Fibroblast
Also known as: fibroblasts · dermal fibroblast
The skin cell that manufactures collagen, elastin and matrix — the cell that skin-signalling peptides aim to activate.
Fibroblasts are the workhorse cells of connective tissue, responsible for producing collagen, elastin and the other components of the extracellular matrix. In skin they are the cells that build and maintain the dermis.
Signal peptides used in cosmetic-science research — GHK-Cu, Matrixyl and related molecules — are studied for instructing fibroblasts to ramp up matrix production, the mechanism behind their interest for firmness and repair.
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RELATED TERMS
Collagen
The most abundant structural protein in skin, tendon and bone — the target that skin- and repair-peptide research aims to build.
Elastin
The stretchy structural protein that lets skin and tissues recoil — studied alongside collagen in skin-remodelling research.
Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
The scaffold of collagen, elastin and other molecules that surrounds cells — the structural target of skin and repair research.
GHK-Cu
A copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) studied for collagen synthesis, skin remodelling and hair-follicle support.
Matrixyl
Palmitoyl pentapeptide — a topical peptide studied for stimulating collagen and extracellular-matrix synthesis in skin.
Educational content, not medical advice. All products supplied for research purposes only — not for human consumption.