The Role of Collagen and Elastin in Your Skin

If you’ve bought any anti-aging product, you’ve probably heard of collagen. Many products you find at the store deem to “boost collagen,” but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly why collagen is so important.

Elastin is also one of these vital words that come hand-in-hand with many skin care treatments. So while you may strive to undergo treatments that improve your elastin, you might still be asking yourself “why does elastin matter?”

The skincare experts at Anushka Med Spa, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, are here to break down the basics of collagen and elastin and why they’re the foundation of having beautiful skin. 

Collagen gives your skin structure

Collagen seems to be the buzzword for anything and everything regarding youthful skin. But most of us don’t know that collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It is one of the major fundamentals in many body parts including muscles, bones and you guessed it — skin. 

Collagen provides your skin with structure. In visual terms, collagen can be related to the “glue” that binds many of your body parts together. The name collagen even derives from the Greek word, “kólla” which literally means “glue.”

There are over 16 types of collagen in your body and the first four are described to be the most fundamental. While they all have an important role in your body, Type 1 accounts for 90% of your collagen. As the most studied type of collagen, Type 1 has densely arranged fibers that are particularly important for your connective tissues, bones, and skin.

Elastin in your skin’s flexibility 

Elastin, like collagen, is a protein that derives from connective tissues. As the name suggests, elastin provides the skin with the ability to go back to its original shape after being stretched or pulled. This protein is found in your artery walls, intestines, lungs, and of course, skin.

Elastin is 1000 times more flexible than collagen. It’s made up of fibroblasts, peptides, and amino acids. Its rubberband-like nature is essential in helping us convey expressions. 

Now that you’ve learned collagen and elastin’s role in your skin, you can simply think of collagen providing your skin with strength while elastin provides flexibility. The two work well together but have very different functions.

How they change over time

As you get older, your body produces less collagen. Even the collagen it does produce is of lower quality than what your body made in its younger years. You can see this in your skin as it becomes less firm, loose, and loses its soft texture.

The harmful rays of the sun can damage the elastin in your skin which becomes more apparent as you age. This process breakdowns the elastic, causing the skin to sag and stretch, ultimately losing some of its ability to “snap back.”

What you can do about it

While you can’t change the normal process of aging, the Cutera Pearl laser technology helps jumpstart new collagen and elastin production in your skin. This refreshes your skin to a more youthful state, with a stronger more radiant appearance.

When you come in for your appointment, Bonnie Marting, DNP, APRN first discusses the nature of the treatment and ensures you are a good candidate. If she decides the treatment is for you, she applies a topical numbing cream to your skin before treatment.

The Cutera Pearl laser emits small, bursts of light that whisk away the top layer of your skin. Not only does the Pearl laser regenerate a fresh layer of skin, but it also sends heat to deeper layers rejuvenate your skin from the inside out. 

In just 15-30 minutes the Pearl laser can improve:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Uneven skin tone

Most patients experience noticeable results several days after treatment. Your results will continue to improve over the next 4-6 weeks as new collagen and elastin rebuild. 

See what the Cutera Pearl laser can do for you. Call 561-468-6896 or book online.