NL-GHK-Cu in the elimination of calluses and skin thickening

Therapy with the NL-GHK-Cu peptide, thanks to its complex action profile described in the article below, allows for increased expression of epidermal stem cell markers, such as integrins and p63, which in turn enables the elimination of problems related to keratinization and excessive skin thickening.

Introduction

Studies conducted on the effectiveness of NL-GHK-Cu have shown that this peptide may allow for the elimination of skin keratinization and thickening caused by, among other things, genetic or environmental factors, as well as preventive therapy aimed at eliminating their formation.

SKIN STRUCTURE

As is already known, our skin has a very complex structure and, as the surface covering our body, is considered one of the largest organs of the body. The condition of our skin often reflects the condition of our entire body. The skin consists of two main layers: the outer and the inner. The first, visible, hairy outer layer is the epidermis, which forms a barrier between the external environment and the internal body. The second, invisible, non-hairy layer known as the dermis, contains important nerve endings, hair follicles, and sweat and sebaceous glands. The subcutaneous layer, which is closely connected to the skin, is not considered part of it. It consists mainly of adipose tissue, with only a small percentage being connective tissue. Within the structures of the subcutaneous tissue there are nerve fibers and blood vessels. The main function of the subcutaneous layer is its role in the process of thermoregulation, which is of enormous importance for the entire body.

SKIN FUNCTIONS

Human skin performs many physiological functions. Fulfilling an important physiological role, it protects internal organs from harmful environmental, physical, chemical and microbiological factors. Through its functions, it allows for the maintenance of balance between the body and its surroundings. Among the most important skin functions, which are widely known, is the aforementioned protective function as well as the thermoregulatory function of the body, participation in water and secretory management, participation in the synthesis of proteins and certain compounds, and participation in the metabolism of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Additionally, it plays an important role in the immune response of the body and the conduction of sensory stimuli. Healthy skin is free from damage caused by improper care or adverse environmental influence, tolerates changes in ambient temperature and humidity well, and responds correctly to most tested and properly formulated skincare products.

EPIDERMIS

The epidermis is almost entirely composed of living cells known as keratinocytes, which undergo the process of keratinization – transforming into dead, dry and anucleate corneocytes as the skin moves upward.

Layers of the epidermis:

Basal layer (germinal): A layer of stem cells with an almost unlimited capacity for cell division and the ability to supply new cells to the outer surface;

Spinous layer: Cells in this layer are not capable of division or growth. The spinous layer is thicker in men and becomes thinner with age in both sexes; The basal and spinous layers form the so-called living epidermis, known as the Malpighian layer.

Granular layer: The second stage of cell differentiation. The cell nucleus undergoes disintegration. The process of forming hard keratin fibers begins;

Corneal layer: The final stage of skin differentiation, in which a young keratinocyte transforms into a hard and waterproof cell known as a corneocyte.

SKIN KERATINIZATION

The cause of skin keratinization, or excessive keratinization, is the excessively rapid proliferation of epidermal cells, resulting in the formation of flaking patches or thickening on the skin. It most commonly occurs in areas of increased pressure, such as the elbows, knees and feet, especially the soles. Excessive skin keratinization can also be one of the causes of skin imperfections – an excessive amount of dead skin lining the openings of sebaceous glands can clog pores together with excess sebum. Together with bacteria living on the skin and developing in an anaerobic environment, they trigger painful and unsightly inflammatory conditions. Skin thickenings often crack and take on a yellowish color. This condition is uncomfortable not only due to its unsightly symptoms, but above all because it can lead to further health problems. Skin keratinization can also affect the nail plate, leading to its deformation and thickening. In rare cases, keratosis also causes changes in the hair, cornea of the eye and teeth. People diagnosed with this condition often also experience excessive sweating. Skin keratinization is most commonly the result of improper skincare and insufficient exfoliation of dead skin. One of the more difficult cases is so-called hyperkeratosis – excessive proliferation of the epidermis, particularly on the feet, caused by, among other things, severe skin dehydration, tissue aging processes, genetic factors and allergic reactions.

ELIMINATION OF SKIN KERATINIZATION AND THICKENING

Skin keratosis usually requires a specialist approach, although in some cases it resolves spontaneously. Most commonly, special ointments containing urea and salicylic acid are used on keratinized skin of the hands and feet. The use of emollients – preparations with special moisturizing properties – is also important. Proper personal hygiene plays an extremely important role in the treatment of keratosis as well. With regard to changes on the feet, wearing comfortable and foot-safe footwear is key. Keratosis is not always easy to treat without complications. Sometimes treatment is laborious and requires a great deal of patience.

NL-GHK-CU IN THERAPY ELIMINATING AND PREVENTING SKIN KERATINIZATION

Regeneration of keratinized skin depends on the vitality and proliferative potential of stem cells. Skin proliferation begins in the basal layer of keratinocytes, which are attached to the basement membrane. When a cell leaves the basal layer, it undergoes terminal differentiation. Stem cells have an unlimited capacity for self-renewal, however their proliferative potential decreases with age. The use of the NL-GHK-Cu peptide increases the expression of epidermal stem cell markers, such as integrins and p63, in basal keratinocytes, in dermal equivalents, which indicates an increase in stem cells and the proliferative potential of basal keratinocytes. The above action profile of the NL-GHK-Cu peptide allows for the determination of its potential in combating skin keratinization and thickening, enabling their faster elimination as a supportive therapy for serious keratinization problems of every kind, as well as a preventive therapy reducing the risk of their formation.

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