Elastin
Elastin is a protein which allows connective tissues (especially lung, skin, blood vessels) to flex, deform and then return to normal. This imparts the dual advantages of elasticity and resilience. Similar to collagen, the progressive damage and loss of function experienced with chrono ageing and photoageing is associated with the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles.
The elastin network in skin is complicated, with the deeper reticular dermis having thick horizontal fibres compared to the papillary dermis which has thin and perpendicular fibres.
Elastin is similar to collagen in terms of how it is processed to optimise its function in the extracellular matrix and is subject to chemical modifications including hydroxylation, glycosylation, cross-linking, etc.
Benefits:
- Gives skin its elasticity and firmness
- A very robust protein and can remain in tissue for most of your lifetime (t1/2 ~70 years).
Did you know…
Elastosis is due to an accumulation of elastin protein in tissues and ECM. The most common skin problem is called actinic elastosis (or solar elastosis), which is caused by excessive sun exposure and is a key determinant of photoaging?