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Current Topical Strategies for Skin-Aging and Inflammaging Treatment: Science versus Fiction
Heba A Eassa1, Mohamed A Eltokhy1, Heba A Fayyaz1
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, AL-Azhar University, Cairo, 11651 Egypt (H.A.E., M.K.A.K., S.S.), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University, Cairo, 12598 Egypt (M.A.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt (H.A.F., S.F.Y.), Biomedical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, TX 79968 (N.A.H.), Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute- University of Sadat City, 32958, Egypt (H.A.E.), Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, TX 79968 (I.K.L.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies, University of Saint Joseph, Hartford, CT 06103 (M.I.N.).
Abstract:
Aging is a natural phenomenon that affects the whole body, including the skin. As we age, endogenous and exogenous factors cause our skin to become thinner, paler, and wrinkled. Although the underlying mechanisms of the pathogenesis of skin aging are not entirely known, multiple pathways have been proposed. Inflammaging has recently emerged as a pathway that correlates aging and age-related diseases with inflammation. This review discusses the role and pathways of inflammaging that lead to skin aging. Moreover, strategies and current topical approaches for skin-aging treatment are discussed. Studies over the past 10 years suggested that DNA damage and oxidative stress are the most critical mechanisms in skin aging, and both are interlinked with inflammaging. Several treatments for skin aging have been considered such as antioxidants, hormone replacement therapy, and vitamins. To deliver anti-aging agents topically, researchers adopted numerous approaches to enhance skin penetration including physical, chemical, or biomaterial enhancers and carrier-based formulations. In recent years, consumers' demands for anti-aging products have considerably risen, leading to robust growth in the anti-aging market. Therefore, further in-depth studies are necessary to understand skin-aging mechanisms and evaluate the efficacy of anti-aging products to protect consumers worldwide by providing them safe and effective over-the-counter skin-aging formulations.
Insights
Skin aging involves inflammation, known as inflammaging, linked to DNA damage and oxidative stress. Topical treatments are evolving to combat these aging signs effectively.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Skin aging is a complex process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, leading to visible changes like thinning, pallor, and wrinkles.
- Inflammaging, a chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with aging and age-related diseases, is increasingly recognized as a key driver of skin aging.
- While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, DNA damage and oxidative stress are identified as critical, interconnected factors in skin aging pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and pathways of inflammaging in the context of skin aging.
- To discuss current topical treatment strategies and delivery approaches for anti-aging agents.
- To highlight the growing consumer demand and market growth for anti-aging products.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies from the past decade concerning skin aging mechanisms and treatments.
- Analysis of pathways linking inflammaging, DNA damage, and oxidative stress to skin aging.
- Examination of various topical delivery enhancement strategies for anti-aging agents.
Main Results:
- Inflammaging is a significant pathway contributing to skin aging, closely related to DNA damage and oxidative stress.
- Various topical approaches, including enhancers and carrier-based formulations, are being developed to improve the skin penetration of anti-aging agents.
- The anti-aging market is experiencing substantial growth due to rising consumer interest.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to fully elucidate the mechanisms of skin aging.
- Evaluating the efficacy and safety of over-the-counter anti-aging products is crucial for consumer protection.
- Understanding inflammaging pathways can lead to more effective topical interventions for skin aging.
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