Stanescu Cristina, Chiscop Iulia, Mihalache Daniela, Popa Florina, Tamas Camelia, Stoleriu Gabriela
Department of Morphological and Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunarea de Jos" University, 35 Alexandru Ioan Cuza Street, 800216 Galati, Romania.
Clinical Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunărea de Jos" University, 47 Domneasca Street, 800008 Galati, Romania.
Nutrients. 2025 Aug 9;17(16):2596. doi: 10.3390/nu17162596.
Skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by intrinsic factorssuch as genetic predispositions and hormonal changes as well as extrinsic factors including ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollution, and lifestyle habits. This process culminates in a progressive decline in the structural and functional integrity of the skin. This review delves into the protective roles of carotenoids, highlighting their significant anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties. We included studies that investigated the effects of dietary or topical carotenoids on skin aging markers in human and animal models. Eligible studies were identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to March 2025. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool for randomized trials and animal studies. A total of 176 studies were included, and data were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes. The findings indicate that carotenoids mitigate oxidative stress-induced cellular damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS), attenuating chronic inflammation, and enhancing dermal matrix integrity via collagen biosynthesis and modulation of matrix metalloproteinases. Additionally, they support skin hydration and elasticity by indirectly regulating aquaporins and promoting hyaluronic acid synthesis. This review further explores emerging strategies that incorporate carotenoid supplementation in lifestyle medicine and preventive dermatology. By elucidating the cellular pathways through which carotenoids exert their effects and modulate mitochondrial function, this review highlights their translational potential in anti-aging skincare. Ongoing research is essential to comprehend the complex connections between carotenoids, skin physiology, and overall health. This understanding will ultimately facilitate the creation of personalized nutritional and dermocosmetic strategies.
皮肤老化是一个复杂的生物学过程，受内在因素如遗传易感性和激素变化以及外在因素包括紫外线辐射、环境污染和生活方式习惯的影响。这个过程最终导致皮肤的结构和功能完整性逐渐下降。这篇综述深入探讨了类胡萝卜素的保护作用，强调了它们显著的抗氧化、抗炎和光保护特性。我们纳入了研究饮食或局部使用类胡萝卜素对人类和动物模型皮肤老化标志物影响的研究。通过检索2000年1月至2025年3月的PubMed、Scopus、科学网、Embase、谷歌学术和考克兰图书馆来识别符合条件的研究。使用考克兰偏倚风险工具对随机试验和动物研究进行偏倚风险评估。总共纳入了176项研究，由于研究设计和结果的异质性，数据采用叙述性综合分析。研究结果表明，类胡萝卜素通过清除活性氧（ROS）和活性氮（RNS）减轻氧化应激诱导的细胞损伤，减轻慢性炎症，并通过胶原蛋白生物合成和基质金属蛋白酶的调节增强真皮基质完整性。此外，它们通过间接调节水通道蛋白和促进透明质酸合成来支持皮肤水合作用和弹性。这篇综述进一步探索了将类胡萝卜素补充纳入生活方式医学和预防性皮肤病学的新兴策略。通过阐明类胡萝卜素发挥作用和调节线粒体功能的细胞途径，这篇综述强调了它们在抗衰老护肤品中的转化潜力。持续的研究对于理解类胡萝卜素、皮肤生理学和整体健康之间的复杂联系至关重要。这种理解最终将有助于制定个性化的营养和皮肤美容策略。
