Elastin in a protein that is in skin tissue. It is important because it helps skin remain tight but still flexible. This is what allows skin to bounce back after it is stretched or pulled. It is also responsible for allowing skin to stretch to do normal activities such as opening and closing the mouth and then return smoothly back to normal.
As we get older elastin tends to get depleted as do other proteins in the skin. The lack of elastin is on of the things that results in wrinkles and stretched out skin. Elastin is often added to anti-aging skin care creams and serums. This elastin comes from sources other than human, mostly cows or birds. Unfortunately, elastin added to skin in this way does not seem to have much effect. It is unable to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin where elastin is needed to be effective. Products containing elastin may help the skin retain moisture, but most likely won’t actually help it become more elastic.
There are other ingredients that can be used in creams and serums that will help aging skin. Some of the best ones are vitamin e, Matrixyl and Argiriline. These ingredients can promote cell turnover and help increase collagen production. The loss of the proteins of collagen and elastin cause drooping and wrinkling skin. Using a cream or serum regularly with one or more of these anti wrinkle ingredients will help firm the skin and reduce wrinkles.