Trends and challenges in phytotherapy and phytocosmetics for skin aging
Oxidative stress and inflammation are the main reasons for skin aging. Understanding the inflammation as pathophysiological defense mechanism, helps to explain basic three phases: vascular permeability, granuloma formation, and tissue repair. Authors of this review analyze the potential roles of natural products in this biological process. The main trend now are compounds that are naturally present in foods (nutraceuticals) for the management of these chronic degenerative diseases. Modern skin and hair products offer both immediate response (cosmetic) and a prolonged effect (pharmaceutical). Such compounds as ceramide, collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid are enhancing and maintaining the structural stability, elasticity, and moisture. Such issues as permeability and bioavailability drive researchers around the world to develop new delivery systems that are further described in the article.