Do you have any idea what the 'extracellular matrix' is? Does that sound like something you'd see on the sci fi channel? What about collagen? Elastin? Laminin? Chances are, you may have seen them on bottles of shower gel or skin lotion. If you are aprehensive about wrinkles, it is a great idea to know how your skin works and how we can help it be even more efficient.

All animal tissues have a 'matrix', which their cells are immersed in. This serves 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. Inside this matrix we have several different components that help our skin to keep itself flexible, soft and fresh. The function of some of these components is to maintain the strength or durability of the skin, and others to keep it moisturized. One of these substances, and one of the strongest proteins in nature is collagen. Since collagen is so strong, it helps to give structure and strength to our skin. As a side note, it is also the most abundant protein in our body. Another very important protein chain is elastin. Elastin is a more flexible protein (not as rigid as collagen) that helps our skin stretch, move, and then regain its original shape again. The body also has two different substances that help moisturize our skin and keep it soft. These are called glycosoaminoglycans (or GAGs for short) and proteoglycans. These substances are similar to the consistency of mucus, and they work because they preserve the moisture in our 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 present within the extracellular matrix are needed for our skin to have structure and moisture. However, the problem comes in when, due to too much sun exposure, aging, or contaminants in the environment, the body stops developing as many of these proteins, thus weakening the extracellular matrix. The development of collagen and elastin and moisture holding molecules is naturally dimished as people age. The cells get worn out, and since the body isn't making as many, our skin begins to sag, look older, and dry out.

How to Heal and Renuvenate your Skin

As I had talked about earlier, one of the biggest causes of this deterioration of the extracellular matrix is environmental contamination and exposure to UV rays so take care to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Quit 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 incredible new developments by scientific researchers into the unbelievable properties of biological ingredients found in nature when applied to these affected areas. In case you weren't aware, people are looking for these skin care products because these natural ingredients (such as the secretions that snails produce to protect themselves) have been found to increase the production of new collagen and elastin inside the extracellular matrix. If you haven't tried these natural products yet, make sure you get your hands on some of them also, because if you apply them daily, and you protect yourself when you are outside, surely you will be able to aid tarnished skin before it's too late!