Integrating Epigenetic Clocks in Aesthetic Dermatology: A New Paradigm for Personalized Skin Rejuvenation

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Published: 2026-05-08
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61919/as5tff04
Keywords:
Epigenetic clock, DNA methylation, skin aging, aesthetic dermatology, personalized medicine, rejuvenation

Main Article Content

Sunble Sohail
MBBS (China), Hubei Polytechnic University, China
Huma Kamran Kidwai
MBBS, Student of MCPS, Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician at Derm MD Care Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
Tayyaba Masood
MD, MCPS, D.Derm, MSc Derm, MSPH, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad, Pakistan. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2739-3698
Maqadus Alam
M.D Ukraine, Lugansk State Medical, Ukraine
Ayesha Athar
MBBS, Medical Officer, Cosmoplast Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan
Nudrat Shahzadi
MBBS, Binzhou Medical University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2299-1000

Abstract

Background: Chronological age poorly captures biological variation in skin aging, which may contribute to inconsistent responses to aesthetic rejuvenation. DNA methylation–based epigenetic clocks provide measurable estimates of biological age and may support personalized dermatological treatment planning. Objective: To compare epigenetic-guided skin rejuvenation with standard chronological age–based treatment among adults seeking non-surgical aesthetic care. Methods: This single-center randomized controlled trial enrolled 120 adults aged 25–65 years at a tertiary dermatology setting in Punjab, Pakistan. Participants were randomized to epigenetic-guided treatment or standard care. Biological age was estimated using DNA methylation profiling and classified as accelerated, synchronous, or decelerated aging. Both groups received topical, device-based, and injectable rejuvenation over six months. Outcomes included wrinkle reduction, pigmentation improvement, elasticity enhancement, satisfaction, and epigenetic age change. Results: Of 120 randomized participants, 114 completed follow-up. Epigenetic-guided care produced greater wrinkle reduction (mean difference 0.60 PGA points, 95% CI 0.41–0.79; d=1.18; p=0.008), pigmentation improvement (12.00%, 95% CI 8.31–15.69; d=1.19; p=0.002), elasticity enhancement (12.00%, 95% CI 9.24–14.76; d=1.60; p=0.014), and epigenetic age reduction (−1.50 years, 95% CI −1.78 to −1.22; d=1.96; p=0.040). Conclusion: Epigenetic-guided rejuvenation improved clinical, patient-reported, and molecular outcomes, supporting further evaluation of biological-age-based personalization in aesthetic dermatology

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Vol. 4 No. 9 (2026): Volume 4, Issue 9 (May 2026)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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1.
Sunble Sohail, Huma Kamran Kidwai, Tayyaba Masood, Maqadus Alam, Ayesha Athar, Nudrat Shahzadi. Integrating Epigenetic Clocks in Aesthetic Dermatology: A New Paradigm for Personalized Skin Rejuvenation. JHWCR [Internet]. 2026 May 8 [cited 2026 May 9];4(9):1-10. Available from: https://jhwcr.com/index.php/jhwcr/article/view/1551

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