Abstract

Objectives: To review published evidence and Unilever research outcomes to examine the impact of plant-based vegan diets on skin aging attributes, systemic inflammation, and epigenetic regulation. Introduction: Skin aging is influenced by intrinsic factors and modifiable lifestyle exposures. Emerging evidence suggests that long-term dietary patterns, particularly plant-based diets, may modulate biological pathways relevant to visible aging. Materials / method: Findings were derived from meta-analyses of nutritional interventions, global dietary trend data, mechanistic studies of glycation and inflammation, epigenetic analyses in blood, and methylation profiling of tape-stripped skin samples from vegan and omnivorous participants. Results: Short‑term single‑ingredient interventions show inconsistent skin effects due to study variability and compliance issues. In contrast, long‑term plant‑based diets are linked to lower glycation, improved antioxidant status, and reduced inflammatory markers such as CRP, fibrinogen, and zonulin. Mechanistic and epigenetic evidence shows slower epigenetic aging and reduced inflammation, while Unilever data reveals hypermethylation, reduced erythema, and fewer fine lines/wrinkles in vegans. Conclusion: Long-term adherence to plant‑based diets may beneficially influence skin aging through mechanisms involving inflammation, glycation via epigenetic changes. Further longitudinal studies are required to validate causal pathways and determine if results are applicable across different populations.