Why does the firmness of your skin depend on two key proteins?

To maintain youthful, firm, and radiant skin, two proteins play an essential role: collagen and elastin. Although often associated or confused with each other, these two structures act differently in maintaining the skin. But why does their production slow down with age? What factors accelerate their degradation? And how can their synthesis be stimulated to preserve skin health?

What is elastin and what does it do?

Elastin is a structural protein synthesized by fibroblasts of the dermis. It is responsible for the elasticity of the skin and allows it to return to its original shape after stretching or compression.

• Where is elastin found?
  It is found in fabrics that require high flexibility, such as arteries, lungs, ligaments, and of course, the skin.
• His remarkable abilities:
  Elastin fibers can stretch up to one and a half times their original size without breaking, ensuring skin tone and resilience.

What is collagen and why is it essential?

Visit collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It forms a support structure for the skin, tendons, ligaments, and even bones.

• Its main functions:
  • Maintain the firmness and the resistance of the skin.
  • Ensure good cell regeneration.
  • Promote smooth skin and without irregularities.
• The decrease in collagen with age:
  From the age of 25, collagen production decreases by approximately 1 % per year. Existing fibers become stiffer and disorganized, promoting the appearance of wrinkles and loss of firmness.

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Factors that degrade collagen and elastin

1. Excessive exposure to UV rays:
   Sunlight causes glycation collagen fibers, irreversibly stiffening them.
2. Pollution and tobacco:
   These elements generate free radicals which damage skin proteins.
3. Unbalanced diet:
   Visit excessive sugar accelerates skin aging by glycation.
4. Lack of hydration and sleep:
   These factors weaken the regenerative capacity of the dermis.

How can elastin and collagen production be stimulated?

Adopt a pro-collagen diet :

• Eat foods rich in amino acids (lysine and proline) and vitamin C (an antioxidant essential for collagen synthesis).
• Include animal proteins (fish, meat, eggs) and plant proteins (legumes, soy), as well as foods rich in sulfur.

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements :

• Hydrolyzed collagen supplements improve hydration and skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles, according to several studies.

Engage in regular physical activity :

• Resistance training (weight training) is particularly effective for thickening the dermis and improving skin elasticity.
• Be careful of sun exposure when participating in outdoor sports activities.

Use sunscreen daily (SPF 50) :

• Essential for preventing collagen degradation caused by UVA rays and slowing down premature aging.

Incorporate anti-aging products into your routine :

• Retinol (stimulates collagen production), peptides (promote regeneration), vitamin C (neutralizes free radicals), and vitamin B3 (non-irritating anti-aging).

Using LED phototherapy :

• A non-invasive technique that stimulates fibroblasts to increase collagen production and reduce skin inflammation.

Performing chemical peels :

• Exfoliates the surface layers of the skin, promoting cell renewal and stimulating collagen production.

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