The New Peptide Science: Reversing Skin Aging, Senescent "Zombie" Cells, Collagen Breakdown & Inflammation — Dr. Alessandra Zonari

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What if the real driver of skin aging isn't wrinkles or sun damage — but "zombie" senescent cells hiding in your skin?

In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Alessandra Zonari, PhD — a stem cell biologist and longevity scientist — for a fascinating deep dive into the new peptide science behind skin aging, inflammation, and biological age.

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You'll discover:

• What senescent "zombie" skin cells actually are — and why they don't just age themselves, but affect the surrounding tissue

• How inflammation in the skin can quietly accelerate collagen breakdown and visible aging

• Why skin aging speeds up during fat loss, perimenopause, and menopause

• How scientists are now measuring the biological age of skin, not just how it looks

• The surprising role of peptides in signaling skin cells to behave more youthfully

• Why some common "anti-aging" approaches may miss the real drivers of aging

• What makes lip skin biologically different — and why it tends to age faster than the rest of the face

• Why nighttime repair, autophagy, and even red light therapy may matter more than you think

This conversation goes far beyond skincare routines. It explores the mechanisms of aging at the cellular level, how lifestyle choices influence skin health, and why skin may be one of the most overlooked markers of longevity.

If you're interested in skin health, peptides, collagen, inflammation, fat loss, or aging well, this episode will completely change how you think about your skin.

Mentioned in this episode:

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Vanessa discusses how red light therapy supports mitochondrial health, muscle recovery, circulation, and skin health as part of an evidence-based approach to fat loss and metabolic optimization. Explore the Tone LUX red light therapy collection at 👉 Use code HOLIDAY25 for 25% off HERE

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🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.