ELASTIN – An important protein in skin. Gives skin ELASTICITY – the ability to STRETCH and bounce back.
We always hear about collagen, but elastin is important for firm, tight skin. There is very little Elastin in skin (only about 1-2%). We have a lot more collagen.
But unlike collagen, it is very hard to stimulate skin to make more elastin. So you need to PROTECT it!! Don’t let it break down in the first place.
Best way to do this is to WEAR SUNSCREEN. Prevent the damage that mostly comes from UV and pollution. Don’t rely on topical skincare products to fix it later, because it will be very hard.
See the big difference in the two photos above? On the left (youthful skin), there’s plenty of collagen & elastin in the dermis. On the right (aged skin), there’s not much left.
Want to test the elasticity of your skin? Do this:
1. Pinch your skin or press a sharp edge into it (like your fingernail, the edge of a book). Anywhere on your face or body where there isn’t a lot of fat.
2. Let go. Notice the depression in your skin from the fingernail or object.
3. See how long it takes for the depression to disappear and your skin to go back to normal.
If you’re young, it’ll return to normal in less than a few seconds. If your skin is aging, it will take a lot longer.
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