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', assigned as a stem cell that gives way to the more rapid cells. The second type of cell is a 'rapid cycling cell', which is assigned as a transit amplifying cell. This second type of cell is meant to undergo terminal specialization and leave the basal layer after a few cycles of cellular division. 'Keratinocytes' have the highest capacity contained by a single cell to proliferate independently. These form a colony in the human follicle, located in the region just under the bulge (the entire permanent section of the follicle, under 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 reach the correct equilibrium between the production 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: A protease that starts the hydrolytic breakdown of proteins, normally by splitting them into polypeptide chains. These are required in early tissue repair and in prolonged tissue remodeling. Various types of matrix metalloproteinases (collagenase and gelatinase enzymes) are specifically expressed or activated at different stages 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 type of zinc-dependent enzymes, which eliminate several components of the extracellular skin matrix in both healthy and diseased skin cells. The skin matrix is a framework that keeps the skin together and consists essentially 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 have over time. Whenever skin is injured, malformed or worn out, the skin matrix is broken down by the MMP enzymes, and then recreated by fibroblasts. Therefore, MMP enzymes play a critical role in dermal physiology.

Cosmetic Formulas for Skin Care Problems

The latest approach to skin care is keeping up a healthy equilibrium of these enzymes.

In normal, youthful skin, the production and degradation of the matrix have achieved a certain equilibrium; a damaged or redundant matrix is eliminated, while deficit qualities are restored by the ongoing production. Unluckily, this intricate balance gets disrupted during the aging process - too little of the matrix is synthesized and too much is eliminated. MMP levels rise exaggeratedly the older one gets.

Scientific investigation indicates that a reversal of MMP levels to regular youthful levels in aged individuals is an efficient way to remove the damaged matrix and preserve the healthy one. With this objective in mind, the utilization of MMP inhibitors in the form of chemicals drugs, cosmetic solutions, and lifestyle changes is the new cure for skin care problems. At home, natural remedies for acne and other skin problems are effective, daily treatments that improve the skin's condition over time.