What is elastin and why is it essential for skin and tissue?
Elastin is a fibrous protein naturally present in skin, ligaments, blood vessels and connective tissue. It plays a fundamental role in maintaining tissue elasticity and suppleness, enabling skin to regain its shape after stretching, and joints to retain their mobility.
With age, elastin production gradually declines, leading to loss of skin firmness and elasticity, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increased fragility of connective tissue. To preserve this essential protein, it is possible to opt for skincare products enriched with hydrolyzed elastin, as well as dietary supplements that promote its synthesis.
What are the benefits of elastin for the skin?
Elastin is a key element in skin firmness and youthfulness. Here are its main benefits:
Preserves the skin's elasticity and suppleness: It enables the skin to relax and spring back into place after each movement.
Fights skin slackening: By stimulating the production of elastic fibers, it helps prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Improves skin hydration: combined with collagen, it promotes better water retention, keeping skin plump and radiant.
Promotes healing: It plays a role in tissue repair, helping to attenuate marks and scars.
Protects skin from external aggression: Helps strengthen the cutaneous barrier, limiting the effects of oxidative stress and pollution.
Elastin, often combined with collagen, is an essential ingredient in anti-aging skin care products and treatments designed to preserve the skin's youthful appearance.
Why does elastin production decline with age?
From the age of 25, elastin production begins to slow down, leading to a progressive loss of skin firmness and elasticity. Several factors accelerate this process:
Natural aging: The synthesis of new elastic fibers diminishes over the years.
UV exposure: the sun's rays degrade elastin fibers, causing premature aging (photoaging).
Oxidative stress: pollution, smoking and an unbalanced diet generate free radicals that destroy elastin.
Hormonal variations: menopause and certain pathologies lead to a loss of skin tone.
To maintain a healthy level of elastin, we recommend adopting an appropriate skincare routine and eating a diet rich in essential nutrients.
Is elastin effective in combating wrinkles and sagging skin?
Yes, elastin is an essential ally in preventing and reducing the signs of aging.
It improves skin tone, reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines.
It helps firm facial contours, limiting the effect of sagging.
It boosts tissue elasticity, enabling greater resistance to repetitive movements (facial expressions, exposure to the elements).
Creams and serums enriched with hydrolyzed elastin deeply nourish the skin and stimulate the natural production of elastic fibers.
What are the benefits of elastin for hair and nails?
Elastin is not limited to the skin; it also plays a role in hair and nail health:
Strengthens hair fibers, making hair more supple and resistant.
Reduces breakage and split ends, by improving the cohesion of hair scales.
Stimulates nail growth, making them stronger and less brittle.
Incorporating hair care products and dietary supplements containing elastin can help restore hair's strength and shine.
How can I naturally stimulate elastin production?
There are several ways to preserve and boost elastin synthesis:
Eat a nutrient-rich diet:
Vitamin C (kiwi, citrus fruits, peppers) to stimulate the production of elastic fibers.
Sulfur amino acids (eggs, fish, meat) to promote tissue regeneration.
Antioxidants (green tea, berries, green vegetables) to protect elastin fibers from oxidative stress.
Use cosmetics enriched with hydrolyzed elastin for targeted action on the skin.
Avoid excessive UV exposure and apply daily sun protection.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle by reducing stress, smoking and alcohol, which accelerate the degradation of elastic fibers.
What forms does elastin come in?
Elastin is available in a variety of forms to meet different needs:
Cosmetic treatments (creams, serums, masks) for direct application to the skin.
In dietary supplements (capsules, ampoules) for action from within on skin, hair and nails.
In powder form or hydrolyzed in hair care formulations to strengthen hair fiber.
What is the recommended dosage for elastin supplementation?
Dosages vary according to the form used:
As a dietary supplement: 300 to 500 mg per day, often combined with collagen and hyaluronic acid.
By cutaneous application: Apply morning and evening to clean skin for optimum effect.
A 3-month course of treatment is generally recommended for visible results on skin and hair.
Are there any contraindications to using elastin?
Elastin is generally well tolerated, but certain precautions should be taken:
People allergic to animal proteins should check the source of elastin (marine or bovine origin).
Pregnant and breast-feeding women should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.
It is recommended to respect the recommended doses to avoid any undesirable effects.
