Figure 3.

Overview of contribution of HYBID-mediated HA degradation and reduction in the papillary dermis to the photoaging skin symptoms. In the photoprotected skin (left panel), the integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the papillary dermis is well maintained, according to the balanced synthesis and degradation. HA is highly hydrophilic and surrounded with water molecules, producing a swelling pressure in the ECM and stabilizing skin structure. In the photoaged skin (right panel), HYBID-mediated HA degradation and reduction in the papillary dermis leads to reduced water binding properties and viscosity in the HA. This may contribute to disruption of the integrity of the dermal ECM by weakening the interaction with collagen and elastin fibers and promoting their degradation.