What do glycoproteins do for your skin?
Glycoproteins mean “sugar” in science, and proteins swim in and around membrane cells. So the simplest explanation for glycoproteins is that they are basically proteins with sugars attached to them. It sounds simple, but there’s a lot more to these clever particles and their benefits for your skin. Let’s find out together what exactly glycoproteins are and what you can expect from them in your skin care routine.
What do glycoproteins do for your skin?
Since glycoproteins are considered a type of peptide, they are naturally found on the outer surface of your skin and within the body. Combined with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, they can keep your skin looking its healthiest and give it a smooth, radiant appearance. Over time, you can also expect glycoproteins to build natural elasticity to your skin’s surface and barrier, allowing it to better prevent further skin damage and repair damage that has already occurred.
What are glycoproteins derived from?
Derived from algae, glycoproteins are a potent combination of intracellular proteins, peptides, and amino acids that are praised for their rejuvenating, rejuvenating, and oxygenating properties. They can strengthen your skin’s natural protective barrier, which protects it from environmental influences and skin damage caused by other free radicals. Extensive research has shown that glycoproteins increase oxygen levels, helping the skin bring the healthiest layer of cells to the surface of the skin. Another benefit to the skin is that glycoproteins support hydration, which can moisturize the skin by binding water to the outer surface, making the skin look rejuvenated, youthful, and healthy.
What are some examples of glycoproteins?
Now this part can get a little complicated. Glycoproteins are formed when proteins are bound to carbohydrates in a process called glycosylation. You’ll also notice that the structure of glycoproteins has carbohydrate chains attached to a polypeptide, which gives glycoproteins a lower proportion of non-protein content than other similar protein structures. This means there are a ton of examples of proteins that evolved to become glycoproteins. Here are the most common examples found in nature:
Collagen
Transferrin
Antibodies
Hormones
Mucins
Ceruloplasmin
And many more, all of which form the same structure and produce the same results on the surface of the skin and throughout the body.
Where are glycoproteins made?
Glycoproteins are proteins that contain sugar residues that often significantly change the chemical composition of the protein they are bound to. When two particles act on the surface of the skin, they need each other to function properly. These cells also play an important role in the overall health of the skin by establishing cell-to-cell interactions and protecting the skin from infections caused by bacteria and viruses.
What are the three categories of glycoproteins?
Based on their structure and synthesis, glycoproteins are classified into three types: N-linked glycoproteins, O-linked glycoproteins, and non-enzymatically glycosylated glycoproteins.
N-linked glycoproteins
These cells are synthesized and modified within the two membrane boundaries of the cell. One part is the rough endoplasm and the other part is called the Golgi apparatus. This is the compound that forms the glycoproteins and is found in the surface layer of the skin, along with other amino acids to form structures called polypeptides. There are more than twenty amino acids that can be synthesized into N-linked glycoproteins. Another unique feature of this protein family is that it contains carbohydrates, which provides additional overall benefits to the performance and overall appearance, feel, and health of the skin.
O-linked glycoproteins
O-linked glycoproteins are usually synthesized by adding sugar residues to polypeptides in the Golgi apparatus, but unlike N-linked glycoproteins, O-linked glycoproteins are synthesized by adding single sugar residues at a time. Once attached, they become part of the extracellular matrix, which is part of the skin and its structure.
Non-enzymatic glycosylation
Non-enzymatic is the way glycoproteins are created by chemically adding sugars to polypeptides. The main factors that control glycosylation are time and sugar concentration. You will also find that non-enzymatic glycosylation may occur more frequently in individuals with higher blood sugar levels. Therefore, this is relevant to the monitoring and long-term maintenance of blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Below is an overview of the three categories of glycoproteins and how they work. You will find that there are a range of different products that contain each category. Protein structures that are beneficial for your skin and body.
What are Glacier Glycoproteins?
Glacier glycoproteins are proteins extracted from marine glaciers that protect and deeply moisturize the skin by locking in moisture and preventing water loss from the skin. Compared to other forms of glycoproteins, they work well with other skin ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalene, and niacinamide, all of which work well with Glacier Glycoproteins to keep your skin at its healthiest, with a fully functioning protective barrier and the correct amount of water and oil.
Glycosylation vs. Glycosylation
Glycoproteins acquire sugars through an enzymatic process, which helps the molecules they are attached to function properly. Another known process is called glycation, which is not an enzymatic process, but involves the covalent attachment of sugars to proteins and lipids. Glycation also occurs naturally during the aging process and is sometimes accelerated in diabetics who have higher blood sugar levels.
So here you have more information about glycoproteins, which generally provide many benefits to the skin by supporting its structure and protecting it from infection and other damage. By treating different areas of the skin and depending on the moisture content, the skin can function to its fullest and remain healthy, hydrated and comfortable.
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DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
