Journal of Health Wellness and Community Research · May 8, 2026
Integrating Epigenetic Clocks in Aesthetic Dermatology: A New Paradigm for Personalized Skin Rejuvenation
By Sohail S, Kidwai HK, Masood DT et al.
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