A Review of Retinoid and Anti Aging Biochemistry

The skin is the largest and most plentiful tissue in the human body. Similar to other organs, human skin undergoes progressive shrinkage of both the epidermis and dermis as we get older. The main causes include a decline in the number of epidermal stem cells and a decrease in collagen, which is the main structural protein in the human body. The changes that happen in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) and the layer beneath it (dermis), as a result of aging, cause disturbances to the organization and performance of the skin. This fosters a microenvironment that is favorable for age-related skin problems, including a weakened skin barrier, delayed wound healing, and the development of skin cancer. This study focuses on the latest molecular findings about skin aging and assesses preventive strategies, including the application of topical retinoids. Topical retinoids have shown potential in improving skin texture, reducing fine wrinkles, and increasing the thickness of both the outermost layer of the skin and the layer beneath it.