Enzymes involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are
deeply involved in skin aging. Compounds that suppress the degradation of collagen
and elastin, constituents of the ECM, are of significant value to the cosmetics field. So
far, more than 10 types of MAAs have been reported to inhibit the activity of
collagenase, which belong to the family of matrix metalloproteinases. It has been
suggested that the metal-chelating activity of MAAs is involved in these mechanisms
of action. However, MAAs have not been reported to have an inhibitory activity on
elastase. This chapter briefly summarizes these observations.
Keywords: Collagenase, Elastase, Extracellular matrix, Matrix metalloproteinase, Metal chelating activity.
