Physical properties of elastin. Structure and functions of elastin (elastin fibers)

Despite the fact that aging of the body is an inevitable process, it is quite possible to prevent the rapid approach of old age using not only expensive cosmetics and all kinds of surgical procedures. The beneficial natural substances contained in some natural products also help preserve beauty for a long time.

The condition of the skin, namely its elasticity and firmness, directly depends on the presence of two proteins in the body: collagen and elastin. An equally important substance is hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for supplying cells with the necessary amount of fluid. You can compensate for the lack of these valuable natural components naturally by eating certain foods. Let's find out which products contain them?

What are elastin and collagen

Elastin and collagen are thin, intertwined fibers that are part of the connective structure of the human body. The fibers are very thin in nature, so they break down quite quickly. At a young age, the body quickly and easily produces fibrillar proteins, thereby maintaining balance and ensuring the elasticity of the skin.

However, with age, the ability to independently restore proteins fades away, and the skin becomes wrinkled and dry. To maintain excellent shape, beauty and youth, you need to know what products contain collagen to ensure a regular supply of nutrients to the body.

What is hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid is the main component of biological lubricant in the human body. It is part of cartilage and is also involved in the regeneration of the skin. The lack of this substance is one of the main reasons for the appearance of deep wrinkles and rapid skin aging.

The older a person is, the lower the level of hyaluronate in the body, and accordingly, the worse the condition of his skin is - excessive dryness and sagging appear. However, you can prolong youth and maintain beauty by replenishing hyaluronic acid by eating certain types of foods.

What foods contain collagen?

You can compensate for the lack of collagen and elastin by eating foods rich in these proteins. But for complete absorption and synthesis of protein, certain vitamins and microelements are also necessary, which are found in greens and vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, as well as in meat and seafood.

Microelements needed for protein synthesis:

• Zinc is found in bran, milk, eggs, legumes and seafood.
• Silicon - found in tomatoes, pumpkin, bran, cabbage, cucumbers and cereals.
• Iron – foods rich in this element include cereals and legumes, figs, persimmons, quinces, dry yeast, and shellfish. Meat products include kidneys and liver.
• Copper - the content of this microelement is high in cod and beef liver, cereals and durum pasta.
• To enrich the body with sulfur, you need to eat sea fish, cereals and legumes, grapes, gooseberries and beef.

Luteins, necessary for collagen production, are found in foods:

• spinach;
• blackberries;
• cranberries;
• carrots;
• legumes;
• pumpkin;
• corn;
• persimmon;
• yolks of chicken eggs.

Anthocyanins, which can be obtained from:

• raspberries;
• black rice;
• green tea;
• hot pepper.

As for vitamins, without which protein synthesis is impossible, these include:

1. C – apples, persimmons, blueberries, currants and other berries, as well as all types of citrus fruits.
2. D – sea fish, fish oil and dairy products.
3. E – vegetable oil, eggs, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, cherries, sea buckthorn, peanuts, almonds, legumes and liver.
4. A – spinach, pumpkin, carrots, apricot, butter, fish oil and liver, egg yolk.
5. F – peanuts. almonds, corn, vegetable oil, oatmeal, avocado, currants (black) and fish oil.

Meat

In addition to collagen, meat contains other proteins and fats that can reduce the natural synthesis of protein necessary to maintain skin elasticity. The only exception is turkey meat, since when this product enters the body, the synthesis of carnosine occurs, a substance that strengthens collagen fibers. The strongest collagen is found in beef, the weakest is in pork.

Seafood

Fish products, especially the salmon family, are unusually rich in proteins and polyunsaturated omega-3 acids - 1.6 grams of collagen per 100 grams of fish. In addition to salts and iodine, sea kale also contains a large amount of proteins. Nutritionists recommend consuming seafood to prevent aging.

During the process of protein denaturation, collagen is converted into gelatin, which is why to maintain skin elasticity and prevent rapid aging you need to eat jellied meat, jellied dishes, jelly from berries and fruits.

So, to replenish collagen reserves in the body, it is necessary to follow a balanced diet, because The protein itself is found in meat and seafood, and vegetables, fruits and grains contain microelements and vitamins that are extremely important for its synthesis. In addition, it is advisable to get rid of bad habits, monitor the state of the digestive system and avoid stressful situations.

