Elastin, Explained.

Wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and loss of skin firmness are all changes associated with ageing skin. There are some obvious and not-so-obvious signs of ageing in the epidermis and dermis. The epidermis only displays a certain number of age-related characteristics such as epidermal thinning and uneven skin tone.

The majority of the changes occur in the dermis and this is the result of changes in the fibroblast (cells responsible for collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) production), not only is the collagen and elastin synthesised at a slower rate which impacts the skin’s ability to repair itself, but the organisation of the proteins also changes, affecting skin’s structure.

Elastin fibres are a critical component of the skin’s connective tissue playing a key role in providing elasticity and resilience. The primary function of elastin fibres is to allow the skin to return to its original position after being stretched.

On the exposed areas such as the face and the neck, the loss of elastin is made worse by excessive sun exposure which results in the appearance of sagging, laxity, crepiness as well as a loss of firmness in the skin.

So, what can be done about this?

The obvious basic measures are sun avoidance, sun protection such as a UV protective hat and a high factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Obagi has also launched ELASTIderm Neck and Décolleté Concentrate, a next-generation product which contains the patented Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™ (copper-zinc & malonate) which has been shown to increase synthesis, assemble and organise elastin and by regenerating elastin fibres will result in wrinkle improvement in photoaged skin. In addition, this product also contains Retinyl palmitate, Niacinamide and Arbutin.

Clinical studies have shown that this targeted area-specific concentrate helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, skin sagging and crepiness in the neck and brightens uneven skin tone on the upper chest.

This product comes with a unique, user-friendly roller applicator so that the concentrate can be applied evenly over the whole neck.