Article Directory

Do you know what the 'extracellular matrix' is? Does that sound like something out of a science fiction movie to you? What about collagen? Elastin? Laminin? Chances are, you may have seen them on bottles of shower gel or skin lotion. If you are worried about aging skin, it is a wonderful idea to know how your skin works and how we can help it work even better.

All animal tissues have a 'matrix', a substance which their cells are immersed in. This has several important functions. Some of the most important ones are the growth of new cells, giving structure to the inner layers of our skin, and healing our wounds. This important substance is called the extracellular matrix. In this matrix we have several different components that help our skin to be supple, soft, and smooth. Some of these help maintain its durability, and others help it stay moist. One of the substances found here, and one of the strongest proteins found in nature, is collagen. Since collagen is so strong, it strengthens our skin and gives it durability. It happens to be the most abundant protein found in the body. Another very important protein chain is elastin. Elastin is a more stretchable protein (not as rigid as collagen) that helps our skin stretch, move, and then regain its original shape again. There are also two different substances which help our skin stay moist and fresh. These are called glycosoaminoglycans (or GAGs for short) and proteoglycans. These substances are a lot like the texture of mucus, and they are important because they maintain the moisture in your skin.

As long as all of these components are working properly in the skin, our skin will remain youthful-looking and radiant. Remember that all the substances in the extracellular matrix are indispensable for our skin to keep its structure and stay moisturized. However, the problem begins when, due to too much sun exposure, aging, or contaminants in the environment, the body doesn't make as many of these proteins as quickly anymore, thus deteriorating the extracellular matrix. The development of collagen and elastin and moisture holding molecules is naturally reduced as people get older. The cells get worn out, and since the body isn't producing as many new ones, our skin starts to look dry, saggy, and old.

How to Naturally Help your Skin to Heal Itself

As I said, one of the major causes of this deterioration of the extracellular matrix is pollution and sun exposure, so be careful when you are outside in peak hours of he day. Try to give up smoking if you haven't already done so, and always wear sun block. And of course, by now you have more than likely heard about the remarkable new developments by scientific researchers into the unbelievable properties of biological ingredients found in nature when applied topically to these affected areas. If you're one of the few people who is not familiar with this, people are in a frenzy buying these skin care products because these natural ingredients (such as the secretions that snails produce to protect themselves) have been found to enhance the production of new collagen and elastin inside the extracellular matrix. If you haven't been able to try any of these natural products yet, make sure you check them out also, because dedicating yourself to applying them several times a day, and protecting yourself from harmful UV rays when outside, will help you to repair damaged skin before it's too late!