A-Z — Glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans — polysaccharides that are major components of the extra cellular matrix (ECM) and connective tissues. They are used in cosmetics for their ability to increase hydration, elasticity and pliability of the skin. Glycosaminoglycans are credited with film-forming, moisturizing, and firming properties. They reportedly leave the skin smooth, velvety soft and minimize wrinkle appearance. They are easily accepted by the skin because of their high charge and affinity. This group of complex materials, formerly identified as mucopolysaccharides, includes such individual components as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, chondroitin sulfate, chondroitin 6-sulfate, dermatan sulfate, heparin, and heparin sulfate. Glycosaminoglycans are derived from cartilaginous...

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Mucopolysaccharide

Chemically speaking, mucopolysaccharide is packed with nutrients including hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, antimicrobial and copper peptides, all of which are commonly used in beauty products and proven to be beneficial for the skin.  Translation…a bunch of good-for-the-skin stuff.  Good research to boot: 1)  A 2007 study examined the molecular basis for the regeneration properties.  It found that mucopolysaccharide has serious antioxidant properties thanks to two antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione). Second, it induced fibroblast proliferation, important during wound healing. Third, it was found to downregulate degradative collagenase enzymes that destroy skin-firming collagen. Serious wound healing and anti-aging potential, and 2) A 2013 anti-aging...

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