Normal wound healing in skin embraces several reparative processes, many of which directly involve components of the extracellular matrix and the cutaneous basement membrane zone. Proteoglycans are a group of extracellular matrix macromolecules that have both structural and regulatory properties. In wound healing, certain proteoglycans fulfill a mechanical function of absorbing water and preventing tissue compression. However, proteoglycans may also have other roles in wound healing including a direct influence on inflammation, cell attachment and migration, and growth factor binding. Furthermore, proteoglycans may help to determine other aspects of the long-term quality of wound healing in skin through regulation of basement membrane permeability, epidermal hyperproliferation, and dermal fibrosis.