What products contain hyaluronate?

Hyaluronic acid is found in large quantities in the following foods:

• food of animal origin;
• Red wine;
• products containing starch;
• soy products.

Food of animal origin

Chicken combs, as well as joints and tendons, are unusually rich in hyaluronate. Thus, to replenish the reserves of hyaluronic acid in the body, you should prepare boiled meat, all kinds of broths from meat and poultry, as well as stewed or oven-cooked meat along with bones, cartilage, tendons and skin. An excellent option is turkey or pork jellied meat. Tough meat, cartilage and tendons, bones and skin are foods that will help slow down aging.

Products containing starch

These products include potatoes and sugar beets, canned or raw, but not boiled. Regular consumption of starchy foods helps prevent the appearance of wrinkles and promotes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the body.

Soy products

The synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the body directly depends on the level of estrogen. Plant sources of phyto-estrogen are soy products. Regular consumption of soybeans, tofu and soy milk with bifidobacteria for 14 days guarantees an active increase in the level of hyaluronate in the body.

Did you know that some plants that are common in nature, such as burdock or burdock, can also help delay aging? Make a decoction or brew tea from the dried plant and notice the results in 4 weeks!

Red wine and grape drinks

Grapes and natural drinks made from them are a rich source of phyto-estrogens that promote the production of hyaluronate. The main thing is that such a drink, be it wine or ordinary grape juice, is made from high-quality natural raw materials, without harmful synthetic additives. To provide the required amount of phyto-estrogens, it is enough to drink one or two glasses of red grape wine or juice, which is used as a natural catalyst.

Common burdock (burdock) is considered an excellent source of hyaluronic acid. Scientists have found that daily use of the plant for one month allows you to restore the protective functions of the skin at the cellular level and reduce. A decoction is prepared from pre-dried burdock and taken as a drink or added to tea.
Don't forget about foods high in vitamin C, which maintains the natural balance of proteins and hyaluronic acid in our body.

Eating healthy foods will help artificially stimulate the production of substances that help improve skin condition, prevent wrinkles, improve vision and the general physical condition of a person.

Scientists have proven that smoking interferes with the natural formation of hyaluronic acid in the body and provokes the formation of deep wrinkles and premature aging. Following certain nutritional rules, as well as giving up bad habits, will help maintain health and youth.

Skin regeneration after shocks suffered - wounds, burns, sprains or scratches - occurs thanks to elastin. It is part of the epidermis and is constantly produced by the human or animal body. At a young age, healing occurs much faster than at a mature age, since over the years the production of natural protein slows down and decreases. This leads to the formation of wrinkles, sagging, aging skin, and scars on the body. Modern cosmetics and procedures help your skin look young, toned and well-groomed at any age.

Elastin concept

You can understand why this component is needed by learning more about its essence and concept. Elastin is a fibrillar protein of blood vessels and lungs, which does not dissolve in water and has a large mass of molecules. It is found in the human body and horned mammals in connective tissue: skin, walls of blood vessels, lungs, arteries, bones, ligaments.

Protein performs many important functions in human organs. For example, its fibers, together with collagen, help restore the original size after bowel movements, emptying the bladder, when the tissues first stretch and then shrink. Elastin is essential for the skin; it promotes restoration and cell regeneration. With age, the body begins to lack this substance, so its artificial substitute is found in many rejuvenating and healing creams and ointments.

Elastin composition

It contains the following amino acids: 27% glycine, 10% valine, 19% alanine, 4.7% leucine, 2.0% proline, 3.3% desmosine and 3.1% isodesmosine. The last two amino acids act in a complex manner, bind elastin threads into strong covalent bonds, and are part of several peptide chains at the same time. The main function of amino acids is to control the production of subcutaneous sebum. Elastin and collagen work in pairs; together they are found in connective tissue, form its strength, and regulate contacts between cells.

