Do you understand what the 'extracellular matrix' is? For most people, that sounds like something they'd expect to see in a science fiction movie. What about collagen? Elastin? Laminin? Do you know anything about these things besides the fact that they are found in some shower gels? If you are worried about premature aging skin, it is a really good idea to know how your skin works and how we can help it be more efficient.

All animal tissues have a 'matrix', which their cells are immersed in. This has lots of 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 lots of different components that help our skin to look soft, flexible and radiant. 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 in all of 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 main protein chain is elastin. Elastin is a more elastic-like 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 glycosoaminoglycans (or GAGs for short) and proteoglycans. These substances are very similar to the texture of mucus, and they are beneficial because they maintain the moisture in the skin.

As long as all of these components are working properly in your skin, our skin will stay youthful-looking and radiant. Don't forget that all the substances present within the extracellular matrix are necessary for our skin to stay structured and moist. 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 age. The cells get worn out, and since the body isn't fabricating as many fresh ones as it used to, our skin starts to look older, saggy, and drier than it used to.

How to Heal your Skin

As I said, one of the main causes of this deterioration of the extracellular matrix is pollution and sun exposure, so be careful when exposing yourself to the elements. Quit smoking if you haven't already done so, and always wear sun block. And of course, by now you are probably familiar with the remarkable new developments by researchers into the healing properties of biological ingredients found in nature when applied topically to these affected areas. In case you haven't heard, people are in a frenzy buying these skin care products because their biological ingredients (such as the mucous that snails produce) have been found to heighten new production of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix. If you haven't been able to try any of these natural products yet, make sure you get your hands on some of them 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!