Hydroxycinnamic Acids and Derivatives Formulations for Skin Damages and Disorders: A Review

Alterations of skin homeostasis are widely diffused in our everyday life both due to accidentalinjuries, such as wounds and burns, and physiological conditions, such as late-stage diabetes,dermatitis, or psoriasis. These events are locally characterized by an intense inflammatory response, ahigh generation of harmful free radicals, or an impairment in the immune response regulation, whichcan profoundly change the skin tissue' repair process, vulnerability, and functionality. Moreover,diabetes diffusion, antibiotic resistance, and abuse of aggressive soaps and disinfectants followingthe COVID-19 emergency could be causes for the future spreading of skin disorders. In the last years,hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives have been investigated and applied in several research fieldsfor their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial activities. First, in this study, we give anoverview of these natural molecules' current source and applications. Afterwards, we review theirpotential role as valid alternatives to the current therapies, supporting the management and rebalancingof skin disorders and diseases at different levels. Also, we will introduce the recent advancesin the design of biomaterials loaded with these phenolic compounds, specifically suitable for skindisorders treatments. Lastly, we will suggest future perspectives for introducing hydroxycinnamicacids and derivatives in treating skin disorders.