Yes, collagen is the most abundant structural protein in your skin, but it doesn’t work alone.
What Is Elastin?
Elastin is a proteinthat gives skin and other tissues and organs throughout your body elasticity.
Photo: Getty Images - Design: Alex Sandoval
Both are found within theextracellular matrix, aka the material between cells that consists largely of proteins.
Elastin is1000 times moreflexible than collagen, meaning elastin can stretch and recoil like a Slinky.
Additionally, it aids in wound and scar healing, saysWhitney Bowe, M.D., a New York-based dermatologist.
Can You Enhance Elastin Function?
As with collagen, elastin production begins to slow down in your mid-twenties, according to Dr. Camp.
(For instance,fractioned laser treatments such as Fraxel may helpstimulate collagen production.)
These are the three main factors that can make a difference.
While aging is just a fact of life (and a privilege!
), the external factors are more so within your control.
Avoiding smoking and seeking shade from the sun can work in your favor.
That said, there’s a chance that some skin-care ingredients can help.
The best way to preserve those existing fibers through skin care is by using sunscreen, says Dr. Bowe.
That’s because sunscreen protects your skin against the aforementioned UV radiation that can contribute to free radical formation.
For extra credit, add a vitamin C serum to the mix.
Try: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic.
What You Eat
How and what you eat can also affect your body’s elastin.
More specifically, these nutrients includecarotenoidsandpolyphenols, which research suggests may provide antioxidant benefits, says Dr. Bowe.
Always check with your doctor for personalized advice before starting a supplement.
Protecting skin from free radicals is the key where both proteins are concerned.
