Low molecular weight heparan sulfate containing facial skin care for reducing inflammation and restoring aged‐skin homeostasis

Background Chronic exposure of the skin to environmental factors, including solar radiation and air pollution, promotes skin aging by inducing inflammation which damages the skin. Heparan sulfate (HS) is one of the glycosaminoglycans, which has a central role in modulating skin repair. In its appearance in the skin, HS is large and highly polar and therefore unable to penetrate the skin. As a component in a topical formulation, the modified to a low molecular weight heparan sulfate analog (LMW‐HS) showed biological modulation activity. Aims This review discusses the potential role of topical formulations containing LMW‐HS in restoring aged‐skin homeostasis and skin health. Methods An expert panel of dermatologists who regularly treat clinical signs of facial photoaging explored the role of LMW‐HS containing formulations for reducing inflammation and facial‐aging signs. For this purpose, evidence from the conducted literature searches was used together with expert opinion and experience of the panel. Results Extrinsic factors contribute to skin aging through oxidative stress, stimulating inflammation involved in extracellular matrix degradation. Evidence showed that chemokines require heparan sulfate for their full range of functional activities during innate immunity. Studies showed the LMW‐HS containing topical formulation to penetrate the skin within 48 hours of once‐daily application. LMW‐HS used in the periorbital area improved discoloration and wrinkles at Week 2 with continuous improvement up to Week 12. Conclusion The LMW‐HS containing formulation showed improvements in skin condition when applied on photo‐damaged skin, indicating its therapeutic potential.