Seamus C. C. Phan
This study synthesizes evidence on exposome-driven cutaneous aging in Asia-Pacific populations and outlines formulation and assessment strategies that address regional pollution, solar exposure, ethnic variation, and gender-specific biology. Ambient pollutants, including PM 2.5, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds interact with UV and infrared radiation to increase reactive oxygen species, activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, induce matrix metalloproteinases, and promote collagen degradation and hyperpigmentation. Ethnic patterns in photoaging emphasize early pigmentary alterations in East and Southeast Asians and preserved dermal architecture in individuals with greater phototypes, while hormonal trajectories and structural sex differences modulate vulnerability to oxidative damage and barrier compromise. Topical solutions reviewed include low-pH, high-purity vitamin C combined with di- and tri-peptides, retinoids with gender-sensitive dosing and vehicle choice, antioxidant and peptide complexes, humectants and occlusives, and botanical extracts such as green tea polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, noting allergy and matrix-dependent stability concerns. Objective evaluation is highlighted through instruments measuring hydration, transepidermal water loss, pigmentation indices, Cutometer elasticity metrics, and high-frequency ultrasound, alongside controlled pollutant exposure using a cutaneous pollution exposure system (CPES) and ex vivo reactive oxygen species assays via DCFH DA. Emerging personalization avenues incorporate SNP-based clustering of genes for collagen, hydration, and oxidative defense to guide product selection. Integrating exposome-relevant actives, vehicle optimization for barrier status, standardized exposure models, instrumented endpoints, and genotypic risk stratification offers a pathway for region and gender-aware skincare interventions in urbanized Asia-Pacific settings.