Hydrogel-Based Therapies for Photoaging: Current Advances and Future Perspectives

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Photoaging, caused by long-term ultraviolet (UV) exposure, leads to wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, pigmentation disorders, and impaired barrier function due to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and collagen breakdown. Hydrogels, with their high water content (> 90%), biocompatibility, and controlled drug release capabilities, have emerged as a powerful tool for preventing and treating skin photoaging. Aims To review current treatment strategies and provide an updated perspective on the treatment of photoaging. Methods We searched the PubMed and Web of Science library databases for eligible studies published within the past 5 years, categorizing and evaluating the effects of hydrogels with different carriers and active ingredients. Results A total of 21 relevant studies were included, involving Lipid-based Hydrogels, Hyaluronic Acid-based Hydrogels, Chitosan-based Hydrogels, Polyacrylonitrile-modified κ-Carrageenan-based Hydrogels, Gellan Gum/Sodium Alginate-based Hydrogels, Recombinant Collagen-based Hydrogels, and Other Polymer-based Hydrogels. Conclusions The collected studies consistently demonstrate that hydrogel therapy is more effective than traditional treatments in reducing UV-induced skin damage and promoting skin repair and regeneration. In addition to improving drug utilization efficiency, hydrogel carriers-particularly those incorporating hyaluronic acid-

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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