Histone modification and non-coding RNAs in skin aging: emerging therapeutic avenues

Skin aging is a lifelong process that begins after birth and is characterized by a decline in morphology and function. This deterioration is associated with the appearance of wrinkles, increased laxity, and fragility, which may increase the risk of age-related skin diseases. Despite extensive research in the past few decades, the underlying mechanism of skin aging remains unknown. Epigenetic modifications, which refer to potentially heritable alterations without changes in DNA sequence, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), have been implicated in regulating skin aging through intrinsic and extrinsic interactions. In this review, we summarize the available clinical and experimental studies to elucidate the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in skin aging, with a focus on DNA methylation, histone modification, and ncRNAs (such as miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA). Epigenetic inheritance has been shown to regulate the senescence and collagen synthesis of skin cells, which can interfere with skin aging. Therefore, this review highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying skin aging and potential therapeutic targets for intervention, while also identifying directions for reversing skin aging.