A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF HYDROGEL FOR ANTI-AGING TREATMENT

Hydrogels are considered one of the newest frontiers in biomedical and cosmetology sciences due to their unique structural, mechanical, and biological characteristics. Other attractive properties that give hydrogels widespread applications in cutaneous uses include high retaining water capacity, biocompatibility, and controlled releasing action of therapeutic agents. Hydrogels are used for applications that include wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and anti-aging cosmetics. Hydrogel formulations in dermatological applications render hydration to the skin, stimulate collagen production, and sustain cell regeneration, empowering them to combat the visible signs of aging effectively. Development of hydrogel systems that are responsive to thermoresponsive, pH changes, and/or enable nanoscale particles provides sustained and targeted delivery systems for active compounds such as peptides and growth factors thereby improving treatment effects with reduced side effects. Despite challenges in production, sterilization, and clinical translation, novel research in nanotechnology, polymer science, and responsive biomaterials is modifying the way facile, personalized hydrogel therapies are being developed. Hydrogel thus is going to be a game-changer during the next generation of healthcare and cosmetic treatments, envisioning a sustainable, effective, and patient-based approach.