Chitosan, a linear polyelectrolyte with active hydroxyl and amino groups, can be converted into chitosan-based hydrogels through various cross-linking methods. These hydrogels form a three-dimensional network that can accommodate significant amounts of aqueous solvents and biofluids, making them ideal for drug delivery and wound dressing applications. Chitosan-based hydrogels are biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic, making them suitable for promoting skin repair at different stages of the wound healing process, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. The review discusses the preparation methods of chitosan-based hydrogels, including physical and chemical cross-linking techniques. Physical cross-linking involves electrostatic interaction, metal-ion coordination, and hydrophobic interactions, while chemical cross-linking includes initiator-initiated cross-linking and radiation cross-linking. Each method has its advantages and limitations, and the choice depends on the specific requirements of the application. The review also highlights the potential of chitosan-based hydrogels in promoting skin repair, particularly in treating acute and chronic wounds. These hydrogels can be modified to exhibit smart properties, such as thermosensitivity, photosensitivity, and pH sensitivity, which enhance their adaptability to different wound conditions. Additionally, self-healing and drug-loaded chitosan-based hydrogels are explored, emphasizing their potential in improving wound healing outcomes. Chitosan-based hydrogels loaded with therapeutic components, such as metal ions, flavonoids, phenolic acids, plant essential oils, and peptides, are discussed for their enhanced efficacy in promoting wound healing. These modifications not only improve the hydrogel's biocompatibility and biodegradability but also enhance its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The review concludes by highlighting the progress made in the field of chitosan-based hydrogels and the challenges that need to be addressed for their broader clinical application. Despite the current advancements, further research is needed to optimize the preparation methods and ensure the safety and stability of these hydrogels for industrial production and clinical use.Chitosan, a linear polyelectrolyte with active hydroxyl and amino groups, can be converted into chitosan-based hydrogels through various cross-linking methods. These hydrogels form a three-dimensional network that can accommodate significant amounts of aqueous solvents and biofluids, making them ideal for drug delivery and wound dressing applications. Chitosan-based hydrogels are biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic, making them suitable for promoting skin repair at different stages of the wound healing process, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. The review discusses the preparation methods of chitosan-based hydrogels, including physical and chemical cross-linking techniques. Physical cross-linking involves electrostatic interaction, metal-ion coordination, and hydrophobic interactions, while chemical cross-linking includes initiator-initiated cross-linking and radiation cross-linking. Each method has its advantages and limitations, and the choice depends on the specific requirements of the application. The review also highlights the potential of chitosan-based hydrogels in promoting skin repair, particularly in treating acute and chronic wounds. These hydrogels can be modified to exhibit smart properties, such as thermosensitivity, photosensitivity, and pH sensitivity, which enhance their adaptability to different wound conditions. Additionally, self-healing and drug-loaded chitosan-based hydrogels are explored, emphasizing their potential in improving wound healing outcomes. Chitosan-based hydrogels loaded with therapeutic components, such as metal ions, flavonoids, phenolic acids, plant essential oils, and peptides, are discussed for their enhanced efficacy in promoting wound healing. These modifications not only improve the hydrogel's biocompatibility and biodegradability but also enhance its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The review concludes by highlighting the progress made in the field of chitosan-based hydrogels and the challenges that need to be addressed for their broader clinical application. Despite the current advancements, further research is needed to optimize the preparation methods and ensure the safety and stability of these hydrogels for industrial production and clinical use.