Annals of Medical and Surgical Dermatology

ABSTRACT

Skin aging is a complex and multifactorial biological process driven by the interplay of intrinsic factors such as genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and metabolic activity, along with extrinsic influences including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, environmental pollution, and lifestyle habits. These factors collectively induce oxidative stress, inflammation, collagen degradation, and cellular senescence, leading to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmentation. In recent years, plant-derived phytochemicals have gained significant attention as natural, effective, and safer alternatives to synthetic anti-ageing agents. Owing to their diverse bioactivities, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, collagen-preserving, and cell-signalling modulation they offer multifaceted protection and rejuvenation benefits for the skin. ANNALS OF MEDICAL AND SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY Apr-Jun 2025, VOL. 3, ISSUE 2, pp. 8-15 https://doi.org/10.61577/amsd.2025.100008 The primary objective of this review is to critically evaluate the current scientific evidence on major classes of phytochemicals with anti-aging potential and to elucidate their molecular mechanisms of action. A comprehensive analysis of literature was performed using peer-reviewed articles, clinical studies, patents, and review papers from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, focusing on compounds like bakuchiol, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), curcumin, asiaticoside, and pomegranate polyphenols. Formulation strategies, including nanoencapsulation and delivery system optimization, are discussed to address limitations related to bioavailability and skin penetration. The review also highlights existing research gaps, safety concerns, and the lack of standardized evaluation protocols that limit the clinical translation of phytochemicals into dermatological practice. Future directions emphasize interdisciplinary research integrating molecular biology, formulation technology, and clinical dermatology to develop evidence-based, safe, and effective phytochemicalbased anti-aging therapies.

KEYWORDS

1. Anti-aging
2. Phytochemicals
3. Bakuchiol
4. Resveratrol
5. EGCG
6. Curcumin
7. Asiaticoside
8. Pomegranate
9. Collagen
10. MMP inhibitors