Role of Nanopolymers in Advanced Anti-Aging and Regenerative Skincare

Esther Offiong Asuquo; Nworie Felix Sunday; Stephen Oluwaseyi Ayika

doi:10.53941/pcm.2026.100001

Abstract

The use of nanopolymers in anti-aging and regenerative skincare has emerged as a transformative advancement in dermatological science. Specific nanopolymeric systems such as chitosan nanoparticles, hyaluronic acid nanogels, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanospheres, dendrimers, and polymeric micelles have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing topical delivery and skin regeneration. These nanoscale polymers (1–100 nm) offer tunable physicochemical properties that enable efficient encapsulation, targeted delivery, and controlled release of active ingredients, including retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, and growth factors. Their small size and surface modifiability improve penetration across the stratum corneum and facilitate interaction with dermal fibroblasts, promoting collagen synthesis, enhanced hydration, and cellular renewal. In anti-aging applications, nanopolymers reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation by improving bioavailability and stability of sensitive compounds such as vitamins and retinoids. In regenerative dermatology, nanopolymeric scaffolds and nanocarriers support wound healing, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Despite their promising benefits, concerns regarding long-term safety, regulatory frameworks, and production scalability remain. Continued research into biodegradable and biocompatible nanopolymers is expected to further advance personalized and precision skincare strategies. This review highlights the mechanistic roles and therapeutic potential of nanopolymers in reshaping modern anti-aging and regenerative skincare.

