Protective Mechanisms of Black Ginseng Extract on Collagen Synthesis in Chronic Photoaging | Human Skin Research Breakthrough
1. Introduction Chronic photoaging represents a major dermatological concern characterized by progressive collagen degradation, reduced dermal thickness, and structural disorganization caused by long-term ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Unlike intrinsic aging, photoaging accelerates extracellular matrix breakdown through oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades. Recent research has focused on botanical bioactives such as black ginseng extract as potential modulators of collagen synthesis and dermal repair mechanisms in human skin. 2. Molecular Pathways of Collagen Degradation in Photoaged Skin Ultraviolet radiation stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, activating transcription factors such as AP-1 and NF-κB. These pathways upregulate matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9), which degrade type I collagen in the dermis. Chronic exposure disrupts fibroblast function and reduces procollagen synthesis, resulting in visible wrinkling and loss of elasticity. U...