Properties of elastin

The peak production of this substance in the body occurs around 20-25 years. During this period, wounds and inflammations heal quickly, scratches heal, and operations are tolerated more easily. All these processes are facilitated by elastin. By the age of 40, women and men notice slower healing of small cuts, sprains, and facial expressions become more pronounced. Deep wrinkles appear, which can be slightly slowed down with the help of artificial substances. The properties of natural elastin, which is produced by the human body, are:

• wound healing;
• restoration of skin after stretching;
• moisturizing the shallow layers of the epidermis;
• the ability to impart elasticity to the skin;
• control of subcutaneous sebum production;
• regeneration of damaged dermal surface.

Types of elastin

The substance, which is produced by our body at a young age, fully performs its functions. After thirty years, production slows down, so cosmetic companies have come up with elastin-based creams. It will not be possible to replace a natural component with an artificial one 100%, since it will not be able to penetrate deep into the epidermis and completely remove wrinkles. There are three types of elastin:

• natural – produced by the body, promotes rapid healing and restoration of the skin after wounds, burns, sprains;
• artificial - created by cosmetic companies in order to replace a natural component when it becomes insufficient for a person; added to the composition of anti-aging creams that help the face, neck, hands, and décolleté look fresh, well-groomed, and moisturized; penetrates under the upper layers of the epidermis, nourishing it, removes peeling, but is not able to eliminate wrinkles forever;
• hydrolyzed – a product produced from animal connective tissue; differs from natural in that it dissolves in water, therefore it is well absorbed by the skin, retains moisture inside it, establishing a barrier to escape; restores elasticity; used for the manufacture of creams, hair and body products.

Ways to replenish elastin

Few young people think about the condition of their skin, proper nutrition, and cosmetic procedures. At a more mature age, women begin to seriously engage with their face and body. At this age, the first wrinkles appear - transverse wrinkles on the forehead, facial folds, nasolabial folds. It is necessary to start using creams that will help moisturize and make your face look healthy, but wrinkles will not disappear completely. You can help your skin regain youth and beauty at any age.

Medications

Having crossed the thirty-year mark, it is necessary to make regular trips to the cosmetologist. He will draw up a plan for facial care procedures, for example, recommend mechanical cleansing, and select hair and body products. Beauty salons work with professional creams that can improve the appearance of your face in the shortest possible time. Five or six treatments every other day are enough to restore the natural beauty of the skin. If the client has no contraindications for health reasons, the cosmetologist will prescribe the following procedures:

• Elastin in cosmetics in ampoules is intended for the prevention and treatment of wrinkles. The drug contains soy proteins and soluble elastin, which help restore the elasticity of the skin, have a tonic effect, and have an active effect on the hydrophilic properties of the skin. Ampoules can be applied independently to a previously cleaned surface of the face, or under a mesoscooter in a beauty salon. They are great for removing nasolabial folds.
• Elastin tablets should be used in the complex treatment of aging of the epidermis. Before use, you should consult your doctor. If there are no allergic reactions to the composition of the medicine, you can take it according to the instructions.

There is one well-known drug that is prescribed regularly to all patients:

• name: Collagen elastin total lift;
• price: 1950 rubles;
• characteristics: included in the group of biologically active food additives; weight – 880 mg; Directions for use: two tablets three times a day with meals; the course lasts four weeks; composition: hydrolyzed collagen, dry extract of wheat sprouts and rose hips, sea buckthorn, aloe vera, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, vegetable fats;
• pros: source of glycine – restores the elasticity of the epidermis;
• disadvantages: cannot be used during pregnancy and lactation.

In food

Not only dietary supplements, but also properly selected nutrition can compensate for the lack of natural components. With products you can get all the substances necessary for the healthy functioning of the human body. A well-designed menu for the day will help fill in the missing elements, improve complexion, condition of hair and nails. Main foods containing protein:

• seafood - shrimp, mussels, oysters;
• fatty fish rich in omega acids - mackerel, salmon, chum salmon, trout, cod liver, tuna, sardine;
• fermented milk products;
• butter;
• yolk;
• fish fat;
• natural milk cream;
• vegetable oils – sesame, flaxseed, olive (as salad dressing);
• parsley, dill, cilantro, celery, basil, spinach, lettuce;
• nuts – almonds, peanuts, walnuts;
• porridge – oatmeal, buckwheat, millet;
• fresh fruits, vegetables - carrots and beets.