References

1.
Tobin, D.J. Introduction to skin aging. J. Tissue Viability 2017, 26, 37–46.
2.
Hussein, R.S.; Bin Dayel, S.; Abahussein, O.; et al. Influences on skin and intrinsic aging: Biological, environmental, and therapeutic insights. J. Cosmet. Dermatol. 2025, 24, e16688.
3.
Sgarbieri, V.C.; Pacheco, M.T. Healthy human aging: Intrinsic and environmental factors. Braz. J. Food Technol. 2017, 20, e2017007.
4.
Bonté, F.; Girard, D.; Archambault, J.C.; et al. Skin changes during ageing. Subcell Biochem. 2019, 91, 249–280.
5.
Addor, F.A. Beyond photoaging: Additional factors involved in the process of skin aging. Clin. Cosmet. Investig. Dermatol. 2018, 11, 437–443.
6.
Papaccio, F.; Caputo, S.; Bellei, B. Focus on the contribution of oxidative stress in skin aging. Antioxidants 2022, 11, 1121.
7.
Sahawneh, P. Factors influencing skin health from within. J. Integr. Health 2024, 3, 156–163.
8.
Al-Dhubaibi, M.S.; Mohammed, G.F.; Bahaj, S.S.; et al. The Role of Keratinocytes in Skin Health and Disease. Dermatol. Rev. 2025, 6, e70028.
9.
Akbarian, M.; Bertassoni, L.E.; Tayebi, L. Biological aspects in controlling angiogenesis: Current progress. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 2022, 79, 349.
10.
Khalid, K.A.; Nawi, A.F.; Zulkifli, N.; et al. Aging and wound healing of the skin: A review of clinical and pathophysiological hallmarks. Life 2022, 12, 2142.
11.
Salvioni, L.; Morelli, L.; Ochoa, E.; et al. The emerging role of nanotechnology in skincare. Adv. Colloid Interface Sci. 2021, 293, 102437.
12.
Sabet, M. Advanced developments in carbon nanotube polymer composites for structural applications. Iran. Polym. J. 2025, 34, 917–946.
13.
Somkuwar, S.R.; Chaudhary, R.R.; Ramteke, P.W. Nanopolymer: Overview, innovation and applications. Polym. Sci. Peer Rev. J. 2022, 3, 12–23.
14.
Tyagi, A.; Bhardwaj, A.; Sahu, R.; et al. Emerging Nano Polymer Technologies for Synthesis and Characterization of Polymer Nanoparticles. In Nanostructured Polymers: Synthesis and Performance; Springer: Singapore, 2026; pp. 57–80.
15.
Dutra Alves, N.S.; Reigado, G.R.; Santos, M.; et al. Advances in regenerative medicine-based approaches for skin regeneration and rejuvenation. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 2025, 13, 1527854.
16.
Mureed, M.; Fatima, A.; Sattar, T.; et al. The Complementary Roles of Neurological and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy and Regenerative Medicine: A Comprehensive Review. Medicina 2024, 60, 1062.
17.
Jorgensen, A.M.; Mahajan, N.; Atala, A.; et al. Advances in skin tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. J. Burn Care Res. 2023, 44, S33–S41.
18.
Mazini, L.; Rochette, L.; Admou, B.; et al. Hopes and limits of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in wound healing. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21, 1306.
19.
Hosseini, M.; Shafiee, A. Engineering bioactive scaffolds for skin regeneration. Small 2021, 17, 2101384.
20.
Deng, X.; Gould, M.; Ali, M.A. A review of current advancements for wound healing: Biomaterial applications and medical devices. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. Part B Appl. Biomater. 2022, 110, 2542–2573.
21.
Trovato, F.; Ceccarelli, S.; Michelini, S.; et al. Advancements in Regenerative Medicine for Aesthetic Dermatology: A Comprehensive Review and Future Trends. Cosmetics 2024, 11, 49.
22.
George, J.; Sneed, K.; Pathak, Y. The skin aging process and anti-aging strategies. Biomed. J. Sci. Tech. Res. 2022, 42, 33377–33386.
23.
Sharma, Y.; Ghatak, S.; Sen, C.K.; et al. Emerging technologies in regenerative medicine: The future of wound care and therapy. J. Mol. Med. 2024, 102, 1425–1450.
24.
Madawi, E.A.; Al Jayoush, A.R.; Rawas-Qalaji, M.; et al. Polymeric nanoparticles as tunable nanocarriers for targeted delivery of drugs to skin tissues for treatment of topical skin diseases. Pharmaceutics 2023, 15, 657.
25.
Ferraris, C.; Rimicci, C.; Garelli, S.; et al. Nanosystems in cosmetic products: A brief overview of functional, market, regulatory and safety concerns. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13, 1408.
26.
