Elastin is a protein in the skin that allows the skin to return to its original shape after being stretched or pressed. Elastin is one of the parts of the skin (along with collagen) that degrades from chemicals, poor diet or excessive ultraviolet exposure. When elastin degrades, men and women get wrinkles. Elastin gives the skin the tightness seen in younger skin.
Structure
Because elastin is a protein, it is composed of amino acids. The types of amino acids decide elastin's strength and three dimensional composition. Elastin is composed mostly of valine, proline and alanine. These amino acids give elastin the ability to stretch and return to the compound's original form.
Location
Elastin is in areas of the body besides skin. Elastin is wherever tissue requires stretching, flexibility and the ability to return to its original shape. Elastin is also in the smooth muscle that composes blood vessels. When blood vessels expand to allow for more blood flow when the heart contracts, the tissue expands its diameter and returns to the original shape when the heart contracts. Elastin is also a part of the lungs and bladder.
Damage
Elastin is one of the connective tissue that gets damaged by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun. Elastin degrades and loses its elasticity. When this happens, the skin is unable to snap back to its original shape, causing the skin to loosen. Loose skin is associated with wrinkles, which can happen at younger ages if the skin is exposed excessively to the sun.
Protection
The best way to protect elastin from the signs of aging is to avoid the ultraviolet rays of the sun. While sun exposure for long periods is sometimes unavoidable, the use of sun screen is recommended. Sun screen removes the UV damage from the sun and protects the underlying skin layers. Not only does sun screen protect elastin, but it also protects collagen. Protecting these two connective tissues prevents the effects of premature aging and wrinkles.
Supplements
Supplements are on the market that promise to create new elastin or collagen. These herbal remedies and creams have not been fully tested and show no clinical signs of connective tissue preservation. These pills and herbal remedies may protect the skin from further damage, but more studies are needed to verify the claims of the drug companies.
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