In cosmetics

Cosmetologists recommend replenishing the lack of natural protein with the help of cosmetics. They are used during various procedures, for example, plasma lifting. With its help, collagen and elastin penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis and force the production of necessary substances. The procedure consists of using injections to deliver your own plasma, saturated with platelets, into problem areas of the skin, thereby improving the regeneration and functioning of cells.

Fillers will help compensate for the lack of valuable protein. These are injections that are performed with microneedles, with substances of a dense, viscous consistency. They are designed to fill the voids of the subcutaneous space and smooth out wrinkles. The second name for fillers is contour plastic. The effect of the procedure lasts four months, after which it is recommended to repeat the course.

Another procedure that will lead to youth is biorevitalization. It can be done in courses, either after or before injections with fillers. The bottom line is that hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin using micro-punctures using a pinpoint method. The goal is to produce collagen and protein naturally, through stimulation with hyaluronic acid. An experienced cosmetologist will determine how long after fillers biorevitalization can be done.

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Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Elastin - what is it, what does it contain?

Collagen and elastin are two well-known proteins that form the basis of young skin. They, like two inseparable friends, walking hand in hand through life, have approximately the same functions and goals. If a lot is said and written about collagen, then elastin always plays a secondary role. Today we want to correct this injustice and talk about the unique properties of elastin, which contribute to the youth and beauty of our skin.

Elastin is a structural protein of elastic fibers, which is found in large quantities in connective tissue. It is present in the skin, in the walls of blood vessels, ligaments and lungs.

Elastin fibers have a very important quality: they can stretch several times their original length. At the same time, the high strength of the fibers and their ability to return to their original state after removing the load are maintained.

These properties of elastin are determined by a complex protein, glycoprotein. In addition, elastin molecules have the shape of twisted spirals that can both twist and twist an unlimited number of times. All movements of facial muscles are performed by elastin, and collagen provides the skin with density and elasticity.

So, after each muscle movement, facial expressions return to their original state. The elastin molecule is very close in structure to collagen, but there are a number of significant differences in the amino acid sequence.

Properties of elastin

In addition to its main property, elastin has the ability to absorb moisture, which provides tissues with a long-lasting hydration regime. In cosmetics, elastin is used primarily to restore tissue elasticity and moisturize it.

Like collagen, elastin undergoes a chemical process called hydrolysis. In cosmetics, elastin is used only in the form of hydrolyzate. When purchasing a cosmetic product, look for the inscription on the packaging: collagen hydrolysate, elastin hydrolysate. It makes no sense to buy a cream that contains simple elastin and collagen.

Hydrolysis is the breakdown of a complex substance with water. During the hydrolysis process, protein is destroyed into amino acids for better absorption. The high molecular weight of elastin does not improve skin characteristics; for this reason, elastin is subjected to hydrolysis. When cream with elastin is applied to the skin, a peptide film is formed, which moisturizes the skin and prevents moisture loss, thereby providing delicate lifting. .

The powerful moisturizer in the cream is not water at all, as many people think, but peptides of gyrolyzed elastin, which create a peptide film on the skin.

The peptide film acts on the skin like a compress, which retains moisture inside the tissues without releasing it outside.

This raises the question: why exactly is elastin such a powerful moisturizer? Isn’t the same collagen or hyaluronic acid, the miraculous properties of which we know well, a good moisturizer? The thing is that elastin contains non-polar amino acids. The elastin molecule contains up to 90% of them.

Non-polar amino acids are located inside the protein particles and do not interact with water, minimizing contact with it. Thus, they do not lose water, but retain it completely. Non-polar amino acids are also called hydrophobic amino acids.

Elastin coupled with collagen is very effective. These two proteins in a harmonious tandem complement each other, increasing each other's effect in a cosmetic product. Cosmetics with elastin are especially effective for adult skin. The presence of elastin in them nourishes, moisturizes and protects the skin from damage. To summarize, we can say that elastin is worthy of the proud name “protein of youth”, if only because it perfectly demonstrates its moisturizing capabilities, which we wrote about above.

Disintegration and synthesis of elastin. Why is this happening?

Like collagen, elastin becomes less and less in the body over the years. Why is this happening? The reasons are still the same:

• UV radiation;
• action of elastase;
• bad habits: smoking;
• deficiency of copper and vitamin B 6 in the body.

