The aim of the present study was to determine whether pyrroloquinoline quinine (PQQ) exerts a protective effect on ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation‑induced senescence in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and to elucidate its mechanism of action in vitro. A senescence model was constructed as follows: HDFs (1x10(4)‑1x10(6)) were cultured in a six‑well plate in vitro and then exposed to UVA irradiation at a dosage of 9 J/cm2. Various concentrations of PQQ (50, 100 and 200 ng/ml) were added to the culture medium 24 h prior to UVA exposure. Following 72 h of irradiation, senescence‑associated β‑galactosidase staining was performed in order to evaluate the senescence state. Furthermore, mRNA expression of the senescence marker genes matrix‑metalloprotease (MMP)1 and MMP3 was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression of sirtuin (SIRT)1, SIRT6, nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO‑1) were detected using western blot analysis. The results showed that the percentage of cells stained by X‑gal following 9 J/cm2 UVA irradiation was markedly increased compared with that of the control group (53 and 8%, respectively), while 50 ng/ml PQQ attenuated the ratio of positive staining compared with that of the UVA‑only cells (29 vs. 53%, respectively). Expression of fibroblast senescence marker genes MMP1 and MMP3 was decreased in cells treated with UVA and 50 ng/ml PQQ compared with that of cells in the UVA‑only group. Western blot analysis revealed significant effects of PQQ on SIRT1 and SIRT6. Nrf2 and HO‑1 exbibited mild changes with the same trend when treated with or without UVA and PQQ. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that pyrroloquinoline quinine may have a protective effect on UVA irradiation‑induced HDF aging, which may be associated with the anti‑apoptotic SIRT1/Nrf2/HO‑1 pathway as well as SIRT6 signaling.