health status and identifying potential risk factors. With this knowledge, we can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, whether it be weight loss, muscle toning, or improving overall wellness.

Cost of Biological Age Testing in San Diego

Though the price of biological age testing may vary from patient to patient, investing in your health and well-being is priceless. Take the first step towards understanding your biological age and unlocking the secrets to a vibrant and fulfilling life. Contact FACES+ today at (858) 453-7224 or complete a simple form to get in touch with us.

References

1. Jazwinski SM, Kim S. Examination of the Dimensions of Biological Age. Frontiers in Genetics. 2019;10. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2019.00263 
2. Jylhävä J, Pedersen NL, Hägg S. Biological Age Predictors. EBioMedicine. 2017;21:29-36. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.03.046 
3. Shammas MA. Telomeres, lifestyle, cancer, and aging. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 2011;14(1):28-34. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/mco.0b013e32834121b1