The amount of elastin in the body decreases not because its fibers wear out or age, but because of the harmful effects of UV radiation. UV-A radiation can penetrate very deeply into the skin. With prolonged exposure to the body, elastin synthesis decreases and its molecular structure is disrupted. That is, in addition to reducing the production of elastin, its molecule undergoes serious changes.

The elastin molecule contains the amino acid desmosine. Desmosine provides protein cross-linking, forming strong bridges between elastin peptide units. When desmosine production decreases, few or no cross-links are formed.

As a result, elastic tissues lose strength, become thinner, become flaccid, that is, they lose their unique properties. This affects both the functioning of the body as a whole and the condition of the skin.

Also, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the enzyme elastase is activated. In the body, the process of synthesis and degradation of elastin is in strict balance. It is UV radiation and some other factors that contribute to the imbalance of this process. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, not only does collagen synthesis decrease, but its structure completely changes, which is much worse. Since the synthesis of elastin, although it decreases, does not stop, and new elastin is produced already “defective”.

The result is very deplorable: elastin loses its ordered structure and turns into accumulations of amorphous protein, which does not at all contribute to youth and beauty. The skin begins to sag, becomes flabby, loses its clear relief, unevenness appears on it, it becomes rough and dry. As a result, a skin disease called elastosis develops. Elastosis is a skin condition that occurs due to wear and degeneration of elastic fibers.

Chemists have long noticed that if the body lacks even one microelement, the entire chain of chemical reactions can be disrupted. This contributes to the deterioration of the functioning of certain organs and systems, up to a terminal state (with a deficiency of copper and selenium, etc.). Insufficient intake of copper into the body causes a disruption in the synthesis of elastin. The enzyme lysyl oxidase, which requires copper ions for its production, takes part in the synthesis of elastin.

A protein, decorin, is also involved in the synthesis of elastin. It is he who regulates the process of elastin formation, ensuring the formation of homogeneous, undamaged elastin. With its deficiency, the accumulation of defective elastin with a low level of strength begins.

Vitamin B6 also plays an important role in the synthesis of elastin. If there is a simultaneous deficiency of both copper and vitamin B6 in the body, then elastin synthesis also decreases.

Even children know about the dangers of smoking, but few people know that nicotine greatly harms the skin. Nicotine stimulates the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) molecules, which promote the degradation of elastin in the skin.

How to restore elastin in the skin?

There are two ways to replenish elastin in the cream:

• fill its deficiency with the help of cosmetics;
• stimulating your own elastin synthesis.

It is immediately worth noting that the elastin in the cream affects only the top layer of the epidermis. But this is also quite important. After all, many women, as well as men, know what a good moisturizer means. Due to its moisturizing properties, elastin creates a hygroscopic film on the surface of the skin, which prevents our skin from drying out and losing moisture. Something like a thermos is created: the skin is permanently moisturized, but at the same time moisture does not evaporate from its surface.

Cosmetic creams do not affect elastin synthesis in any way. Even elastin sold in ampoules improves only the surface layer of the epidermis.

To stimulate the synthesis of your own elastin, you need to turn to procedures based on regenerative technologies. These are plasma lifting, placentotherapy, the use of amino acid therapy and SPRS therapy (cell therapy based on autologous fibroblasts).

As a result of these procedures, one’s own fibroblasts are stimulated. Fibroblasts are connective tissue cells that produce elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid, which contribute to skin rejuvenation.

I would like to dwell in more detail on the method based on the use of copper-containing proteins.

We have already written above how important microelements, and specifically copper, are for the body and skin. A lack of copper can affect the formation of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which in turn promotes the synthesis of elastin. An increase in copper-containing elements in the skin promotes enhanced elastin synthesis.

But it should be remembered that copper should be used only in its protein-bound form (since unbound copper takes an active part in the formation of free radicals that damage elastin and collagen molecules). Copper-containing proteins stimulate the skin remodeling process. What is this process? Skin remodeling is a process during which defective and worn-out structures (collagen, elastin) are removed, and new ones are synthesized instead.

So far, this method has not been widely used and is little used in practice, but it has great biopotential, which has not yet been fully revealed.

Elastin is often touted as the superhero of anti-aging products, the wrinkle fighter, and guardian of skin elasticity. Colorful descriptions promise restoration of elasticity, a powerful lifting effect, rapid smoothing of wrinkles and restoration of youthful skin.