Shetty, K.; Sherje, A.P. Nano intervention in topical delivery of corticosteroid for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis—A systematic review. J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Med. 2021, 32, 88.
27.
Rathnasinghe, N.; Kaushani, K.G.; Jayasinghe, R.A.; et al. A review on novel nanofiber-based dermal applications: Utilization of polysaccharides. Nanosci. Nanotechnol. Asia 2023, 13, 1–5.
28.
Chandra, J.; Hasan, N.; Nasir, N.; et al. Nanotechnology-empowered strategies in treatment of skin cancer. Environ. Res. 2023, 235, 116649.
29.
Vines, J.B.; Yoon, J.H.; Ryu, N.E.; et al. Gold nanoparticles for photothermal cancer therapy. Front. Chem. 2019, 7, 167.
30.
Baioco, K.S.; Pereira, R.; Ferreira-Gonçalves, T.; et al. Combining phototherapy and gold-based nanomaterials: A breakthrough in basal cell carcinoma treatment. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 11494.
31.
Bhat, B.B.; Kamath, P.P.; Chatterjee, S.; et al. Recent updates on nanocosmeceutical skin care and anti-aging products. Curr. Pharm. Des. 2022, 28, 1258–1271.
32.
Babarus, I.; Lungu, I.I.; Stefanache, A. The dynamic duo: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in UV-protective cosmetics. Int. J. Dev. Res. 2023, 13, 63654–63659.
33.
Paladini, F.; Pollini, M. Antimicrobial silver nanoparticles for wound healing application: Progress and future trends. Materials 2019, 12, 2540.
34.
Raszewska-Famielec, M.; Flieger, J. Nanoparticles for topical application in the treatment of skin dysfunctions—An overview of dermo-cosmetic and dermatological products. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 15980.
35.
Chavda, V.P.; Solanki, H.K.; Vaghela, D.A.; et al. Nanotechnology-Based Face Masks: Transforming the Cosmetics Landscape. Micro 2025, 5, 11.
36.
Kulka, K.; Sionkowska, A. Chitosan based materials in cosmetic applications: A review. Molecules 2023, 28, 1817.
37.
Xu, W.; Ling, P.; Zhang, T. Polymeric micelles, a promising drug delivery system to enhance bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. J. Drug Deliv. 2013, 213, 340315.
38.
Asuquo, E.O.; Ukam, E.E.; Edet, E.E.; et al. Formulation and Evaluation of Banana Peel-Based Herbal Cream for Antibacterial and Antifungal Applications in Cosmetic Products. J. Dermatol. Sci. Cosmet. Technol. 2025, 2, 100106.
39.
Zhang, Z.; Tsai, P.C.; Ramezanli, T.; et al. Polymeric nanoparticles-based topical delivery systems for the treatment of dermatological diseases. WIREs Nanomed. Nanobiotechnology 2013, 5, 205–218.
40.
Vickram, A.S.; Richard, T. Nanopolymers in Medical Applications: Advances, Challenges, and Promising Innovations for Healthcare Enhancement. Nano World J. 2023, 9, S87–S93.
41.
Ghasemiyeh, P.; Mohammadi-Samani, S. Potential of nanoparticles as permeation enhancers and targeted delivery options for skin: Advantages and disadvantages. Drug Des. Dev. Ther. 2020, 14, 3271–3289.
42.
Starigazdová, J.; Nešporová, K.; Čepa, M.; et al. In vitro investigation of hyaluronan-based polymeric micelles for drug delivery into the skin: The internalization pathway. Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 2020, 143, 105168.
43.
Yokota, J.; Kyotani, S. Influence of nanoparticle size on the skin penetration, skin retention and anti-inflammatory activity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. J. Chin. Med. Assoc. 2018, 81, 511–519.
44.
Tokudome, Y.; Komi, T.; Omata, A.; et al. A new strategy for the passive skin delivery of nanoparticulate, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid prepared by a polyion complex method. Sci. Rep. 2018, 8, 2336.
45.
Menichetti, A.; Mordini, D.; Montalti, M. Penetration of Microplastics and Nanoparticles Through Skin: Effects of Size, Shape, and Surface Chemistry. J. Xenobiotics 2024, 15, 6.
46.
Alves, P.L.M.; Nieri, V.; Moreli, F.D.C.; et al. Unveiling New Horizons: Advancing Technologies in Cosmeceuticals for Anti-Aging Solutions. Molecules 2024, 29, 4890.
47.
Rohilla, S.; Rohilla, A.; Narwal, S.; et al. Global trends of cosmeceutical in nanotechnology: A review. Pharm. Nanotechnol. 2023, 11, 410–424.
48.
Vaiserman, A.; Koliada, A.; Lushchak, O. Phyto-nanotechnology in anti-aging medicine. Aging 2021, 13, 10818.
49.
