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What is the Difference Between Collagen and Elastin?
Collagen and elastin are two proteins that form fibers to help make up connective tissue in the body. Collagen is widespread in the body and gives connective tissue strength and flexibility. Elastin is a protein that returns to its original shape after being stretched. While collagen occurs more widely in the body, both it and elastin are necessary for the function of many tissues.
Collagen is so anatomically prevalent that it accounts for a third of the body's total protein. This is about 6% of the total weight of the body. In the body, collagen forms collagen fibers that make up ligaments and tendons, cartilage, skin and bone tissue. There are about 20 types of collagen, with some types being specific to certain tissues or organs. Other types of collagen support organs or take up the space between organs and tissues. Collagen occurs in strong and flexible collagen fibers.
Elastin, as its name implies, is a protein with an elastic quality. It will return to its original state after stress, whether it is compressed or stretched. Elastin fibers form networks like collagen. Tissues gain elasticity when they contain elastin.
Both collagen and elastin are notable for their roles in aging. As the body ages, collagen proteins become more cross-linked and rigid. Collagen is important for strength, but tissues like the lens of the eye can become overly rigid and lead to vision problems. Decreasing production of elastin and collagen in the skin leads to wrinkles or leathery skin.
Vitamin C is necessary for the the formation and organization of collagen fibers. Scurvy, which is caused by Vitamin C deficiency, causes symptoms such as poor wound healing and blood vessel hemorrhage. The teeth can even fall out because the ligaments that hold the teeth in their sockets become weakened.
Both collagen and elastin occur in the important extracelluar matrix, which is made up of loose connective tissue, known in this case as areolar. This type of tissue surrounds almost all of the capillaries or small blood vessels in the body. Nutrients from the blood pass through the fluid of the extracelluar matrix to support the cells of the body. Thus, no cell lies far from the connective tissue formed from collagen and elastin. The structure of the extracelluar matrix also supports the functionality of tendons to withstand being stretched, the bones to bear weight, and the ability of skin to withstand injury.
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![Decreased production of elastin and collagen in the skin leads to wrinkles or leathery skin.]()
By: bramginoDecreased production of elastin and collagen in the skin leads to wrinkles or leathery skin. -
![Aging skin has depleted levels of elastin and collagen.]()
By: Piotr MarcinskiAging skin has depleted levels of elastin and collagen. -
![Collagen creams can be used to replenish the supply of collagen in the body and reduce the signs of aging.]()
By: Picture-FactoryCollagen creams can be used to replenish the supply of collagen in the body and reduce the signs of aging. -
![Collagen allows the body's ligaments to stretch properly, which helps keep connective tissue from becoming vulnerable to injury.]()
By: Africa StudioCollagen allows the body's ligaments to stretch properly, which helps keep connective tissue from becoming vulnerable to injury. -
![Collagen injections may be used to maintain a youthful appearance.]()
By: arminaCollagen injections may be used to maintain a youthful appearance.
Discussion Comments
I've found an easy way to think about all this. Collagen gives strength to tissues, elastin gives resilience and hyaluronic acid ties all of these amino acids together. Our tissues need all three.
@fify-- There are elastin creams on the market. I think they're just not as well known as collagen creams. Sometimes elastin creams also contain collagen and hyaluronic acid in them.
Collagen and elastin are not that different anyway. They're both proteins made up of amino acids. The only difference is that elastin also has fibrillin which gives it flexibility.
I'm not sure where the elastin in creams come from, but they probably come from the same place that collagen comes from. I personally don't think that collagen or elastin creams are very effective. Scientists say that it is not possible for the collagen and elastin molecules in these products to cross through the epidermis and reach the dermis. So they're probably a waste of money. You might be better of taking collagen supplements, but make sure that the supplements contain the right type of collagen.
As far as I know, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid are all found in the dermis, the second layer of skin. We studied about this in class.
Dermis is where wrinkle formation takes place and this is why anti-wrinkle skincare products often have collagen and hyaluronic acid in them. But I have never come across a beauty product containing elastic. Does it exist?
Where would the elastin come from in that case? I know that collagen in beauty products come from animals or plants.
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