Skin Glycomics: Unmasking the Role of Glycation End Products in Cutaneous Aging and Dermatology

Skin aging is a multifactorial process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Beyond photoaging and oxidative stress, glycation and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are increasingly recognized as key drivers of cutaneous senescence.

This article reviews the role of glycation in skin aging, its clinical features, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic strategies, with a focus on implications for aesthetic dermatology.

This narrative review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2010-February 2026). Search terms included "skin glycation," "advanced glycation end-products," "cutaneous aging," "RAGE," "skin autofluorescence," and "anti-glycation." Priority was given to human studies and dermatologic relevance.

AGEs accumulate in dermal proteins such as collagen and elastin, inducing cross-links that reduce elasticity, increase stiffness, and impair tissue repair. AGE-RAGE signaling amplifies oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating dermal degeneration. Clinically, glycation contributes to wrinkles, laxity, dyschromia, and impaired healing. Diagnostic tools such as skin autofluorescence (SAF) enable non-invasive assessment, though limitations remain across skin tones. Therapeutic approaches include lifestyle modification, topical and systemic agents, and energy-based devices, although robust clinical evidence remains limited. Emerging integration of imaging, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence may enable personalized anti-glycation strategies.

Glycation represents a key yet underrecognized driver of cutaneous aging. Addressing glycation may enhance both aesthetic outcomes and long-term skin health, though further clinical validation is required.