MMPs are something of a necessary evil. On one hand, these naturally-occurring enzymes keep collagen levels in balance, preventing damaged collagen and elastin from accumulating and becoming blemishes. On the other hand, they can also destroy skin’s support structure and lead to sagging and wrinkles.
In youthful skin, there’s a higher level of collagen production and a lower level of collagen breakdown. But as we age, collagen production declines and collagen-destroying MMP enzymes increase, causing the breakdown of skin’s underlying reinforcement. UV light and inflammation have been found to stimulate the production of MMPs.
You can keep these enzymes in check with topical retinoids and bioflavonoid antioxidants such as grapeseed extract, as well as green and white tea extracts.
