Elastic Fibres / Skin Elasticity Protein
A highly elastic protein in the dermis responsible for skin's ability to snap back after stretching or movement. Unlike collagen, which provides structural firmness, elastin provides recoil and flexibility. Elastin production effectively stops after puberty — the body cannot regenerate it in significant amounts. Degradation by UV radiation (elastosis), pollution, and the enzyme elastase (elevated by sun damage and inflammation) causes permanent loss of skin elasticity and the characteristic "crepe paper" texture seen in aged or sun-damaged skin.
Protecting existing elastin via daily SPF and antioxidants is more effective than any regenerative approach. Retinoids have some evidence for stimulating elastin gene expression, but the evidence is weaker than for collagen.
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