Elastin is a protein that allows the skin to stretch and recoil to its original state. It is found in the dermis layer of the skin and is a major component of the connective tissue found in the lungs and other various organs of the body. Elastin is second only to collagen as the most plentiful protein found in connective tissue. Many cosmetics today contain elastin and collagen to keep skin moist and supple.
Function
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), elastin is a protein that functions like an elastic. When you need to bend or stretch, tiny but tough elastin fibers extend, allowing your skin to stretch with you. In contrast, when you need to relax, these tiny fibers coil up again, just like an elastic, letting your skin return to its original shape. This enables your skin to be flexible in areas such as the wrists, elbows and knees.
Where is Elastin Found?
Elastin is found in the dermis layer of the skin. The dermis is located between the epidermis, or skin surface, and the subcutaneous, or fat, layer. Collagen and elastin make up most of the dermis layer, and provide the elasticity and flexibility to the skin. Additionally, elastin is an abundant component of the connective tissue found in many organs such as the lungs and liver, and it is also found in the aorta, arterial walls and ligaments as well.
Manufactured Elastin
Man-made elastin can be found in many cosmetics on the market today. Some facial creams contain animal elastin and even injections of elastin are available for the asking. Cosmetics are never approved by the Food and drug Administration (FDA), however, because a cosmetic company may claim their product can result in changes to your skin, the FDA would likely classify that particular product as an unapproved drug and therefore regulate its use. This means that the product would have to go through the same approval process as any drug to make sure it is safe for use. The product would also have to list the acitve ingredients on the label, which would be the drugs, separately from the inactive ingredients, which would be the cosmetics.
Aging
As we age, we lose our taut, smooth skin and wrinkles begin to appear. This is largely due to the degeneration of elastin and collagen in our skin. The arteries also suffer some damage from aging and decrease in their ability to stretch and recoil. This results in many processes inherent of old age, such as high blood pressure, varicose veins and easily bruising.
Prevention/Solution
You can retard some of that aging process, not by using creams or drugs, but rather by eating the right foods. Antioxidants, which are found in vitamin C, E and beta carotene, a form of vitamin A, can counteract the effects of decreased elastin and collagen in the body. Tomatoes, red peppers, carrots, beets, kale, strawberries, blueberries and salmon are just a few of the many foods that contain antioxidants, as well as other vitamins and minerals that can help keep your skin looking younger and healthier. Remember to also drink four to six glasses of water each day.
