SKIN CARE
without guidance from the cell, this formation process results in a random gel, lacking the specific orientation and structure necessary for functional tissues. To produce useful fibrils and tissues, cells secrete not just collagen but also various growth factors and signaling proteins to guide the formation process.33 Growth factors are vital for healthy collagen metabolism and play a crucial role in regulating the ECM. They facilitate the production, organization, and maintenance of collagen fibrils, which are crucial for the skin‘s structural integrity. These proteins ensure that collagen production aligns with the body‘s needs, maintaining the balance necessary for healthy skin, connective tissues, and overall tissue function. For instance, connective tissue growth factor transforming growth factor β (TGF-β),34
(CTGF),34
epidermal growth factor (EGF),35 fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2),36
and hepatocyte
growth factor (HGF)37 have been shown to influence collagen deposition or degradation. Additionally, cytokines like IL-1α,38
IL-6,38 and TNFα39 directly stimulate skin fibroblasts to
produce or activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). MMPs break down ECM components, while TIMPs preserve them. Interestingly, the ECM also regulates
growth factor signal transduction. For example, fibronectin binds to the TGF-β binding protein (LAP), sequestering TGF-β and keeping it inactive.23
Proteolysis of ECM proteins or
mechanical strain can activate TGF-β signal transduction, allowing the skin to respond rapidly without needing gene and protein expression pathways. Similarly, the heparin-binding domains
(HBDs) of laminin can bind to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet- derived growth factor (PDGF), enhancing their retention and efficacy, which improves wound healing in diabetic models.40
Connective tissue growth factor CTGF is a protein that cells secrete to promote collagen production.41
CTGF plays a crucial
role in stimulating fibroblasts, which are cells responsible for producing collagen. This process is essential for tissue repair and regeneration, as collagen provides structural support and strength to various tissues in the body.42-43 CTGF‘s balanced secretion is vital for
maintaining proper collagen levels. When CTGF is secreted in appropriate amounts, it ensures that collagen production is sufficient for tissue maintenance and repair without causing adverse effects such as fibrosis or excessive tissue scarring. This balance is crucial for healthy tissue function and overall wound healing.44
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor HBEGF plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, primarily through its involvement in wound healing and skin regeneration. HBEGF is a member of the EGF family and functions as a mitogenic and chemotactic glycoprotein. It accelerates keratinocyte migration, which is essential for the re-epithelialization process during wound healing.45 Studies have shown that HBEGF expression
www.personalcaremagazine.com
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*** ** 0% -4% 0% *** +11% * *** *** ** *** B 0% +6% 0% +19%
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Figure 3: Clinical trial of biopeptide complex eye cream. Individuals were tested for A: hydration; B: TEWL; C: elasticity; D: firmness; and E: dermal intensity of the skin after 28 days of trial. Asterisks indicate statistical significance (ANOVA) between the treatment and control groups. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001
is rapidly upregulated in response to skin injury, highlighting its importance in the early stages of wound repair. Additionally, HBEGF interacts with the EGF receptor, promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, which are vital for maintaining skin integrity and function. Overall, HBEGF‘s ability to enhance keratinocyte migration and stimulate cellular processes underscores its significant role in skin health and repair.46
Transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) TGFA plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin by promoting cell proliferation, differentiation, and development. As a member of the EGF family, TGFA binds to the EGF receptor, activating a signaling pathway that stimulates cellular growth and repair.47
This
interaction is crucial for skin regeneration and wound healing, as it enhances the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which are essential for maintaining skin integrity. Additionally, TGFA has been shown to
compete with EGF for binding to EGF receptors, further emphasizing its role in modulating skin cell behaviour. Overall, TGFA‘s ability to
activate EGFR and promote cellular processes underscores its importance in skin health and repair.
Integrin Subunit Alpha 1 (ITGA1) ITGA1 plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin by mediating cell adhesion and signaling processes essential for skin integrity and repair. ITGA1 is part of the α1β1 integrin complex, which binds to collagen and laminin in the ECM, facilitating cell-matrix interactions crucial for tissue structure and function. This integrin is involved in regulating the EGF
receptor pathway, which promotes keratinocyte proliferation and migration, key processes in wound healing and skin regeneration.48 Additionally, ITGA1 contributes to the dynamic remodeling of the ECM during wound healing, ensuring proper tissue repair and restoration. Overall, ITGA1‘s role in cell adhesion, signaling, and ECM remodeling underscores its importance in maintaining healthy skin.
Beyond synthetic peptides and hydrolyzed collagen Cells produce everything they need in the exact
May 2025 PERSONAL CARE
Dermal Intensity
Skin Elasticity (R2)
Skin Hydration (c.u.)
Skin Firmness (F4)
TEWL (g/hm2
)
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