The Impact of Lasers and Energy-Based Devices on Cellular Senescence: A Systematic Review.

Summary

This PRISMA-compliant systematic review identified 23 studies showing that lasers and other energy-based devices generally reduce markers of cellular senescence and improve age-related skin changes, suggesting a hormesis-based rejuvenation mechanism. Evidence remains limited but converges on restored cellular signaling and reduced neocarcinogenesis.

Key Findings

• PRISMA-based review identified 23 original studies on lasers/EBDs and cellular senescence.
• Across lasers, light-based, and other EBDs, most reports showed reductions in senescence markers with clinical improvement of age-related changes.
• Authors propose hormesis as a convergent mechanism restoring signaling and reducing neocarcinogenesis, while highlighting the scarcity of rigorous data.

Clinical Implications

Supports the hypothesis that EBD treatments may modulate senescence pathways; encourages biomarker-informed treatment planning and trials assessing senescence endpoints alongside clinical outcomes.

Limitations

• Limited number of mechanistic human studies and heterogeneity in senescence endpoints.
• No quantitative meta-analysis due to variability in devices, protocols, and biomarkers.

Future Directions

Prospective trials incorporating standardized senescence biomarkers, dose–response mapping for hormesis, and head-to-head device comparisons to define mechanistic and clinical correlates.