Let's figure out what elastin is, what determines its properties, why it is added to cosmetics, how it works in them, and whether its addition to anti-age products is justified, or is it just a marketing ploy.

What is elastin

Elastin is a thread-like protein. It is found in human and animal connective tissue - skin, blood vessel walls, lungs, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones.

Elastin of animal origin is used in cosmetics. It is obtained from the skin and blood vessels of cattle, birds and mammals.

Functions

It gives the skin elasticity and firmness. Thin elastin fibers, like a rubber band, can stretch 1.5 times and return back to their original state.

Compound

Elastin consists of amino acids, including unique ones unique to it - desmosines. They bind elastin threads together, forming a strong mesh. This mesh prevents stretching and sagging of the skin, maintains turgor and elasticity, and prevents the formation of wrinkles.

Elastin molecules are synthesized in the skin by dermal cells - fibroblasts. With age, fibroblast activity decreases and the amount of elastin decreases. As a result, the skin begins to sag and (attention!) wrinkles form.

Why is elastin added to cosmetics?

Let's consider the main properties of cosmetic elastin.

1. Moisturizing any skin type

Elastin is highly hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains a large number of water molecules. When applied to the skin, it forms a thin, breathable film that prevents evaporation and dehydration.

2. Restoration of the epidermal barrier

To restore a damaged epidermal barrier, 2 things are needed - active nutrition and deep hydration. Elastin is used in a set of measures to restore the epidermal barrier due to its ability to bind moisture in the skin.

3. Seboregulation, care for oily skin

Certain elastin amino acids (alanine, valine, proline) have the ability to control the formation of sebum. In addition, elastin is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores or lead to acne.

But the main question that excites the minds of cosmetic users is whether cosmetic elastin is capable of penetrating deep into the skin and working there in a similar way to its own elastin, having a noticeable effect on wrinkles?

Does elastin penetrate the skin?

Let's figure it out.

To penetrate the skin, any substance must overcome the epidermal barrier. The epidermal barrier consists of insoluble keratin scales of the stratum corneum, held together by a fatty layer.

The epidermal barrier is most easily overcome fat-soluble substances. A water-soluble can overcome it only in small numbers and under certain conditions.

Elastin is neither one nor the other. It is not soluble in fats. Plus, certain amino acids in elastin repel water, so it is insoluble in water.

And even if elastin were fat or water soluble, it molecule is too big to penetrate between the scales of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.

Let's do conclusion- cosmetic elastin does not penetrate the skin.

Does it seem like we have it all figured out? Then here’s a question for you (us! ☺) to answer. Advanced cosmetic users have probably heard about such a beast as hydrolyzed elastin, which is supposedly able to overcome the epidermal barrier and penetrate into the skin. Let's talk about whether this is true and what hydrolyzed elastin is and how it works.

What is hydrolyzed elastin and what is it eaten with?

Elastin amino acids desmosine And isodesmosine form cross-links between the fibers ensuring its insolubility. Under normal conditions, elastin is resistant to high temperatures and enzymes, and is insoluble in water, salts, acids and alkalis. The only way to dissolve elastin is to hydrolyze it.

Hydrolysis- this is boiling with water, salts, alkalis, as a result of which the original substance decomposes and new compounds are formed.

To obtain elastin hydrolysate, alkalis are usually used. The addition of additional factors (high temperature and pressure) during the hydrolysis process leads to the breakdown of the elastin molecule into individual amino acids.

In simple terms, hydrolyzed elastin is individual amino acids. Here they are - yes! can actually penetrate the skin.

But! It is important to understand that these individual amino acids are:

are not complete elastin;

do not possess its properties;

do not stimulate fibroblasts to synthesize their own elastin.

And finally - most importantly - our body can only use the elastin that is produced by our cells inside the body - this is “living elastin”, which provides firmness, elasticity and can actually somehow influence the process of wrinkle formation. Any other elastin obtained from animal or human sources is completely useless in this regard.

That is, the very essence of the question is not even whether cosmetic elastin penetrates into the skin, but whether it can stimulate fibroblasts to produce their own skin elastin. And the answer to this question is no.

