The skin is the largest organ of the body. The three layers of the skin are the epidermis, or top layer; the dermis, or middle layer; and the bottom layer, called the subcutis. The dermis consists of strong connective tissues that protect inner organs. Two connecting proteins in the dermis are collagen and elastin, which give the skin elasticity and tone. The barrier-like properties provided by collagen and flexibility from elastin allow the skin to "serve as a protection against external trauma," according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
The Dermal Layer of Skin
Collagen and elastin fibers, two proteins located in the dermis, provide a complex "meshwork" allowing the skin to be nourished, along with the nerves, muscle cells, glands and hair follicles, according to the Skin Biology website. The dermal layer of the skin contains cells that repair and synthesize skin proteins like collagen and elastin.
Collagen
Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the body composing the structure of your skin. Skin Biology states that it's one of the most durable proteins in nature. Collagen is mainly composed of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. It helps give the body its structure, protecting organs and soft tissues. In addition to the skin, the body creates bones and teeth by adding minerals to collagen.
Elastin
Whereas collagen is made for skin strength, elastin provides elasticity. Elastin is composed mainly of amino acids such as alanine, valine, leucine and glycine. These properties are made for maximum stretch and bounce-back.
Sun Exposure
Long-term exposure to sunlight causes premature aging, wrinkling of skin and loss of skin tone. A study reported by the New England Journal of Medicine notes that photo-aged skin shows a degradation of collagen. In addition, sun-damaged skin creates abnormal elastic fibers. "The elasticity of the 'garbage' elastin is similar to a hard rubber tire, versus a healthy elastin network which is analogous to a rubber band, which can stretch and snap back," writes Dr. Eric Bernstein. Where less sun-exposed skin has more elasticity and is younger looking, damaged skin is much more prone to wrinkling.
Aging
As people age, they naturally do not produce as much healthy collagen or elastin. The amount in the skin is usually highest in adolescence or early adulthood then slowly declines. To protect the skin from early signs of aging, be sure to get adequate vitamins, particularly vitamins C and E, which help to create collagen. In addition, do not smoke, limit sun exposure, use a high SPF sunscreen, drink adequate water and use moisturizer to plump up the outer layer of skin.
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