The mysterious scent of time: 2-Nonenal, the scent of the elderly

We all know it: that characteristic smell that is sometimes associated with older people. But what actually causes this so-called “aging perfume”? Scientists have found a cause: a substance called 2-Nonenal. Although the subject may feel a bit uncomfortable, scent tells us more than we think, including about the health of our skin. As we age, our skin changes not only in appearance, but also in the way it smells. 2-Nonenal is created by natural oxidation processes in the skin, especially as sebum production changes and the breakdown of fatty acids increases.

This smell does not just come out of nowhere, but is a signal of biological changes. By understanding these better, we can also deal more consciously with skin care in later life. Think of mild cleansing, supporting the skin barrier and the use of ingredients that counteract oxidation.

2-Nonenal: the odor causing agent

2-Nonenal is an aldehyde, a volatile chemical compound produced in our bodies. The production of 2-nonenal increases with age. 2-Nonenal is one of the substances released from the skin, resulting in a specific odor: unpleasantly greasy and grassy.

But why do we only smell it in the elderly?

Interestingly, researchers discovered that nonenal becomes really noticeable in body odor from the age of 40 onwards. The explanation for this is twofold:

First of all, omega-7 fatty acids and lipid oxides: As we age, the omega-7 fatty acids and lipid oxides in the skin increase. These substances play a role in the formation of nonenal. It turns out that the level of omega-7 fatty acids on the skin surface increases up to six times with age. However, the cause of the increase is not clear.

Secondly, oxidative breakdown: Nonenal is created when omega-7 fatty acids break down through oxidation, a process in which oxygen plays a role. The increase in lipid oxides with age promotes this process.

Keep in mind that other factors can also play a role in senior odor, such as hormonal changes, medications and diet. Always consult a doctor if you are concerned about your body odor. A medical condition called Bromhidrosis may play a role.

Know more about Bromhidrosis

Omega-7

Omega-7 is an essential fatty acid, which means that our body cannot produce it itself and we must get it through food or supplements. It is an important part of our skin barrier and plays a crucial role in various skin functions.

Where is omega-7 found in the skin?

Omega-7 is located in the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. It is an important component of the cell membranes of skin cells, where it ensures:

• Hydration: Omega-7 helps the skin retain moisture, keeping it soft and hydrated.
• Protection: It forms a barrier against harmful external influences, such as UV radiation and pollution.
• Anti-inflammatory: Omega-7 has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Omega-7 through diet:

We can get omega-7 through various foods (plant and animal), including:

• Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines are rich sources of omega-7.
• Vegetable oils: Macadamia oil and sea buckthorn berry oil contain high concentrations of omega-7.
• Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds contain small amounts of omega-7.

What influences can aggravate this odor?

UV-radiation

Sunlight is one of the largest external sources of oxidative stress in the skin. Oxidative stress means that there are too many “aggressive” molecules in your body or skin, which we call free radicals. These free radicals can damage cells, including skin cells. UV-A rays in particular penetrate deeply and stimulate free radicals, which accelerate the breakdown of lipids. This increases the production of nonenal, especially with reduced antioxidant protection of the skin.

Airpollution

Particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and ozone in the air react with fatty acids on the skin surface. This reaction causes lipid peroxidation, a mechanism by which fatty acids oxidize and release compounds such as nonenal.

Too aggressive skin care

Aggressive cleansing products or excessive scrubbing can damage the skin barrier. This disrupts the sebum composition and increases oxidation of skin fats. Especially care products with hard alcohols or strong cleaning agents can make this process go faster.

Smoking

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals that cause oxidative stress. Both blood circulation and skin metabolism are disrupted, which stimulates the breakdown of skin fatty acids. This indirectly increases the production of nonenal.

Foods Low in Antioxidants

A deficiency of antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, selenium and polyphenols can weaken the defense against free radicals. As a result, skin fats are oxidized faster.