Thus, we found out that:

elastin is a protein, one of the most important structural components of the skin; in cosmetics it is of animal origin;

it provides elasticity, firmness, and stretchability of the skin;

used to solve problems of different skin types - promotes hydration, controls sebum production, and has a soft lifting effect;

elastin is insoluble neither in water nor in fats, does not penetrate the skin, works only on its surface;

hydrolyzed elastin is able to penetrate the skin, but is not able to stimulate fibroblasts to produce their own elastin;

The body can only fully use the elastin that is synthesized internally by its own cells.

So, to answer the question of whether elastin works in cosmetics, you need to understand what exactly we expect from it.

Elastin is a pleasant and useful component of cosmetics. It will improve the appearance of the skin due to a prolonged moisturizing effect, smooth out small superficial wrinkles, and help improve the condition of oily skin. Elastin is an excellent tool in a set of measures to restore the damaged epidermal barrier.

What elastin is not is a “magic pill” for skin aging and the fight against deep wrinkles. Because it works on the surface and does not work at the cellular level. Therefore, if you are deciding whether it is worth spending half your salary on an elastin cream that promises you miraculous rejuvenation in a matter of days, perhaps not. The penetration of elastin deep into the skin, its work at the molecular level, stimulation of cells and the return of natural youth to the skin by analogy with its own natural “living” elastin is still nothing more than a marketing ploy.

Stay with us, improve your cosmetic literacy and be beautiful.

See you again on LaraBarBlog. ♫

Dry stretched skin, cellulite plaques and wrinkles - all these signs of aging and aging result from a lack of collagen and elastin in the human body. However, there are means that allow, if not avoided, then to postpone for a long time the appearance of signs of aging, maintaining youth and an attractive appearance.

Why does the skin need collagen and elastin? These proteins are located in the middle layer of the skin, the dermis, and are produced by cells called fibroblasts. Collagen strengthens the epidermis and, as it were, supports it, giving the skin an elastic appearance. And the task of elastin is to make the skin taut and elastic. Collagen and elastin retain moisture in the dermis, help nourish, moisturize, and saturate the skin with oxygen, making it beautiful and radiant. And with a lack of these proteins, the first signs of aging appear.

Why does the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin decrease?

Decreased production of collagen and elastin by the body leads to aging and sagging skin. There are several reasons for this phenomenon. Firstly, age. After 25-30 years (it’s different for everyone), the process of collagen production naturally slows down. By the age of 55-60, the percentage of collagen in the body is much lower than at a young age. The same thing happens with elastin. Its greatest amount in the body is in adolescents. Then the percentage gradually decreases.

The second reason for skin aging is the sun. The negative effects of ultraviolet radiation are not immediately visible; they have a cumulative effect. Sun rays destroy the cellular structures of collagen and elastin, changing the condition and tone of the skin. Moreover, both natural tanning and solarium have a negative effect.

The third reason is smoking. As scientists have found, the cells of smokers secrete a lot of matrix metalloproteinases - substances that destroy collagen fibers. At the same time, the production of your own collagen decreases by 40%. Smoking is a terrible enemy of the skin!

How to deal with reduced collagen and elastin production?

There are several ways to combat it, but the main two are giving up bad habits and limiting sun exposure and using creams with a high protection factor. These ways to preserve youthful skin are incredibly simple and accessible to everyone. But what about the most important destructive factor - age? Unfortunately, no one can cope here on their own. And then modern collagen products come to the rescue. First of all, it is soluble animal collagen, which accumulates in the human body, restoring health to the joints. You need to take this collagen for a course of 1-3 months, and after 40-45 years you can drink one sachet a day without stopping. To avoid costs, choose a product with an optimal price-quality ratio. Such as soluble collagen hydrolyzate Collagen Ultra. The course for a month costs only about 600 rubles. At the same time, Collagen Ultra contains not only collagen hydrolyzate, which is perfectly absorbed by the human body, but also a daily dose of vitamin C, which promotes the production of its own collagen. Taking the drug will help to delay the appearance of the first signs of aging for a long time, prolong the youth of joints and ligaments, and also help to recover from pregnancy and illness. You can buy Collagen Ultra on the website apteka.ru, with delivery to any region of Russia.

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