Photoaging: molecular mechanisms, clinical impact, and treatment strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/evk2025251Keywords:
Photoaging, Ultraviolet Rays, Reactive Oxygen Species, Retinoids y SunscreensAbstract
Background:Cutaneous photoaging is a clinically distinguishable form of extrinsic aging caused primarily by chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, accelerating the structural and functional degradation of the skin. Objective: To critically synthesize scientific evidence on the molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies related to photoaging. Methods: A narrative review was conducted between February and April 2025 through indexed databases (PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, ScienceDirect), using controlled MeSH terms and Boolean operators to retrieve full-text articles from 2000 to 2024 in English and Spanish. Results: Studies show that UV radiation triggers oxidative stress via excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activates proinflammatory transcription factors (NF-κB, AP-1), and upregulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), leading to degradation of collagen, elastin, and DNA damage. Clinically, this results in wrinkles, elastosis, and increased risk of skin neoplasms. Conclusions: Current therapies include topical retinoids, antioxidants, advanced photoprotection, and platelet-rich plasma. Personalized approaches and advanced delivery technologies such as nanoparticles and liposomes are needed to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Márcia Nayane Da Silva, Jessica Benitez Duarte, Luciana Daniela Garlisi-Torales, Rossana Elizabeth Poletti Duarte (Author)
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