Pathogenic aspects of cutaneous photoaging

Chronic exposure to solar ultraviolet irradiation can result in wrinkle formation in many individuals. Wrinkling appears to be the conclusion of mechanisms that result in decreased synthesis of extracellular matrix molecules within the dermis, accompanied by increased remodeling of the matrix by specific endopeptidases (matrix metalloproteinases) and proteases (originating from infiltrating cells of the immune system). In this review, we discuss the changes that occur in the extracellular matrix of photoaged skin and the mechanisms by which they are modulated.