What it is
Elastin is a protein that is found in the skin. It makes skin elastic and allows it to go back to its normal shape after it is pulled or stretched, but it depletes with age and sun exposure. Elastin used in skincare and cosmetics products can be derived from both plant and animal (mainly birds and cows) sources.
What it does
When used in topical products, Elastin doesn’t make skin elastic and flexible. That’s because Elastin molecules are too big to penetrate the skin, which is what they would have to do to increase elasticity.
However, Elastin is a water-binding agent that prevents moisture loss, keeping skin hydrated.
Side effects
Elastin is generally considered safe. However, marketing claims often imply that this ingredients does a lot more for the skin that just slowing down moisture loss and sadly, that’s not true.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I remember back in the 90s, collagen and elastin were hot commodities. Almost every creams and lotions were advertised with them. Sadly, they do not work because the molecular sizes are too big, like you said.
.-= Dao´s last blog ..GILTY Pleasures Blog Tour: Vol 1, 2010 =-.
Dao, some creams are still advertised with elastin and collagen and it drives me mad. They don’t do anything bar moisturize skin and they’re usually so far down the ingredient lists they may not even do that!