Cardoza, C.; Nagtode, V.; Pratap, A.; et al. Emerging applications of nanotechnology in cosmeceutical health science: Latest updates. Health Sci. Rev. 2022, 4, 100051.
50.
Hamdan, S.; Pastar, I.; Drakulich, S.; et al. Nanotechnology-driven therapeutic interventions in wound healing: Potential uses and applications. ACS Cent. Sci. 2017, 3, 163–175.
51.
Vanaei, S.; Parizi, M.S.; Salemizadehparizi, F.; et al. An overview on materials and techniques in 3D bioprinting toward biomedical applications. Eng. Regen. 2021, 2, 1–18.
52.
Mascarinas, A.; Harrison, J.; Boachie-Adjei, K.; et al. Regenerative treatments for spinal conditions. Phys. Med. Rehabil. Clin. 2016, 27, 1003–1017.
53.
Lin, Y.; Chen, Z.; Liu, Y.; et al. Recent advances in nano-formulations for skin wound repair applications. Drug Des. Dev. Ther. 2022, 16, 2707–2728.
54.
Amor, I.B.; Emran, T.B.; Hemmami, H.; et al. Nanomaterials based on chitosan for skin regeneration: An update. Int. J. Surg. 2023, 109, 594–596.
55.
Kosksi, T.; Bustos-Salgado, P.; Rejeb, M.; et al. Development of Polymeric Nanoparticles Loaded with Phlomis crinita Extract: A Promising Approach for Enhanced Wound Healing. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26, 2124.
56.
Jessy-Mercy, D.; Thirumalai, A.; Udayakumar, S.; et al. Enhancing Wound Healing with Nanohydrogel-Entrapped Plant Extracts and Nanosilver: An In Vitro Investigation. Molecules 2024, 29, 5004.
57.
Ljubimova, J.Y.; Holler, R. Biocompatible nanopolymers: The next generation of breast cancer treatment? Nanomedicine 2012, 7, 1467–1470.
58.
Souto, E.B.; Silva, G.F.; Dias-Ferreira, J.; et al. Nanopharmaceutics: Part II: Production scales and clinically compliant production methods. Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 455.
59.
Ali, F.; Neha, K.; Parveen, S. Current regulatory landscape of nanomaterials and nanomedicines: A global perspective. J. Drug Deliv. Sci. Technol. 2023, 80, 104118.
60.
Eltaib, L. Polymeric Nanoparticles in Targeted Drug Delivery: Unveiling the Impact of Polymer Characterization and Fabrication. Polymers 2025, 17, 833.
61.
Mugundhan, S.L.; Mohan, M. Nanoscale strides: Exploring innovative therapies for breast cancer treatment. RSC Adv. 2024, 14, 14017–14040.
62.
Rathod, A.V.; Katekar, V.A.; Deshmukh, S.P. A review: Recent advancement in the formulation and evaluation of the nanoparticles and its application. GSC Biol. Pharm. Sci. 2023, 25, 116–122.
63.
Callister, W.D.; Rethwisch, D.G. Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering; John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ, USA, 2022; p. 29.
64.
García, J.M. Trends and challenges in polymer sensors. Sens. Polym. 2024, 14, 803–828.
65.
Abuzreda, A. Nanopolymers types, classification, properties, and uses. Adv. Environ. Waste Manag. Recycl. 2023, 6, 402–408.
66.
Bharathy, P.; Thanikachalam, P.V. Recent Advances and Future Prospects in Polymer-Mediated Drug Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review. Int. J. Drug Deliv. Technol. 2024, 14, 1896–1907.
67.
Malik, S.; Muhammad, K.; Waheed, Y. Nanotechnology: A revolution in modern industry. Molecules 2023, 28, 661.
68.
Peter, J. Advancements in Drug Formulation: Innovations Shaping the Future of Medicine. J. Pharm. Res. Clin. Pract. 2023, 6, 62–65.
69.
Freitas, C.S.; Pereira, P.R.; Cardoso, R.V.; et al. Antimicrobial and wound healing potential of naphthoquinones encapsulated in nanochitosan. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 2024, 11, 1284630.
70.
Kusnadi, K.; Herdiana, Y.; Rochima, E.; et al. Collagen-Based Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery System in Wound Healing Applications. Int. J. Nanomed. 2024, 19, 11321–11341.
71.
Begines, B.; Ortiz, T.; Pérez-Aranda, M.; et al. Polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery: Recent developments and future prospects. Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 1403.
72.
Yuniarsih, N.; Chaerunisaa, A.Y.; Elamin, K.M.; et al. Polymeric nanohydrogel in topical drug delivery system. Int. J. Nanomed. 2024, 19, 2733–2754.

Scilight Press

Author Information

Abstract

Keywords

References

About Scilight

Journals

Publishing Policies

Contact Us