Evaluation of the Anti-Glycation Protective Effect of an Injectable Product Based on a Combination of Two Different Ranges of Molecular Weights of Hyaluronic Acid and Trehalose on Human Skin Explants

Skin aging is significantly influenced by glycation processes, leading to the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) that compromise dermal structure and function. This study evaluated the protective effects of a novel injectable product based on a combination of two different ranges of Molecular Weights of Hyaluronic Acid (MWHA: LMWHA-Low MWHA, MMWHA-Mid MWHA, and HMWHA-High MWHA) and trehalose against glycation in human skin explants. Using human skin explants with methylglyoxal-induced glycation stress, we assessed the product's impact on carboxymethyllysine (CML) formation and cell viability in the reticular dermis. The product was administered prophylactically one day before methylglyoxal exposure, and samples were analyzed after six days. Results demonstrated that the product significantly reduced CML formation by 45% (<i>p</i> < 0.01) compared to untreated controls under baseline conditions and maintained a 30% reduction (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in CML formation under methylglyoxal-induced stress. Importantly, the product preserved cell viability throughout the experimental period and maintained CML levels comparable to physiological baseline despite glycation stress. These findings suggest that the synergistic action of hyaluronic acid and trehalose provides effective protection against both baseline and induced glycation in human skin, indicating potential applications in preventing glycation-related skin aging.