With increased public interest in wellness and aesthetic longevity, regenerative strategies to address skin aging have become a growing focus in clinical research. A review published in Current Stem Cell Reports evaluates the role of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in skin aging and repair, with a particular emphasis on both the biological mechanisms and therapeutic developments in this space.
The review outlines how MSCs—and the biologically active products they secrete—can enhance skin regeneration by engaging in paracrine signaling, releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs), and in some cases, differentiating directly into skin-related cells. These processes contribute to improvements in skin elasticity, modulation of inflammatory pathways, and reduction of oxidative stress, all of which are central features in the aging process.
Importantly, the field has advanced beyond the use of whole cells alone. Researchers are increasingly exploring MSC derivatives such as exosomes, secretomes, and conditioned media. These components may offer more controlled and scalable treatment options with potentially fewer regulatory barriers, though their precise mechanisms and long-term safety profiles require further validation.
Future studies will need to clarify dosing, delivery methods, and long-term outcomes.
This review positions MSC-based therapies as a compelling but still-developing approach to skin rejuvenation, grounded in growing preclinical and early clinical evidence but awaiting broader clinical validation.
