Glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) The skin is composed of two distinct areas, epidermis and dermis. The epidermis consists of many layers of dead skin which are supported by the dermis. The dermis is a three dimensional network of collagen fibres and elastin, surrounded by a gel-like substance called the Ground substance. This determines the stability of the skin. We know that the ground substance is composed glycosaminoglycans (formerly called mucopolysaccharides), non-collagen proteins and water.

Until recently, the importance of glycosaminoglycans in skin physiology has been largely overlooked when compared to topics such as pH, nucleic acid replacement, and protein composition. Pharmaceutical and biochemical research indicates that glycosaminoglycans promote the ability of collagen fibres to retain water and bind moisture into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Collagen is the major fibrous protein of the extracellular connective tissues and comprises from 25% to 35% of our body's protein. Soluble collagen can be compared to a sponge because of its ability to trap water in its intercellular spaces. As collagen ages, the fibres aggregate into larger collagen strands and become less soluble. This less soluble condition, plus the addition of calcium deposits, squeezes the moisture out, induces further aggregation of collagen and causes shrinkage of the fibre length. The net result is a loss of skin turgor and the formation of wrinkles.

During the formation of soluble collagen and the collagen fibre, glycosaminoglycans become bound to the peptide chains. These promote the ability of collagen to retain water by holding the soluble fibres apart. The addition of glycosaminoglycans in EvesDay products, ensures a replacement of the diminishing amounts in the skin, and results in skin that has more moisture and increased flexibility. Leaves skin smooth and soft and minimizes depth and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.