Recent Articles of Interest

Two types of cells can be differentiated in the basal layer of the skin. One of these types of cells is a 'slow cycling cell', designated as a stem cell that gives way to the more rapid cells. The second type of cell is a 'rapid cycling cell', which is designated as a transit amplifying cell. This second type of cell is destined to achieve terminal differentiation and leave the basal layer after a few cycles of mitosis. 'Keratinocytes' have the highest capacity contained by a single cell to reproduce independently. These form a colony in the human follicle, located in the region just below the bulge (the entire permanent portion of the follicle, below the sebaceous glands).

Although it is commonly understood that stem cells divide infrequently in a healthy epidermis, they are the cells with the talent for sustained proliferation, in response to a stimulus such as wounding.

Glycoconjugates: Help reach the correct balance between the synthesis and degradation of important structural elements such as collagen and elastin, working toward a cure for damaged skin.

Collagenase: Enzymes that accelerate the hydrolysis of collagen and gelatin.

Gelatinase activity: An enzyme that begins the hydrolytic rupture of proteins, usually by splitting them into polypeptide chains. These are required in early tissue repair and in extensive tissue remodeling. Various types of matrix metalloproteinases (collagenase and gelatinase enzymes) are specifically expressed or activated at various periods of the skin regeneration process. These variations resolve the presence or absence of aberrant scars, like keloids or hypertrophic scars.

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a group of zinc-dependent enzymes, which eliminate varying components of the extracellular skin matrix in both healthy and diseased skin cells. The skin matrix is a framework that holds the skin together and consists mainly of interlaced polymers such as collagen and elastin. The skin matrix is responsible for the skin's physical properties, including strength and elasticity. The weaker and less consistent the matrix, the more wrinkles, roughness, and sag one tends to have over time. Whenever skin is injured, disfigured or worn out, the skin matrix is eliminated by the MMP enzymes, and then recreated by fibroblasts. Therefore, MMP enzymes have a crucial role in skin physiology.

Cosmetic Formulas for Skin Care Problems

The modern approach to skin care is keeping up a healthy balance of these enzymes.

In healthy, youthful skin, the synthesis and degradation of the matrix have achieved a certain balance; a flawed or redundant matrix is eliminated, while deficit qualities are replenished by the ongoing synthesis. Unluckily, this intricate balance gets altered as one ages - too little of the matrix is produced and too much is eliminated. MMP levels rise excessively the older one gets.

Research indicates that a reversal of MMP levels to regular youthful levels in aged sufferers is an effective method to eliminate the flawed matrix and preserve the healthy one. With this objective in mind, the utilization of MMP inhibitors in the format of chemicals drugs, cosmetic formulations, and lifestyle changes is the latest cure for skin care concerns. Do it yourself, natural remedies for acne and other skin problems are effective, daily treatments that improve the skin's condition over time.