Sagging skin? What is elastin and how does it affect skin elasticity?
When we think about skin firmness, collagen is usually the first ingredient that springs to mind. However, there is another component that is just as important but often goes unnoticed: elastin.
If you notice that your skin has lost its firmness or no longer bounces back as it used to, it is very likely that the key lies not only in collagen, but in the loss of elastin.
Understanding how it works is essential to grasping why sagging occurs and how to tackle it more comprehensively.
What is elastin and why is it key for the skin?
Elastin is a structural protein found in the skin that acts as a kind of ‘spring’. Its main function is to allow the skin to regain its shape after being stretched, maintain its natural elasticity and withstand daily movement.
In other words, elastin is responsible for the skin’s ‘bounce’.
When the skin has adequate levels of elastin, it looks more supple, firm and resilient. When elastin levels decrease, the skin loses its ability to return to its original state.
Why does sagging occur?
Over time, the skin undergoes structural changes that directly affect its firmness. One of the most significant is the progressive loss of elastin.
As we age, elastin fibres degrade, becoming more fragmented and less functional. As a result, the skin loses its ability to recover.
The result is skin that no longer ‘springs back’ to its original state after a facial expression or movement, which leads to sagging.
Elastin regenerates very little naturally
Unlike other proteins, elastin has a key characteristic: its ability to regenerate is very limited.
This means that, once it is lost or damaged, the body struggles to produce it again. As a result, the skin’s structure changes progressively and sagging becomes increasingly visible.
That is why, when addressing skin ageing, it is not only important to stimulate collagen, but also to protect and support existing elastin.
Elastin and collagen: a necessary balance
Collagen and elastin work together, but they fulfil different functions. Collagen provides structure and firmness, whilst elastin provides elasticity and resilience.
If we focus solely on collagen, the skin may gain density, but not necessarily elasticity. Conversely, when we support both, we achieve skin that is not only firmer but also more flexible and resilient over time.
What role does elastin play in nutricosmetics?
In the field of nutricosmetics, the current approach is increasingly holistic: acting at different levels of the skin.
Some ingredients are specifically designed to support skin elasticity and protect elastin fibres. One example is PROLASTIN®, a form of elastin used in advanced supplements.
This type of ingredient is associated with benefits such as supporting skin elasticity, improving skin ‘bounce’ and protecting against elastin degradation.
Where does GOLD COLLAGEN® FORTE AGELESS fit in?
In the field of nutricosmetics, ingredients work best when combined to act in a complementary manner.
GOLD COLLAGEN® liquid collagen supplements contain active ingredients that support both the structure and elasticity of the skin. In the case of GOLD COLLAGEN® FORTE AGELESS, its formula combines hydrolysed collagen with PROLASTIN® elastin, as well as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and antioxidants.
This combination is designed to support skin firmness, hydration and elasticity from within, offering a more comprehensive approach to skincare.