Collagen and elastin are vital for keeping the skin supple, firm, smooth and bright, giving it a youthful appearance. That's why these two proteins are so important to our skin health.
Unfortunately, our collagen and elastin can be depleted by natural aging, pollutants such as smoking, exposure to UV light (from the sun or tanning beds) and anti-inflammatory processes in the body. Falling hormone levels during the perimenopause and menopause can also reduce collagen levels.
Around one third of all the protein in our body is collagen: a firm, insoluble and fibrous protein. It isn't just found in our skin, but also in our bones, muscles and tendons and within ourorgans, blood vessels and intestinal lining. We can think of it as a scaffolding protein, which provides structure and strength to our tissues.
In the skin layer known as the dermis, collagen helps to form a fibrous network of cells where new cells can grow. At the same time, it also replaces dead skin cells and aids in healing. In a nutshell, collagen ensures the skin stays taut and in place. The loss of collagen is the reason why we develop 'jowls' as we age.
Collagen injections are often given to 'fill' lines and wrinkles and boost the skin's plumpness. This improves the contours of the skin and fills out depressions.
Elastin is a protein which, like collagen, occurs naturally in the body. It can be found predominantly in the walls of arteries, lungs and intestines , as well as in the heart, connective tissues and skin. It works by recoiling like a spring or elastic band within the elastic fibres of connective tissue. The flexibility it provides allows our skin to 'bounce back' when we talk or make a facial expression, such as a smile or a frown.
The body dramatically reduces its elastin production shortly after puberty, which is when the aging process begins. The good news is that it's one of the longest-lasting structures in the body—its 'half-life' is estimated to be around 70 years. However, the gradual loss of elastin in our skin contributes to our fine lines and wrinkles.
Both proteins work together to keep the skin firm and wrinkle-free, but there are many differences between them.
Elastin is 1000 times more flexible than its structural partner, collagen, and found in different layers of the skin. Collagen is found in the inner layer, while elastin sits nearer to the skin's surface. Collagen is far more abundant than elastin, and produced throughout our lives, although production decreases as we age. Elastin production decreases significantly after maturity.
There's also a difference in colour between the two. Viewed under a microscope elastin is yellow, while collagen is white.
These two proteins work in tandem to keep the skin looking tight, bright and healthy. When the body's stores aren't sufficient to maintain this look, we can turn to treatments and products to boost those stores.
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