Recent applications and molecular mechanisms of hyaluronic acid in skin aging and wound healing

Skin aging and wound healing have always been significant topics in the skin field. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural glycosaminoglycan (GAG) presenting in the extracellular matrix (ECM), is extensively applied in the fields of anti-aging therapeutics and wound repair due to its unique physicochemical and biological properties. HA is indispensable in the regulation of diverse biological processes such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, signaling, inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. Consequently, HA-based formulations, including creams, gels, serums, and dermal fillers, are instrumental in combating wrinkles, enhancing skin hydration, correcting tear trough deformity, and restoring facial volume. Additionally, the inherent biocompatibility and high biodegradability of HA facilitates its chemical modification, rendering it an ideal material for wound healing and tissue regeneration. This review summarizes the recent advances and applications of the molecular mechanisms of HA and its derivatives in the field of anti-aging and wound healing; and discusses the prospects and challenges of HA-based compounds in tissue repair and skin regeneration.