The Secret Life of Skin Enzymes

When we think of our skin, it’s easy to imagine the outer layer as just a passive shield. But in truth, even the very top layer—the stratum corneum—is alive with activity. Scientists have discovered that the surface of our skin is not inert at all, but humming with enzymes that work quietly, day and night, to keep our skin functioning.

These enzymes are a bit like caretakers: they help shed old cells, recycle proteins, and keep hydration flowing. But just like any team, when they get overactive, they can do more harm than good.

Enzymes on the Surface: A Living Skin Barrier

Even when researchers take a simple tape-strip sample of skin (lifting off a thin layer of the stratum corneum), they can measure the activity of enzymes such as:

• Hyaluronidases: break down hyaluronic acid, reducing water-holding capacity.

• Collagenases: degrade collagen scaffolding, weakening structure.

• Elastases: cut into elastic fibres, reducing spring and bounce.

That’s right—even at the very outer surface, these enzymes are active. They’re essential for normal renewal, but when sunlight, pollution, or inflammation drive them into overdrive, the balance tips towards fragility, wrinkles, and dryness.

What Accelerates Enzyme Activity?

Certain lifestyle and biological factors can “rev up” these enzymes:

☀️ Sun exposure – UV light is the biggest culprit, directly stimulating collagenase and elastase.
💨 Pollution & oxidative stress – free radicals switch on enzyme cascades.
🔥 Inflammation – skin conditions like eczema or photoaging accelerate breakdown.
💧 Low hydration – dry, cracked skin is more vulnerable to enzymatic attack.
⏳ Aging & hormones – with age, the natural hormonal “brakes” that regulate enzyme activity loosen. This happens in everyone, but more rapidly in women when oestrogen production falls sharply in midlife, leaving these enzymes with a bit more “free reign.” In men, regulatory hormones decline more slowly.

The Protective Strategies

Here’s the good news: we are not helpless. In fact, our skin thrives when we support the natural balance between hydration and enzyme activity.

1. Hydration is Key

   • Humectants like Phyaluronic® (our marine, sulfated version of hyaluronic acid) pull water into the skin, making it plump and resilient.

   • Proper hydration keeps the outer layers supple and less prone to cracking and inflammation, which are triggers for enzyme overactivity.

2. Enzyme Inhibitors from Nature

   • Phyaluronic®, has also been shown in laboratory studies to act as skin elastase inhibitors.

   • This means they can protect skin elasticity and help reduce inflammatory damage when applied, supporting long-term resilience.

3. Smart Sun Habits

   • Daily protection from UV light is still the single most important way to prevent excessive enzyme activity. Hats, shade, mineral sunscreens, and antioxidants all play a role. Try our Phyaluronic® infused SHIELD on top of your skincare ritual.

4. Healthy Living

   • Good diet, exercise, sleep, and low stress all help regulate the inflammatory and hormonal pathways that govern enzyme balance. Our seaweed molecules in nutrition and gut health products can even help here.

Wisdom, Not Rewind

The goal isn’t to “get younger.” Our skin should carry the stories of our lives with pride. The true magic is keeping it healthy, hydrated, and resilient—so it glows with vitality at every age.

By combining hydration, enzyme balance, sun sense, and mindful living, we can protect our skin’s architecture for the long run. It’s not about erasing the years—it’s about ensuring our skin reflects our strength, energy, and wisdom.

✨ Hydration + Inhibition + Lifestyle = Healthy Skin for Life.

Notes & Sources

Skin enzyme activity

• Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253–258.

• Fisher GJ, et al. Mechanisms of photoaging and chronological skin aging. N Engl J Med. 1997;337(20):1419–1428.

• Hachem JP, et al. Stratum corneum tape stripping demonstrates protease activity in atopic dermatitis and dry skin. Br J Dermatol. 2011;164(5):957–965.

Elastase inhibition by ulvan

• Chajra H, et al. Inhibition of elastase and collagenase by sulfated polysaccharides from marine algae. Planta Med. 2007;73(9):888–894.

• Kang J, et al. [Your publication on ulvan bioactivity – Biopolymers].

• Chen X, et al. [Your publication on ulvan structure–function – Biopolymers].

Wound healing and enzyme modulation

• Hara-Chikuma M, Verkman AS. Aquaporin-3 functions as a glycerol transporter in epidermis and is required for skin hydration and elasticity. J Biol Chem. 2006;281(29):20622–20628.

Lifestyle and hormone regulation

• Thornton MJ. Oestrogen functions in skin and hair follicles. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2005;1(1):123–131.