María Luisa Hernández Bule

Recent evidence reveals that several psychotropic compounds exert significant biological effects on the skin through neurochemical and immunomodulatory pathways. Cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) show potent anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and anti-aging properties when applied topically, and may hold therapeutic potential. Antidepressants, particularly fluoxetine (Prozac), have been shown to regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes, suggesting benefits applied in allergic pathologies. Additionally, fluoxetine promotes wound healing and cell regeneration, indicating broader dermatological applications. Psychedelics, acting as serotonin receptor agonists (5-HTR), may influence cellular aging and immune modulation via the serotonergic system. Studies report that 5-HT receptor agonists can prevent UV-induced photocarcinogenesis, while psilocybin has been observed to reduce aging markers in human fibroblasts. Furthermore, recent data suggests that psilocin may alleviate acute itch involving the kynurenine pathway. These findings highlight the emerging relevance of psychoactive compounds in cutaneous biology, bridging neuropharmacology and dermatology toward novel therapeutic strategies.

This perspective contains the current understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in wound healing (the articles taken into consideration relate to the three-year period 2023–2025). Nevertheless, these biological pathways remain inadequately characterized; this is seen by the modifications leading to pathological conditions, such as keloids, chronic wounds, or hypertrophic scars and diabetic wounds. Focus is also directed to novel therapy suggested for these types of conditions. Understanding these scientific issues is crucial for professionals across many fields who see such presentations often.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an antimalarial commonly used in autoimmune and dermatological conditions, may exert photoprotective effects, though its role against high-energy visible light (HEVL) remains underexplored. This study evaluated HCQ’s impact on cell viability and oxidative stress in human keratinocytes (HaCat cells) exposed to HEVL blue light. Cells were treated with HCQ (1, 2.5, or 5 µM) and irradiated with blue light doses (4.5–72 J/cm²). Assays assessed cell viability (XTT), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the expression of oxidative stress-related enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT). Results showed that low blue light doses triggered endogenous protective responses, which HCQ enhanced, potentially via SOD activation. However, higher irradiation levels caused extensive cellular damage that overwhelmed HCQ’s protective capacity. These findings suggest HCQ may confer in vitro photoprotection against sublethal HEVL exposure by modulating oxidative stress responses, although this effect diminishes beyond a certain damage threshold.

Skin aging is a multifactorial process driven by both intrinsic mechanisms—such as telomere shortening, oxidative stress, hormonal decline, and impaired autophagy—and extrinsic influences including ultraviolet radiation, pollution, smoking, and diet. Together, these factors lead to the structural and functional deterioration of the skin, manifesting as wrinkles, pigmentation disorders, thinning, and reduced elasticity. This review provides an integrative overview of the biological, molecular, and clinical dimensions of skin aging, emphasizing the interplay between inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, and senescence-associated signaling pathways. We examine histopathological hallmarks and molecular markers and discuss the influence of genetic and ethnic variations on aging phenotypes. Current therapeutic strategies are explored, ranging from topical agents (e.g., retinoids, antioxidants, niacinamide) to procedural interventions such as lasers, intense pulsed light, photodynamic therapy, microneedling, and injectable biostimulators. Special attention is given to emerging approaches such as microneedle delivery systems, with mention of exosome-based therapies. The review underscores the importance of personalized anti-aging regimens based on biological age, phototype, and lifestyle factors. As the field advances, integrating mechanistic insights with individualized treatment selection will be key to optimizing skin rejuvenation and preserving long-term dermal health.