Hyeong Jae Kim, Jeong Hee Hong
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response, modulating redox homeostasis, detoxification, and cytoprotective pathways. Impaired Nrf2 signaling has been associated with a wide range of cutaneous pathologies, including photoaging, autoimmune disorders, and inflammation. In this review, we highlight roles of Nrf2 in the physiological and pathological mechanisms underlying oxidative stress, autoimmunity-associated skin damage, and fibrotic diseases, with a particular emphasis on photoaging, psoriasis, vitiligo, and autoimmune-associated skin fibrosis. Furthermore, we elucidate several natural bioactive compounds, their therapeutic applications, and delivery platforms for mitigating oxidative stress-mediated skin damage through the modulation of Nrf2 signaling, aiming to translate basic insights into clinical interventions for oxidative stress-driven skin disorders.