How Collagen and Elastin Work on the Skin?

If you are wondering; how do collagen and elastin work on the skin, you have probably seen creams or lotions containing it. They are typically promoted as anti-aging solutions. But, there's no science behind the products.

Collagen and elastin are proteins that make up the fibers in the skin's dermis layers. The epidermis is composed primarily of a different protein called keratin.

The first idea might be to supplement the skin's protein content. Fiber production decreases with age. The fibers are composed of proteins. Would it be possible to stimulate fiber production by increasing the skin's protein content?

Collagens are hard in nature. In order to soften them, so that they can be used in topically applied creams, high heat and harsh temperatures are used. The processes turn the protein into a gelatinous substance.

Elastin is rubbery, but it must still be made water soluble. It doesn't mix well with water. So, manufacturers use other chemicals to assist in the mixing process.

So, how do collagen and elastin work on the skin, when they have been changed so greatly? They are not even close in structure to what is found within the skin's dermis layers. If they were, there is no way they could penetrate the skin's outer layers. Basically, they have been denatured. So, there isn't much that they can do.

Some products have a bit of a cosmetic effect. They seem to "fill in" lines, but according to reports from users, the effect is short-lived. One woman said that she only looked better until she got out in the sunlight.

In short, the answer to; how do collagen and elastin work on the skin...is they don't. There isn't really anything that they can do.

On the other hand, creams containing keratin, when processed correctly, have been shown to do quite a few things for the skin's health and appearance. First, they stimulate the production of new cells in the epidermis. Second, they stimulate the amount of antioxidants found in those cells. Antioxidants are the skin's natural defense against free radical damage, the major cause of cellular aging.

Certain antioxidants have been shown to reverse sun damage. Others have been shown to reduce brown pigmentation or "age spots". Here's another question. How do collagen and elastin work on the skin to reverse age spots or sun damage? The answer is this. They don't.
Really, it is an advertising gimmick. People have heard about things like collagen implants and advertising agents "skew" research studies to insinuate that a cream containing the protein is beneficial to the skin's health or appearance. Neither of those things is true.

If you're smart, you won't listen to the advertising hype. What you and I need are creams containing antioxidants...lots of potent antioxidants. There's no need to wonder; how do collagen and elastin work on the skin. We know the real answer and we know what really works. The answer is antioxidants.

If you'd like to learn more about little known but clinically tested natural ingredients that I personally use for treating aging skin, visit my website today.
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About the Author
Laurel is a long time user and passionate advocate of natural skin care products. Visit her site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products she recommends after extensive research: http://www.beautiful-skin-site.com.