Role of Enzymes in Wound Healing
More than one type of skin cell units are located within the basal layer of the human skin matrix. 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 specialization and leave the basal layer after a few rounds of cellular division. 'Keratinocytes' have the highest ability contained by a single cell to reproduce independently. These form a colony in the human follicle, located in the region directly below the bulge (the complete permanent portion of the follicle, below the sebaceous glands).
Although it is commonly understood that stem cells proliferate infrequently in a healthy epidermis, they are the cells that are capable of sustained proliferation, in response to a stimulus such as wounding.
Glycoconjugates: Help achieve the correct balance between the synthesis and degradation of crucial structural elements such as collagen and elastin, working toward a cure for damaged skin.
Collagenase: Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of collagen and gelatin.
Gelatinase activity: An enzyme that starts the hydrolytic rupture of proteins, usually by splitting them into polypeptide chains. These are involved in early tissue repair and in prolonged tissue remodeling. Several kinds 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 abnormal scars, like keloids or hypertrophic scars.
The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a group of zinc-dependent enzymes, which degrade several components of the extracellular skin matrix in both healthy and diseased tissue. The skin matrix is a framework that holds the skin together and consists essentially of inter-meshed polymers such as collagen and elastin. The skin matrix is responsible for the skin's physical abilities, including strength and suppleness. The weaker and less consistent the matrix, the more wrinkles, roughness, and sag one tends to acquire over time. Whenever skin is damaged, disfigured or worn out, the skin matrix is eliminated by the MMP enzymes, and then synthesized by fibroblasts. Therefore, MMP enzymes play a crucial role in skin physiology.
Cosmetic Formulas for Skin Care Problems
The latest approach to skin care is maintaining a healthy balance of these enzymes.
In normal, youthful skin, the synthesis and degradation of the matrix have achieved a certain balance; a damaged or redundant matrix is eliminated, while deficit qualities are restored by the ongoing synthesis. Unfortunately, this intricate balance gets disrupted during the aging process - too little of the matrix is produced and too much is eliminated. MMP levels rise exaggeratedly the older one gets.
Research shows that a reversal of MMP levels to normal youthful levels in aged individuals is an efficient way to eliminate the damaged 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.
Now you can treat acne at home with a natural product that offers the chance to eliminate scars, blemishes and skin imperfections, while at the same time shielding against environments threats and future skin concerns.
Published February 11th, 2008
