This eventually causes skin to wrinkle. Therefore, it is important to protect the skin from sun exposure at all times. The affects of exposure to ultraviolet light are cumulative over time, and therefore it is also important to starting protecting skin from the sun as early as possible, using more than just sunscreens. In summary, collagen is subject to nonenzymatic glycation in which glucose chemically attaches to amino acids. Once collagen is glycated and forms AGEs, it has the potential to cross-link other collagen molecules.
Early intervention is critical in inhibiting collagen cross-linking and the formation of wrinkles.
UVB radiation increases the levels of iron and copper in the skin that catalyzes the formation of hydroxyl radicals that cross-link collagen in the extracellular matrix, causing skin to wrinkle. Since the tissue damage done by ultraviolet radiation is cumulative, skin should be protect from the sun at all times and as soon as possible. Index Intermolecular cross-linking of collagen is essential for viability. Collagen cross-linking is required for tensile strength in connective tissues. However, some collagen cross-linking that occurs is not beneficial.