The Side Effects of Elastin & Collagen

Collagen and elastin are terms that are much discussed in the beauty world. Every dermatologist's anti-aging treatment claims to support the production of it. Wrinkle creams contain it. But what are collagen and elastin, and why are they so important? Turns out, it is not what they are, but their side effects that are important to most women.

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Your Skin

As the largest organ in our body, the skin makes up about 15 percent of our body weight. It is comprised of about 70 percent water, 20 percent protein and 2 percent lipids, as well as various trace minerals and other chemical compounds. Two of these proteins are collagen and elastin. Skin is vitally important because it protects the body from dirt, disease and germs, as well as holding us together in our proper form. If we are healthy, then our skin is healthy.

Collagen

Collagen is the most common protein in our body. It helps make up our muscle, veins, organs and connective tissues, as well as our skin. Collagen is a long protein molecule that forms very strong, but small, fibers. These fibers bind together to form sheets or cables. For all their strength, they are not very stretchable. There are specific types of collagen that are suited for the various types of organs and tissue they help form.

Elastin

To solve the issue of elasticity, collagen binds with elastin. Elastin is what gives veins, muscles and tendons their flexibility. It is also responsible for the stretchiness of skin. Tissue has various amounts of elastin in it, according to its function. Muscles have a small amount, but ligaments and tendons contain a lot.

Collagen, Elastin and Wrinkles

Collagen and elastin make up the secondary layer of our skin, the dermis. While wrinkles are seen in the epidermis, or top layer of our skin, they are caused by changes in the dermis. The dermis is what holds up the epidermis, so any defects there will be reflected by the upper layer. As you age, the bonds that hold collagen and elastin together weaken, causing small fissures in the dermis. This is seen as wrinkles on the skin. The wrinkling effect is made worse by the slowdown in the production of sebum, the natural oils of the skin. This dryness causes the cells in the epidermis to contract, accenting the wrinkles.

Increasing Collagen and Elastin in the Skin

Contrary to the claims made by creams, collagen and elastin cannot be added to the skin. Their molecules are too large to penetrate the epidermis. They have to be produced from the inside. The only treatment to date that is able to do this is topical tretinoin, the vitamin A derivative found in prescription creams like Retin-A and Renova. The molecules it contains are small enough to penetrate the epidermis and work to encourage the production of collagen and elastin, while repairing the bonds that hold them together. There is also evidence that a healthful diet containing certain levels of nutrients boosts collagen and elastin production, but there are no set formulas of nutrients and amounts available to guarantee it. The best advice is to eat a varied, moderate fat-and-protein diet featuring plenty of fruits, vegetables and water.

References

• What Is the Skin Made of?
• Fibrous Connective Tissue