Photoaging: molecular mechanisms, clinical impact, and treatment strategies

• Da Silva, Márcia Nayane ^[1] ; Benitez Duarte, Jessica ^[1] ; Garlisi-Torales, Luciana Daniela ^[1] ; Poletti Duarte, Rossana Elizabeth ^[1]
  1. [1] Núcleo de Investigación en Medicina Traslacional, Universidad María Auxiliadora, Mariano Roque Alonso, Paraguay
• Localización: SAP Biomedical & Chemical Engineering Innovation, ISSN-e 3125-2281, Nº. 4, 2025
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • 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.