Elastin in Skin

Elastin in Skin

Elastin is a protein that gives skin its snap and elasticity. It allows skin to stretch and then bounce back into place without getting loose or saggy. Elastin is a major component of elastic fibers in the skin. Elastic fibers are like little coils or springs that give skin its stretchiness.

Elastin vs Collagen

The dermis contains mainly collagen and elastin. Collagen provides strength, thickness, firmness and texture. Elastin provides firmness and recoil. Both are vital for healthy, youthful looking skin:

Collagen = structure and shape

Elastin = stretch and elasticity

As we age, collagen and elastin both decline. But elastin cannot be replenished like collagen can. Treatments for sagging skin need to focus on replacing collagen, not elastin.

How Elastin Works in Skin

Elastic fibers are found throughout the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. The dermis contains collagen fibers which provide structure, and elastic fibers which provide stretch and recoil. These fibers allows the skin to stretch and then snap back into shape. This elasticity keeps skin looking firm, toned and youthful. As we age, elastin levels decline leading to loose, sagging skin.

The best way to keep your skin from sagging is to wear SPF and keep the skin moisturized with antioxidants.

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How elastin works

Elastin Production in Skin

It is produced by fibroblasts in the dermis. It starts off as soluble molecules called tropoelastin which are secreted by fibroblasts. These tropoelastin molecules join together and attach to microfibrils to form elastic fibers.

This process is called elastogenesis. It mainly happens during infancy and childhood when skin elasticity is developing. After puberty, elastin production decreases dramatically. The elastin and elastic fibers made in youth have to last a lifetime.

Where in Skin in Elastin?

Elastic fibers are found throughout the dermis, running parallel and perpendicular to the skin surface. This web-like arrangement of elastic fibers maintains elasticity in all directions.

The papillary dermis near the surface contains fine elastic fibers called oxytalan fibers extending perpendicular to connect to the epidermis. Oxytalan fibers contain the microfibrillar protein fibrillin but no elastin.

The deeper reticular dermis houses thicker elastic fibers composed of both elastin and fibrillin called elaunin fibers running parallel to the surface. This intricate network of oxytalan and elaunin elastic fibers is critical for healthy, youthful skin that does not sag.

Structure of elastin

Structure of Elastin

It has a coiled structure that allows it to stretch and recoil. This unique structure is due to high levels of glycine, valine, alanine and proline in the protein. Water also plays a role, allowing the coiled elastin molecules to extend and contract.

The important role water plays is why moisturizing and hydrating the skin is important to help prevent damage of elastin fibers.

Breakdown and Damage to Elastin Fibers

Elastin has extremely low turnover in adult skin. This means that not very much new elastin can be made in adult skin. So we must protect the elastin we have. The elastic fibers made in youth are pretty much expected to last a lifetime.

Elastin is susceptible to damage and degradation from:

Sun exposure (UV radiation)

Excessive heat

Normal aging

Environmental factors like pollution

Rapid weight gain

Excessive skin stretching

Elastase and other Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) – enzymes that break down elastin

Free radicals

Sun exposure in particular causes dramatic changes and breakdown of elastic fibers. This leads to permanently loose, sagging skin on sun-exposed areas.

How to increase elastin in skin

Increase Elastin in Skin

New elastin synthesis shuts down after puberty. This means that there are no treatments that can increase the elastin in skin.

Lasers don’t work

Radiofrequency does not work

Skin care products do not work.

Your only option to truly tighten skin and remove excess skin is plastic surgery to remove the loose skin.

Skin tightening treatments can shrink and tighten collagen, but no treatments work on elastin although many claim they do.

Why companies claim their products can increase elastin

To understand how companies can make this claim, you need to understand how elastin in skin is measured. The measuring devices we use are imperfect and can show improvement in elasticity or elastin content. But we know from basic science studies that adult skin makes very little elastin so these measurements are incorrect.

How to measure elastin levels

Measuring Elastin Levels and Skin Elasticity

Below I discuss potential limitations of elastin measuring devices and technologies. In addition to the downsides of each technology listed below, there are other issues that could make these techniques inaccurate including:

Sampling error – Single biopsies or ultrasound spots may not represent whole skin.

Inter-rater variability – Results depend on the technician’s skill.

Qualitative, not quantitative – They show arrangement of fibers but not absolute amounts.

Limited depth penetration – Confocal and ultrasound can only image superficial dermis.

So while these methods are useful, there are several variables that can affect accuracy and consistency of results. Quantitative biochemical assays directly measuring elastin content would be more definitive, but it would be better is a biopsy was not required to gather results.

