Use of Natural Agents and Agrifood Wastes for the Treatment of Skin Photoaging

Abstract

Photoaging is the premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The harmful effects of UV rays—from the sun or from artificial sources—alter normal skin structures and cause visible damage, especially in the most exposed areas. Fighting premature aging is one of the most important challenges of the medical landscape. Additionally, consumers are looking for care products that offer multiple benefits with reduced environmental and economic impact. The growing requests for bioactive compounds from aromatic plants for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications have to find new sustainable methods to increase the effectiveness of new active formulations derived from eco-compatible technologies. The principle of sustainable practices and the circular economy favor the use of bioactive components derived from recycled biomass. The guidelines of the European Commission support the reuse of various types of organic biomass and organic waste, thus transforming waste management problems into economic opportunities. This review aims to elucidate the main mechanisms of photoaging and how these can be managed using natural renewable sources and specific bioactive derivatives, such as humic extracts from recycled organic biomass, as potential new actors in modern medicine.

Sustainable Waste Management in the Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants—A Systematic Review

“…The guidelines of the European Commission validate the reuse of several types of organic waste [58] and there is evidence that MAP residue, in particular, has a considerable potential to be valorised. At the same time, the growing demand for bioactive compounds from MAP by pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries promotes the development of new methods that allow the sustainable and efficient exploitation of these natural resources [58].…”

“…Flavonoids, which are present in some aromatic plant distillates, benefit the prevention of photoaging damage. The potential beneficial dermatological effects provided by these phenolic compounds present in MAP production residues may favour their application in modern medicine [58].…”

“…Under a circular economy approach, the organic waste of the MAP industry can be converted into economic opportunities. The implementation of circular economy strategies can play a central role in transforming the negative impacts of conventional waste management into economic opportunities and in responding to the growing demand for bioactive compounds in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries [58].…”

Effect of glabridin combined with bakuchiol on UVB‐induced skin damage and its underlying mechanism: An experimental study

“…Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can hasten skin aging, leading to the phenomenon known as photoaging. 1 Prolonged exposure to UV radiation not only leads to a raised, deeply furrowed, leathery appearance on the skin surface but also contributes to the development of skin cancers. [2][3][4] Ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) are the primary forms of UV radiation, with wavelengths ranging 315-400 nm and 290-320 nm, respectively, 5 UVB radiation exerts deleterious effects on the structural integrity of proteins and DNA within skin cells, with the most significant impact being evident in epidermal cells.…”

“…Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can hasten skin aging, leading to the phenomenon known as photoaging 1 . Prolonged exposure to UV radiation not only leads to a raised, deeply furrowed, leathery appearance on the skin surface but also contributes to the development of skin cancers 2‐4 .…”