Important Skin Molecules

Key kinds of biological molecules determine the health, resilience and appearance of the skin. This is similar to the way you can tell a dress is well made by the fabric used, the straightness of the seams and the finishing touches such as buttons, bows and zips. The most important skin molecules are: collagen, elastin, glycosoaminoglycans and proteoglycans.Collagen is the principal structural protein holding the skin together. The quality and quantity of your skin's collagen plays a major role in your appearance. It also gives durability and strength to the skin. Like all proteins it is made up of amino acids. Collagen is particularly rich in four amino acids: proline, hydroxyproline, lysine and glycine. As we age, collagen production declines, which is partly responsible for thinning of skin, wrinkles and sagging.

Elastin is a protein found in the skin. It helps to keep skin flexible but tight, providing a bounce-back reaction if skin is pulled. Enough elastin in the skin means that the skin will return to its normal shape after being pulled. It also aids in keeping the skin smooth as it stretches to accommodate normal activities such as opening and closing the mouth to talk or eat or flexing a muscle.

Elastin tends to deplete as people get older, resulting in wrinkled or stretched out skin. Another example is the pregnancy pouch - many women have many years after having a baby. The leftover skin is a result of inadequate elastin, and also excess stretching of the skin covering the abdomen during pregnancy.

Glycosoaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans are special biological polymers mainly responsible for holding moisture in the skin. GAGs and proteoglycans are composed of proteins and special water-holding sugars that come from glyconutrients. They are the body's natural moisturizers. GAGs and proteoglycans help skin stay plump and provide mechanical support for skin cells.

GAGs are composed of special units (mainly water-holding sugars) such as glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetyl glucosamine, and glucosamine sulfate. These units combine to form various types of GAGs, such as hyaluronic acid, keratin sulfate, heparin, heparin sulfate, dermatin sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate. Proteoglycans are larger than GAGs and are formed when certain types of GAGs are attached to a protein backbone. Since GAGs and proteoglycans are composed largely of water-holding sugars, supplementing one's diet with these sugars may enhance the skins production of GAGs and proteoglycans. In particular, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, D-glucosamine hydrochloride, and D-glucosamine sulfate are often used as supplements to increase skin moisture.