Skin Health & Aging | Supporting Collagen & the Skin’s Extracellular Matrix with Bakuchiol: Overview
In this article, we detail the anatomy of the epidermis and dermis, highlighting the extracellular matrix in the dermal layer. We discuss the composition of the extracellular matrix and various factors influencing skin aging and collagen synthesis, including matrix metalloproteinases. We finish the conversation by going through an absolutely remarkable way to support the skin.
Skin Anatomy: Epidermis & Dermis
The skin is a highly specialized, multi-layered organ that serves as a protective barrier while simultaneously participating in immune surveillance, thermoregulation, and sensory perception. The epidermis, the outermost layer, is composed primarily of keratinocytes that undergo continuous renewal through basal cell proliferation in the stratum basale. These keratinocytes progressively differentiate as they migrate upward through the layers of the epidermis including the stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum; and these cells ultimately undergo cornification, a unique form of terminal differentiation where the nucleus and organelles are degraded in a highly regulated process, leading to the formation of anucleate corneocytes. The outermost stratum corneum consists of these terminally differentiated corneocytes also embedded in a lipid matrix that enhances water retention and barrier function. In more detail, the layered arrangement of corneocytes, supported by the lipid matrix, aids in protecting against environmental insults, microbial invasion, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Below the epidermis lies the dermis, a dense connective tissue matrix that provides biomechanical support and is subdivided into the papillary dermis—a superficial, loose connective tissue layer rich in capillaries, sensory nerve endings, and more—and the reticular dermis, a deeper, more fibrous layer containing densely packed collagen bundles, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) which together confer tensile strength, elasticity, and hydration to the skin.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) in the dermis is a three-dimensional, fibrous network that provides structural support and mechanical strength, and aids in dermal cell biochemical signaling. Fibroblasts, the predominant cellular component of the dermis, play a key role in ECM homeostasis by synthesizing critical compounds such as collagen types I and III, which provide mechanical strength; elastin, which allows the skin to return to its original shape after deformation; and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), including hyaluronic acid, which attracts water molecules to maintain dermal hydration and turgor. The ECM also contains proteoglycans, which consist of GAGs attached to a protein core, along with fibronectin, both of which contribute to cellular communication and wound healing. Additionally, fibroblast activity is tightly regulated by growth factors such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), which modulate collagen synthesis, cellular migration, and repair mechanisms, and dysregulation of ECM remodeling can contribute to dermal thinning, impaired wound healing, and connective tissue degradation.
In expanding upon that notion, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes that degrade components such as collagen, elastin, laminin, and proteoglycans. When out of balance or dysregulated, these enzymes can contribute to the degradation of collagen, elastin, and other ECM components, possibly contributing to skin aging characterized by a loss of structural integrity, reduced skin elasticity, and wrinkle formation.
Skin Aging: ECM
Skin aging is a multifactorial biological process driven by intrinsic (chronological) and extrinsic (environmental) factors, leading to structural, functional, and biochemical changes in the epidermis and dermis. Intrinsic aging is regulated by factors including genetics, cellular senescence, and hormonal decline, often resulting in reduced fibroblast activity, diminished collagen synthesis, decreased epidermal turnover, and impaired barrier function. Extrinsic aging can be induced by environmental and lifestyle factors including radiation, pollution, sleep, and more; moreover, extrinsic aging can accelerate these skin changes observed via intrinsic factors through mechanisms such as increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. These can contribute to collagen fibril fragmentation, elastin degradation, dermal thinning, reduced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and impaired wound healing, leading to wrinkle formation, loss of skin elasticity, increased dryness, and pigmentation irregularities.
More specifically, multiple MMPs, including MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9, are elevated in the aged human dermis, contributing to increased collagen degradation and fibril fragmentation, with manifestations including dermal thinning, loss of elasticity, and wrinkle formation. As fibroblasts are the primary MMP-producing cells in the dermis, their functional decline in aging skin—marked by reduced proliferation, increased senescence, and altered secretory activity—can contribute to excessive MMP activity and ECM breakdown.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived meroterpene phenol derived from the seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia. As a topical, skin-supporting compound, it can aid in reducing skin aging by supporting human fibroblast cell activity and reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. In more detail, bakuchiol can aid in increasing tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) (Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases are endogenous inhibitors that bind MMPs in a 1:1 ratio, preventing excessive ECM degradation), collagen type I mRNA, collagen type III mRNA, and decreasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) mRNA.
CYLN: Bakuchiol Serum
CYLN has an absolutely phenomenal Bakuchiol Serum, truly exceptional for supporting the skin’s extracellular matrix integrity, antioxidant defenses, and overall skin health. In more detail, CYLN's Bakuchiol Serum is an exceptional way to support skin structure and resilience and combat visible signs of skin aging including fine lines and wrinkles. Bakuchiol's antioxidant properties coupled with its ability to support the dermal extracellular matrix make it a phenomenal tool for supporting dermal health.
CYLN
In addition to their Bakuchiol Serum, CYLN has an array of other phenomenal, skin-nourishing formulations utilizing a variety of exceptional botanicals, including Ranawara, Nelum, Soursop, and Ceylon Karapincha. CYLN's products are also clinically studied, showcasing over 96% of participants experiencing noticeable improvements in skin brightness, hydration, and smoothness, with significant reductions in fine lines and wrinkles after 28 days.
Additionally, all of CYLN's products utilize bio-compatible, naturally derived ingredients, carefully selected to facilitate absorption without clogging pores, ensuring that every serum, cleanser, and cream works in synergistic harmony with the skin. CYLN is also cruelty-free and dedicated to formulating without PEGs, silicones, parabens, sulfates, fragrances, and a variety of other common additives. CYLN has truly and undoubtedly redefined clean beauty with an unparalleled commitment to purity, clinical efficacy, and the wisdom of Helaveda’s ancient botanicals.
CYLN's mission also goes above and beyond when it comes to sustainability and social impact. They are not only dedicated to sustainable ingredient sourcing and biodegradable packaging, but they are committed to actively uplifting Sri Lankan communities.
CYLN's Bakuchiol Serum truly stands as an embodiment of their remarkable dedication to integrating clean, skin-nourishing botanicals with scientific insight and sustainable craftsmanship in order to support overall skin health.
Experience their full collection including their Bakuchiol Serum, Ceylon Karapincha Night Cream, Firming Nelum Eye Cream, Soursop Brightening Day Cream, and Ranawara Hydrating Cleanser over at cylnglobal.com.
*Always consult with a licensed medical professional for all of your medical needs.
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