PhD defence S. (Selma) Mekić

Skin aging is a complex ensemble of different skin aging phenotypes, including wrinkles, pigmented spots, telangiectasia, sagging and dry skin. Measuring these signs can be done using several compound scores or they can be assessed separately, as they can have different determinants through different etiologies. Hence, epidemiological and genetic determinants can very well differ between different types of skin aging. Telangiectasia and dry skin are less well studied phenotypes and this thesis will focus on the epidemiology and genetic background of these phenotypes using data of the Rotterdam Study (RS). Also, since looking older associates with higher mortality rates, the common ground between skin aging phenotypes and age-related morbidities and other skin aging influencers such as diet is investigated.

Due to corona, the PhD defences do not take place publicly in the usual way in the Senate Hall or in the Professor Andries Querido Room. The candidates will defend their dissertation either in a small group or online.