There is no elastin in skin that you can see. It is found in the connective tissue of the hypodermis and makes up the yellow elastic fibers. So what is the point of including it in a moisturizer or other skincare product?

Like keratin, collagen, hyaluronic acid and many other cosmetic ingredients, elastin functions as a water-binding agent. Moisturizers contain a great deal of water and some oil. As you probably know, oil and water do not mix.

A number of mixing agents are used to create a consistent texture in lotions and creams. In most cases, a water-binding agent makes it possible to use a cream or lotion without shaking it up.

There are no other benefits. Including it as an ingredient in an anti-aging cream does not increase the elastin content of human skin, which is known to decrease with age, nor does it increase the skin’s elasticity or firmness.

As it dries out, the ingredient might make the skin’s outer layers feel tighter. There may be some cosmetic effect as it is thick enough to fill in wrinkles slightly. But, there are no studies to support any benefit cosmetic or otherwise.

Most of us feel that the main reason cosmetic companies advertise that the ingredient is included in their product is to take advantage of the general public’s misconceptions. When a news reporter or other spokesperson is describing the things that happen to the skin’s appearance as we age, they tend to oversimplify.

Simplification is probably necessary. Nobody wants to read a blueprint of the 830 amino acids that make up the specialized protein. But, it is possible to simplify without being misleading.

Yes, the collagen and elastin content of human skin decreases with age. Yes, the production of elastic fibers and new cells slows down. So, the skin’s firmness decreases and the outer cells start to look older.

No. It is not possible to increase the amount of collagen or elastin in skin by applying them directly. No more than it would be possible to increase the number of new cells by applying them directly.

But, it is possible to stimulate the natural biological processes that produce the elastic fibers and the new cells with topically applied agents. Some of the most effective ingredients for that purpose seem to be bioactive keratin and super tiny particles of coenzyme Q10 according to clinical trials.

In various studies, benefits have included increased firmness, increased proliferation of new cells, reversed sun damage and reduced wrinkles, faded age spots and a generally younger appearance.

It would be nice if we could trust the advertising claims made by all companies, but we simply cannot. The creams produced in the US are poorly regulated, although to be fair to the FDA they have tried to regulate the advertising claims that cosmetic companies can make, as well as the ingredients they can use. They have simply failed to win their attempts in court.

Now that you know a little more about the elastin in skin, take the time to learn more about what goes into making a safe and effective anti-aging cream. It will be time well spent.

Author Bio: Valerie Rosenbaum has spent years searching for the best anti aging skin care products available. The skin care product line she discovered uses a proprietary blend of all natural ingredients like Cynergy TK and wakame kelp. To learn more visit her website www.defendyourskin.com

Category: Womens Interest
Keywords: elastin in skin, elastin content of human skin