Collagen vs Elastin
So what’s the difference between collagen and elastin?
More than being marketing terms, these are proteins found in the body, with clearly defined functions for good health. Collagen provides strength and structure, while elastin makes everything elastic and adaptable to numerous body needs. The two are supposed to work together but at different levels. Collagen is present in the lower layers of the skin, while elastin is present somewhere at the middle layers.
In time and on account of external factors, the collagen cells will break down and the elastin ones will degenerate. They basically have the same enemies, but only collagen can regenerate, help produce new cells and have an active contribution in healing wounds and scars. There is much less elastin than collagen in the body, but it is more important for the skin. For example, when obese people lose a lot of weight, the extra skin needs to be removed surgically because it can never snap back to a normal form.
When it comes to beauty issues, it is not a matter of choosing a collagen cream over an elastin one, or vice-versa. These are two proteins that are supposed to work together from the inside, and the surface application of creams promising to stretch and tighten the skin only manages to stretch the truth as far as their efficiency goes. The outside proteins do not manage to work together with the ones produced by the body, but by causing a slight inflammation of the skin it will temporarily give it a smoother aspect. Skin fillers, on the other hand, are more effective because they introduce the proteins into the inner layers of the skin where creams cannot reach.
Comparison Chart
| Collagen | Elastin |
| Protein found in connective tissues, skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, corneas | Protein found in connective tissues |
| Gives the body structure and strength | Makes the skin and organs elastic |
| Very abundant, making up for 25-30% of the body’s protein content | Less abundant in the body |
| Produced throughout life, up until the aging process starts | Mainly produced in the womb and no longer produced after puberty |
| Affected by sunlight, smoking, autoimmune disorders and high sugar consumption | Affected by sun exposure, tobacco, changes in weight, harsh weather conditions, dehydration, lack of sleep, stress |
| Helps heal wounds | Helps pumping organs contract and expandSource: http://theydiffer.com/difference-between-collagen-and-elastin/ |
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