An Overview of Elastin and Collagen
Friday, October 17th, 2008Elastin and Collagen are two important structural protein molecules that are present in the dermal layer of the skin, and are considered very important for maintaining the youthfulness of our skin. While collagen imparts strength, support and firmness to your skin, elastin imparts elasticity and resilience to the skin. However, the collagen and elastin content in the skin is not always constant. This is because with age, the rate of synthesis of these proteins in the skin gets retarded. As a result, the skin begins to sag and loses its firmness, develops a lot of fine lines and wrinkles.
Many people believe that the topical application of wrinkle creams containing these proteins can retard the aging process and provide you with a youthful skin. This is the reason why most anti wrinkle cream remedies in the market are loaded with collagen and elastin producing substances. However, we ought to remember that both these proteins are chemically, a complex lump of amino acids, which are difficult to penetrate the skin and perform the desired function. Just as collagen forms a closely woven complex network of proteinacious fibres, comprising of amino acids (mainly 4 amino acid molecules including lysine, proline, hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline), similarly, elastin also forms a web of fibres, comprising of amino acids such as – glycine, valine, alanine, and proline.
The fibroblasts produce both these protein molecules in our skin. Very often, as we grow older, the fibroblasts also cease to function optimally, as a result of which the collagen and elastin production levels drop drastically and our skin loses its firmness and elasticity. Not only this, the skin also loses the support offered by these protein fibres, as a result of which, our skin gradually begins to sag dramatically. Eventually, these fine lines and wrinkles take the form of ugly creases. The best way to increase the collagen and elastin production in our bodies is to take a diet that is rich in amino acids, especially the prominent ones, which are used for the formation of these protein molecules. Collagen production in our body can also be increased with the help of vitamin C and copper peptides as well.
Perhaps, this is the reason why most anti wrinkle creams contain these ingredients. Using wrinkle creams containing vitamin C and copper peptides, will help in improving the collagen production in the skin and to firm and tone your skin. In addition to these factors, maintaining a healthy bunch of fibrocytes is very essential to ensure uninterrupted supply of collagen and elastin fibres to the skin for the much needed support, firmness and elasticity.