The Delicate Wound Healing Process

Two kinds of cells can be differentiated in the basal layer of the skin. One of these types of cells is a 'slow cycling cell', assigned as a stem cell that gives way to the more rapid cells. The second type of cell is a 'quick cycling cell', which is assigned as a transit amplifying cell. This second type of cell is destined to undergo terminal differentiation and leave the basal layer after a few cycles of mitosis. 'Keratinocytes' have the highest ability contained by a single cell to reproduce independently. These create a colony in the human follicle, located in the region directly under the bulge (the complete permanent portion of the follicle, under the sebaceous glands).
Although it is commonly understood that stem cells divide infrequently in an undamaged epidermis, they are the cells with the talent for continued proliferation, in response to a stimulus such as wounding.
Glycoconjugates: Help reach the correct balance between the production and degradation of important structural elements such as collagen and elastin, working toward a cure for damaged skin.
Collagenase: Enzymes that catalyze the degradation of collagen and gelatin.
Gelatinase activity: A protease that starts the hydrolytic breakdown of proteins, usually by splitting them into polypeptide chains. These are required in early tissue repair and in extensive tissue remodeling. Several kinds of matrix metalloproteinases (collagenase and gelatinase enzymes) are selectively expressed or activated at different periods of the skin regeneration process. These variations determine the presence or absence of abnormal scars, like keloids or hypertrophic scars.
The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a type of zinc-dependent enzymes, which eliminate varying components of the extracellular skin matrix in both normal and diseased tissue. The skin matrix is a framework that holds the skin together and consists mainly of inter-meshed polymers such as collagen and elastin. The skin matrix is responsible for the skin's mechanical properties, including firmness and elasticity. The weaker and less consistent the matrix, the more wrinkles, roughness, and sag one tends to acquire over time. Whenever skin is damaged, malformed or worn out, the skin matrix is broken down by the MMP enzymes, and then synthesized by fibroblasts. Therefore, MMP enzymes play a critical role in skin physiology.
Cosmetic Formulas for Skin Care Problems
The modern approach to skin care is maintaining a healthy balance of these enzymes.
In healthy, youthful skin, the production and degradation of the matrix have achieved a certain balance; a damaged or redundant matrix is degraded, while deficit qualities are replenished by the ongoing production. Unfortunately, this intricate balance gets altered during the aging process - too little of the matrix is produced and too much is degraded. MMP levels rise excessively the older one gets.
Scientific investigation indicates that a reversal of MMP levels to normal youthful levels in aged individuals is an effective way to eliminate the damaged matrix and preserve the healthy one. For this reason, the use of MMP inhibitors in the format of chemicals drugs, cosmetic solutions, and lifestyle changes is the latest cure for skin care issues. Do it yourself, natural remedies for acne and other skin problems are effective, daily treatments that improve the skin's condition over time.

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A new natural acne treatment offers the chance to get rid of scars, blemishes and dermal imperfections, while at the same time shielding against environments threats and future skin concerns.

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by: Guest Total views: 4 Word Count: 544 Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008 Time: 12:00 AM 0 comments