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It's no secret that young skin is more elastic than aged skin; the key is to understand the origin of these skin changes.
So, what role does elastin play in the appearance of your skin, and how can you use it to make your skin look firmer and healthier in the long run?
What is elastin?
Elastin is a protein that is part of the connective tissue of the skin, providing resilience and elasticity. It's what gives us the appearance of rejuvenated skin, often associated with youthful and healthy complexion.
Additionally, it's a protein that naturally decreases with age, making the skin more prone to sagginess, expression lines, and wrinkles.
It's primarily composed of amino acids and magnesium.
What causes elastin loss?
There are various factors contributing to skin aging. Over the years, skin loses its elasticity, often becoming drier and more wrinkled.
These skin changes can worsen due to:
- The sun. UV rays from the sun can cause damage, leading to sagging and wrinkles in the skin. It's essential to note that skin exposed directly to the sun without sunscreen is at a higher risk of cellular damage and DNA damage.
- Pollution. We often overlook this factor when it comes to skincare. Air pollution's free radicals and other environmental factors can accelerate premature skin aging.
- Our habits. In various ways, our skin reflects how we treat and care for it. Daily care tailored to your skin type is crucial.
What is the function of elastin?
Primarily, elastin helps:
- Maintain our body tissues firm and stable, ensuring they function correctly. It essentially supports collagen fibers and keeps them in place.
- Prevent stretch marks and combat signs of aging because, as mentioned earlier, it imparts elasticity to the skin.
- Act as a hair moisturizer, protecting it from breakage by providing elasticity and strength.
- Keep cells bonded and form biological tissue, essential for the proper functioning of our cartilage, lungs, or blood vessels.
How can my body produce elastin?
Elastin can be produced through a physiological process in our cells or through specific foods such as:
- Green leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach
- Soy
- Foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots or melon
- Foods rich in zinc, such as dark chocolate, rice, or eggs
- Foods rich in sulfur, such as asparagus, meat, or eggs
In addition to these foods, it's also good to consume citrus fruits rich in vitamin C, such as kiwi, lemon, or strawberries, and other green leafy vegetables like cabbage or broccoli. Egg yolk, vegetable oil, and wheat germ are also good for maintaining healthy skin, as they are rich in vitamin E.
A varied and balanced diet is essential, but it's not always possible to consume all the foods that benefit our skin. Therefore, another option is to incorporate some form of dietary supplement into your daily routine to support it.
An ideal option is Skin Cure by Matcha & CO, designed to significantly enhance the skin's protective barrier, hydration, firmness, and elasticity. It contains a blend of probiotics that improve skin health, along with collagen, hyaluronic acid, matcha, and vitamin B2.
Furthermore, Skin Cure is composed of type I collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid derived from egg membrane, a new vegetarian source to improve the skin's protective barrier, reduce inflammation, and prevent skin aging while promoting hydration and elasticity. Additionally, collagen will also benefit your bones and joints.
