Abstract: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which mediates the cytotoxic reaction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is a nuclear transcription factor expressed in skin cells. AHR is essential in the progress of differentiation and proliferation of the skin cells, and subsequently affects senescence and apoptosis. Transmission of the exogenous pollutants are predominantly through the AHR receptor. Currently, the association between AHR and tumor, as well as inflammatory skin disease, have been widely studied. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the advances in the mechanisms of AHR-mediated skin exogenous aging, and to explore the anti-aging pathway targeting AHR receptor.

Key words: aromatic hydrocarbon receptor, skin aging, exogenous aging, anti-aging, topical antioxidants