BACKGROUND: In human skin, miRNAs have important regulatory roles and are involved in the development, morphogenesis, and maintenance by influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, immune regulation, and wound healing. MiRNAs have been investigated for many years in various skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, as well as malignant tumors. Only during recent times, cosmeceutical use of molecules/natural active ingredients to regulate miRNA expression for significant advances in skin health/care product development was recognized.

AIM: To review miRNAs with the potential to maintain and boost skin health and avoid premature aging by improving barrier function, preventing photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and chronological aging/senescence.

METHODS: Most of the cited articles were found through literature search on PubMed. The main search criteria was a keyword "skin" in combination with the following words: miRNA, photoaging, UV, barrier, aging, exposome, acne, wound healing, pigmentation, pollution, and senescence. Most of the articles reviewed for relevancy were published during the past 10 years.

RESULTS: All results are summarized in Figure 1, and they are based on cited references.

CONCLUSIONS: Thus, regulating miRNAs expression is a promising approach for novel therapy not only for targeting skin diseases but also for cosmeceutical interventions aiming to boost skin health.