BACKGROUND: Skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body. Many of its functions include temperature regulation, immunity from microorganisms, maintaining electrolyte balance, and protection from physical injuries, chemical agents and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Aging occurs in every layer of the skin, primarily due to the degradation of its components. Induction of degradative enzymes and the abundant production of reactive oxygen species lead to skin aging. Understanding the complexity of skin structure and factors contributing to the skin aging will help us impede the aging process. Applications of anti-aging products are a common method to prevent or repair damages that lead to aging.
CONCLUSION: This review will provide information on the causes and indicators of skin aging as well as examine studies that have used plants to produce anti-aging products.
* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.