Examples of foods rich in antioxidants:

• Vitamin C: orange, kiwi, bell pepper, broccoli
• Vitamin E: almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado
• Selenium: Brazil nuts, eggs, whole grains
• Polyfenols: green tea, blueberries, olive oil, dark chocolate

Stress and sleep deprivation

When you experience stress for a long time, your body produces more cortisol. This is a stress hormone that normally helps regulate your blood sugar and energy, for example. But if your body produces too much cortisol too often, the balance of your skin is disturbed. The skin barrier becomes weaker, inflammation increases and the production of important building blocks such as collagen decreases. As a result, the skin recovers more slowly and ages faster.

Lack of sleep also plays a major role in this. During sleep, your body produces melatonin. This is a hormone that not only helps you sleep, but also works as an antioxidant: it protects your skin cells from damage. When you don’t get enough sleep, less melatonin is produced, and therefore less damage is repaired. This increases the chance of oxidative stress, a process in which free radicals attack skin cells.

What can you do about it?

There are quite a few ways to do something about the nonenal odor. What is good to realize: there is no proven direct link between avoiding omega-7 fatty acids in your diet and reducing this particular odor. Nonenal is a normal byproduct of aging, but fortunately there are ways to reduce or control the odor.

• Washing: Showering helps remove bacteria and sweat, which increase the odor of nonenal.
• Hydration: Well-hydrated skin can remove nonenal more easily. Therefore, use moisturizing creams and ointments.
• Lifestyle: Smoking and stress can increase oxidative stress in the skin, which can promote nonenal production. A healthy lifestyle can therefore contribute positively.
• Use of perfume: Use a perfume or a scented cream to mask the smell of 2-nonenal.
• Hang the clothes outside on a sunny day: The sun’s UV rays have a natural bleaching effect, which helps kill bacteria and break down body oils that cause odor.
• Ensure good ventilation: If it is not possible to hang clothes outside, hang them in a well-ventilated area. A room with an open window or an area where there is plenty of air circulation can also help reduce odors.
• Avoid storing sweaty clothes: Don’t leave sweaty clothes in a gym bag or laundry basket. Hang them out to air before washing or storing them.
• Use natural odor absorbing materials: Place items such as activated charcoal or baking soda bags in the closet where you store your clothes. These materials can help absorb the odors.

Although age-related body odor is often associated with poor hygiene, recent research shows that this is probably not the case. Although the reason for this increase is not yet fully understood, it suggests that changes in the skin, rather than inadequate hygiene, may be the cause of age-related body odor.

Kareishuu skincare

In Japan, this typical body odor is given a name: “kareishuu”, which literally means “old age smell”. In response, a whole market has sprung up with products specifically aimed at reducing kareishuu, including special deodorants, skin cleansers, colognes, nutritional supplements and even herbal teas. These products are popular among men who are self-conscious about their body odor and feel insecure about it in social situations.

Iconic Elements products

In other words

The odor of the elderly is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by various factors. Although nonenal plays an important role, it is a natural part of aging. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce odor and ensure a fresh, pleasant scent, regardless of your age.

FAQ about 2-Nonenal

While you are here

A fragrance in your skin care, some like it, others don’t. In some people, it can even cause allergies. A scent is apparently very personal and also culturally determined. Time to explore what perfume does for your skin and what the facts are.

Perfume is composed of:

There are thousands of chemicals that have a scent. More than 2,000 chemical ingredients are used in the perfume industry, of which only 300 to 400 are of natural origin.

A perfume consists of many hundreds of fragrance ingredients and a perfumer carries out a long series of experiments to create the optimal balance. A character of a perfume changes over time, and the volatility of the perfume raw materials plays an important role in this.

Perfume is made up of two things: top notes and the bottom or base.
1. The most volatile ingredients are the top notes. For example, this could be citrus followed by a heart note, which can have a floral, fruity or spicy scent.
2. You can smell the bottom or base the longest and consists of amber, vanilla and woods.

The concentration of perfume in eau de parfume, cologne and toilette varies from 3 to 15%, in skin care from 0.2 to 2% and in lipstick around 1%.

Learn more about perfume