The Science Behind “Old Person Smell”: What Causes It as We Age—and Simple Ways to Reduce It

Scientists have linked this age-related scent primarily to a naturally occurring compound called 2-nonenal. As the body ages, hormonal changes can lead the skin to produce more fatty acids. At the same time, the body’s antioxidant defenses often decline. When these fatty acids undergo oxidation, they can form 2-nonenal—a compound known for a slightly continue reading …