In my last post, we looked at collagen’s role in maintaining youthful, firm skin. Today, we’re shifting the focus to another key player in skin health: elastin. Both are equally as important for youthful skin and elastin is often overlooked in a world bombarded with collagen supplements.
Elastin is a protein found throughout the body, but it’s especially important in the skin, where its unique properties allow your tissues to regain shape after stretching or contracting. Think of it as the skin’s natural “shock absorber,” working in tandem with collagen to keep your skin looking smooth, resilient, and vibrant. Without sufficient elastin, even skin with plenty of collagen might appear saggy or less elastic over time. Elastin can also be thought of as the body's natural rubber band; it allows tissues to stretch and then return to their original shape. This elasticity is essential not only for the skin but also for organs like the lungs and blood vessels, which require flexibility to function properly. In the skin, elastin fibres are interwoven with collagen fibres in the dermis, the layer beneath the outer epidermis. The allows collagen to provide strength and structure, and elastin to impart the ability to stretch and recoil. This combination ensures that when you smile, frown, or make any facial expression, your skin moves smoothly and then returns to its resting position without sagging or forming permanent lines. And this is why it is important to consider both when it comes to aging of the skin. As we age, the production of elastin decreases, and existing fibres can become damaged. This degradation leads to a loss of skin elasticity, resulting in sagging and the formation of wrinkles. Unlike collagen, which the body can regenerate to some extent, elastin has a very low turnover rate, making it more challenging to restore once it's damaged. Here is an example:
To support and protect the elastin in your skin, consider incorporating the following foods and practices into your routine: Foods to Support Elastin:
Practices to Preserve Elastin:
Loss of elasticity, even in the presence of collagen, contributes to the signs of aging: subtle sagging, more persistent fine lines, and an overall look that appears less lively. Maintaining both collagen and elastin is key to keeping skin not only firm but also supple and youthful. If you missed the post on collaged, click the button below to check it out! |
AboutLynnel is a registered Holistic Nutritionist, Health Coach, Director of the NutraPhoria School of Holistic Nutrition, Author. Click HERE to learn more.
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