Two types of cells can be recognized 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 undergo terminal specialization and leave the basal layer after a few rounds 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 just under the bulge (the complete permanent section of the follicle, under the sebaceous glands).

Although it is thought 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 achieve the correct equilibrium between the synthesis and degradation of crucial structural elements such as collagen and elastin, working toward a cure for damaged skin.

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

Gelatinase activity: A protease that starts the hydrolytic breakdown of proteins, normally by splitting them into polypeptide sequences. These are involved in early tissue repair and in extensive tissue remodeling. Several types of matrix metalloproteinases (collagenase and gelatinase enzymes) are specifically expressed or activated at different stages of the skin regeneration process. These variations determine the presence or absence of aberrant scars, like keloids or hypertrophic scars.

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a type of zinc-dependent enzymes, which degrade 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 essentially of interlaced polymers such as collagen and elastin. The skin matrix is responsible for the skin's physical abilities, including firmness and suppleness. The weaker and less regulated 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 eliminated by the MMP enzymes, and then recreated by fibroblasts. Therefore, MMP enzymes play a critical role in skin physiology.

Cosmetic Solutions to Skin Care Problems

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

In normal, youthful skin, the synthesis and degradation of the matrix have achieved a certain equilibrium; a flawed or redundant matrix is degraded, while deficit qualities are restored by the ongoing synthesis. Unluckily, 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 regular youthful levels in aged individuals is an efficient way to eliminate the flawed matrix and preserve the healthy one. For this reason, the utilization of MMP inhibitors in the form of chemicals drugs, cosmetic solutions, 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.

A new natural acne treatment offers the opportunity to get rid of scars, blemishes and skin imperfections, while at the same time protecting against environments threats and future skin problems.