A new study suggests that blood from young bone marrow cells could help reverse signs of aging and rejuvenate skin. Researchers say the effect relies on the presence of bone marrow–derived cells, which appear to release key factors that promote renewal.
The research, conducted by Beiersdorf AG, the company behind brands like NIVEA and Eucerin, builds on earlier heterochronic parabiosis studies. Those experiments involved surgically connecting the circulatory systems of young and old animals, allowing blood to flow between them.
In such trials, older mice exposed to younger blood showed signs of tissue rejuvenation. However, the biological mechanisms underlying this effect remained unclear and unproven in humans. With anti-aging treatments projected to reach $381.2 billion by 2032, the team sought to bridge that gap.
Testing the young and old serum
To translate the animal findings into a human model, researchers utilized a microphysiological system, or an organ-on-a-chip platform. This setup combined a 3D full-thickness skin model with a 3D bone marrow model containing stem cells that produce blood cells.
Aging skin rejuvenated by young blood and bone marrow
A new study shows that proteins secreted by bone marrow cells, triggered by young blood, can rejuvenate aging skin in the lab.
Using proteomics, the researchers identified 55 age-related proteins secreted by the bone marrow… pic.twitter.com/MXExwGTZn5
— Professor Erwin Loh (@erwinloh) August 11, 2025
The team introduced serum from young donors under 30 and older donors over 60 into the system to study how it influenced skin aging and renewal. The results mirrored the animal studies: rejuvenation occurred only when bone marrow–derived cells were present.
Young serum triggered these cells to secrete rejuvenating factors. Using the bone marrow model, researchers identified 55 potential systemic proteins linked to the effect. Seven of them were able to trigger skin cell renewal, leading to increased cell growth, reduced biological age, and improved mitochondrial function—the cell’s energy production process.
From myth to modern science
Blood’s connection to vitality is a theme that runs through centuries of culture and myth, from vampire folklore to ancient beliefs about its life-giving power. In modern medicine, treatments such as platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, use a patient’s blood to stimulate collagen and encourage cell renewal.
The Beiersdorf AG findings suggest proteins from young bone marrow could one day form a new class of ingredients for topical anti-aging products. While the research offers promising early evidence, scientists caution that further studies are needed to confirm the effects and explore safe applications for humans.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
