Decorin - Skin Tightening, Anti-Scarring, Anti-Cancer?

Decorin - an important proteglycan that possess collagen rebuilding, anti-scarring and anti-cancer effects. In the dermis,  decorin attaches itself to collagen strands ensuring uniform and well-organized collagen structure.
     Recent studies provide even more insight into a complex role of decorin in skin biology. For example, scientists believed that decorin can be found only in the dermis, because that is where it can exhibit its collagen building power. However, in a recent study decorin genes were also discovered in the epidermal cells (keratinocyes). This finding suggests that this molecule plays an important role in the regulation of skin's homeostasis on all levels.
     Another interesting study that should be concern to all of us is that it was also discovered that decorin has the surprising ability to inhibit the invasion of malignant melanoma cells by inducing acidification. Upon contact with decorin, aggressive malignant melanoma cells became so acidic that they stuck to the dermal matrix and were unable to move.
   Another study demonstrated that decorin decreases in aged skin as well as in photodamaged skin. This can explain a progressive disorganization of collagen fibers as well as an increased susceptibility to malignant tumors.

What can we do to increase decorin in our skin or at last delay its age-related decline? Presently, only one ingredient used in cosmetic products has been shown to increase decorin – the tri-peptide GHK-Cu. This peptide has been scientifically proven to tighten collagen in aging skin, tighten loose skin, reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity as well as exhibit anti-tumor activity.  

Velez-Delvalle C, Marsch-Moreno M, Castro-Muñozledo F, Kuri-Harcuch W. Decorin gene expression and its regulation in human keratinocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2011;22;411(1):168-74.

Stock C, Jungmann O, Seidler DG Decorin and chondroitin-6 sulfate inhibit B16V melanoma cell migration and invasion by cellular acidification. J Cell Physiol. 2011;226(10):2641-50. doi: 10.1002/jcp.22612.

Oh JH, Kim YK, Jung JY, Shin JE, Chung JH. Changes in glycosaminoglycans and related proteoglycans in intrinsically aged human skin in vivo. Exp Dermatol. 2011;20(5):454-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01258.x.

Siméon A, Wegrowski Y, Bontemps Y, Maquart FX.Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+).J Invest Dermatol. 2000;115(6):962-8

Product of the month - Super Cop Cream

        Super Cop Cream contains a powerful combination of second generation copper peptides (Skin Remodeling Copper Peptides - SRCPs) and natural moisturizers with antioxidants. When used together with Exfoliating Hydroxy Acids (EHAs), this product provides astonishing skin remodeling and rejuvenating effects.
     SRCPs have been scientifically proven to tighten loose skin, increase collagen and improve its structure, speed up skin remodeling and recharge the skin's own stem cells. They also ensure prompt removal of damaged structures as well as prevent age-related skin degradation due to their balancing effect on the skin's remodeling enzymes: matrix proteases.
     To achieve proper moisturization, the cream contains squalane (a natural lubricating and protective component of skin oil that diminishes with age), aloe barbadensis juice and gel (Aloe Vera gel) and amino acids leucine and glycine - both of which are important components of The Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).
     A protective blend of natural antioxidants added to Super Cop includes lycopene and lutein, mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols and coenzyme Q-10. Lycopene and lutein are two potent antioxidant compounds found in tomatoes and that posses anti-cancer and anti-wrinkle effects.
Mixed tocopherols, and tocotrienols belong to the vitamin E family and offer improved protection than that of Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) alone. Finally, coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant found in mitochondria, the power stations of our cells. By protecting mitochondria from oxidative damage, coenzyme Q boosts our skin's energy level and slows down aging.
     Over the years, Super Cop has proven to be an excellent tool for combating age-related changes in the skin and achieving a beautiful, radiant complexion. To achieve the maximum benefit, this product can be used after EHA based serums such as: LacSal serum (10% lactic+salycilic acid), Exfol serum (2% salicylic) or Lactic Power 10 (10% lactic acid) .
Use salicylic acid products on oily and combination skin and lactic acid
products on dry and sensitive skin types.