Cutometer

This device measures the elasticity of skin by suctioning the skin and measuring how well it returns to its original position.

Higher elastin levels lead to better elastic recoil. However, it is very technique dependent and can be variable between users. It also only measures a small area of skin.

This elasticity measurement is usually done 3 times and the results averaged. However, each time the skin is stretched, it looses a bit of recoil – so doing this measurement multiple times decreases accuracy. You could do the measurement one time and that would give a more elastic result than if you did it 3 times and averaged it. This makes it easy for researchers to manipulate the results. Even if they are consistent with how they use this device, the results are not extremely accurate.

Elastin stains

Skin biopsies can be taken and stained to look for elastin levels. Buy here is the problem with that: injury can distort the presence of elastin so when you d the rebiopsy you must g to a different area- and that area might not have had the same baseline level of elastin. It is impossible to biopsy the skin twice in the exact same area because the act of biopsying changes the skin’s components. However, these staining methods are the ones most frequently used to look at elastin levels. They give a qualitative result rather than a quantitative one.

Verhoeff’s stain and other specialized stains are used on skin biopsy samples to highlight elastin fibers and determine elastin content. However, biopsies are invasive, examine only a small area, and stains may introduce artifacts.

Laser scanning confocal microscopy

This advanced imaging technique uses antibodies to specifically stain for elastin. It can visualize the 3D arrangement of elastic fibers in the skin. However, it requires biopsies, has limited depth penetration, and results depend heavily on staining technique.

High-frequency ultrasound

Ultrasound at very high frequencies (>20MHz) can detect and measure elastic fibers in skin. However, it is very sensitive to probe pressure and hydration. Resolution may also not be high enough to measure fine fibers accurately.

Reviscometer

This instrument measures skin viscoelasticity using acoustic shear waves. It can demonstrate differences in skin elasticity with age. However, results depend on careful control of multiple parameters.

Dermaflex

This suction device also measures elastic properties of skin. However, it uses a different technique than the Cutometer and is less commonly used for cosmetic research.

Protecting and preserving elastin

Protecting and Preserving Elastin

Since elastin can’t be replenished, skin care should focus on protecting the elastin you already have:

Use broad spectrum sunscreen daily to prevent UV damage

Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to maintain skin’s barrier

While claims abound, there are currently no skin care ingredients clinically shown to increase elastin. Protecting your existing elastin is key to maintaining youthful, elastic skin over time.

The best way to preserve elastin in skin is to use the best skin care products for your skin type to reduce inflammation, free radicals and MMPs that can cause elastin breakdown. Make sure you are using the best products to preserve your elastin by shopping using your Baumann Skin Type.

Natural Way to Protect Elastin

Protec your skin’s elastin from the inside and outside.

Things you can do to help skin stay firm and keep its recoil abilities:

Eat a healthy, balanced diet with antioxidants to combat free radicals

Avoid smoking which damages skin proteins like elastin

Avoid excessive sun exposure

Wear sun protective clothing

Wear SPF

Keep skin hydrated with moisturizers to keep elastin from being injured when stretched

Moisturize the body with antioxidant oils

Elastin in Diet

Unfortunately, there are no dietary sources of elastin. Elastin is made up of amino acids like glycine, valine, proline and alanine. You can get these amino acids by eating:

Meat, poultry, fish, eggs

Dairy

Nuts and seeds

Legumes

Whole grains

But eating foods rich in these amino acids won’t boost elastin levels. Elastin production is complex and can’t be increased by diet once it shuts down after puberty.

To protect your skin’s elastin eat a diet rich in antioxidants and low in sugar because sugar can cause glycation of elastin, leading to damage. (11)

Elastin in your diet

Elastin Supplements

There are no supplements that will increase skin elastin because your skin cannot make new elastin after puberty.

The only way to improve skin elasticity with supplements is hydrate the skin which makes the remaining elastin in skin more supple and have better recoil. Glucosamine supplements may help by increasing hyaluronic acid in skin. Using a topical moisturizer with humectants is also a good idea.

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Summary

The takeaway is that elastin is a critical protein that gives skin its snap, resilience and elasticity. Unfortunately, we cannot replace elastin once it is lost as we age. That’s why it is so important to protect the elastin you already have! Use broad spectrum sunscreen daily, eat a healthy diet with antioxidants, don’t smoke, and be gentle with your skin. Follow a customized skin care routine matched to your Baumann Skin Type with ingredients like humectants, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and retinoids. Your skin care regimen is your best defense against elastin breakdown. Guard your elastin levels and you’ll be rewarded with healthy, youthful, elastic skin for years to come.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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