Collagen is probably the first name that springs to mind when discussing the best proteins for improved skin health. However, there are several other lesser-known but equally critical proteins required for healthy skin growth and development, such as elastin.
While elastin’s popularity pales compared to collagen, this protein has recently generated considerable buzz as emerging research points to its immense skincare benefits.
But what exactly is elastin, and how might it benefit your skin’s health? Read on as we provide a conclusive answer to that question.
We shall uncover what elastin is and highlight the top six reasons to ramp up your intake of this skin-friendly protein.
What Is Elastin?
Elastin is a naturally occurring protein that comprises peptides, amino acids, and fibroblasts. It’s one of the main proteins that constitute the extracellular matrix of gnathostomes.
Elastine derives its name from its highly elastic nature. The protein is particularly abundant in the body’s connective tissues, regulating skin stretching and contracting. Its functionality depends on the structuring of its three key components.
Examples of natural elastin sources include leafy greens (such as spinach), citrus fruits, nuts, and seafood.
How Might Elastin Benefit Your Skin?
1. Reinforces Skin’s Elasticity
As already hinted, improving the skin’s elasticity is elastin’s biggest role in the body. The protein is responsible for restoring the skin’s shape after being stretched. It also reinforces the skin’s firmness, effectively combating the stigmata of premature aging.
If you desire to maintain youthful skin well into your sunset years (I know I do), now is the time to begin ramping up your elastin intake.
Elastin is a critical component of the body’s elastic fibers. These fibers enhance the skin’s elasticity through their spring mechanism, which allows the skin to recoil and regain its shape after being stretched.
Multiple studies investigating elastin’s relevance in maintaining skin’s structure have shown that the protein can, indeed, reinforce skin’s elasticity.
2. Improves Skin Firmness
Another structural benefit of elastin for the skin is its ability to enhance firmness. Elastin’s action on dermal cells helps to strengthen skin tissues, improving its texture and tone.
One of the immediate benefits of firmer skin tone is the reduction of aging signs. Firm and well-toned skin translates to a youthful appearance.
If you’re worried that your skin is aging faster than your chronological years, you can reverse the aging signs by increasing elastin intake. And if your body can no longer produce enough of this protein to maintain your skin’s radiance, there are plenty of elastin supplements to explore.
3. Reduces Skin Blemishes
Aging signs can easily blemish the skin, especially if they set in unexpectedly earlier. Elastin has proven effective at combating the signs of premature aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and even skin tags.
Studies have shown that sufficient elastin production can maintain skin suppleness and prevent sagging caused by wrinkles. So, it’s unsurprising that many anti-aging skincare creams are loaded with this protein.
What makes elastin such a powerful anti-aging agent is that it addresses the causes rather than the symptoms. When consumed (or topically applied), the protein restores damage to skin cells that may accelerate the natural aging process.
4. Fending Off Skin Diseases
Not only can elastin slow down the natural aging process, but The protein also plays a critical role in fending off chronic skin diseases.
Elastin’s antioxidant properties derive from its abundance in hydrophobic amino acids like glycine, valine, and proline. These compounds work synergistically with other natural antioxidants to prevent the accumulation of free radicals in body cells.
Free radicals are unstable compounds that result from various biological processes. If allowed to accumulate beyond certain levels, these molecules may lead to depressed immunity.
One study found that elastin hydrolysates possess powerful antioxidant potentials due to their ability to scavenge free radicals.
5. Accelerating Wound Healing
The dermis contains most of the elastin found on the skin’s surface.
To test the protein’s abundance on your skin, hold one of your hands palm-down and pinch the back of your palm, then observe how fast the skin recoils. The faster the speed, the higher the amount of elastin in your body.
The dermis is also one of the parts of the skin most prone to injuries. Fortunately, it turns out that elastin may promote wound healing and smooth out scar marks.
Elastin aids wound healing by providing the skin with mechanical elasticity and acting on cells that stimulate dermis regeneration.
6. Maintaining Overall Skin Structure
Elastin works alongside collagen to maintain the skin’s overall structure. Both proteins provide the building blocks for the skin’s tissues, muscles, and bones.
A healthy combination of elastin and collagen can improve skin’s suppleness, radiance, and elasticity. The proteins’ joint anti-aging and antioxidant properties help preserve your skin’s youthfulness while keeping chronic ailments at bay.
Besides the skin, elastin is abundant in blood vessels, ligaments, and lungs. It’s the protein responsible for dilating and constricting the tissues in your lungs and cardiovascular system.
Final Word
The skincare benefits of elastin are undeniable. It’s also exciting to know that you can increase your protein intake naturally as well as through supplementation and by undertaking certain lifestyle adjustments.
While looking for elastin supplements, insist on those loaded with other powerful skin-friendly antioxidants like retinoids and hyaluronic acid. Moreover, consume elastin supplements as directed by the manufacturer. This allows you to enjoy the protein’s skincare benefits while minimizing the risks of any adverse events.
