Regenerative Medicine for Skin Health: From Principles to Practice (Part I).

Abstract

Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field focused on restoring tissue form and function by harnessing the body's intrinsic reparative mechanisms. In dermatology, regenerative strategies include both cellular therapies (e.g., stem cells) and acellular products (e.g., biostimulatory polymers and exosomes), emphasizing the need for responsible translation from conceptual innovation to clinical application. The 21st Century Cures Act has accelerated the development of regenerative therapies through the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation, which supports products that address serious diseases or unmet medical needs. Guided by the "from the patient to the patient" paradigm, this article reviews the regenerative medicine lexicon, evolving biotechnologies, and strategies for patient management. As many current therapies enhance healing rather than achieve full tissue regeneration, careful distinction and evidence-based evaluation are critical. Regenerative biotherapeutics hold promise to transform dermatologic care by targeting root causes of disease and advancing skin health.