Collagen vs. Elastin: What Each Does for Skin

Key Takeaways

• Collagen and elastin are both proteins found in the dermis, the middle layer of skin.

• Collagen mainly provides structure and strength, while elastin lets skin stretch and spring back, according to Cleveland Clinic.

• Cleveland Clinic says elastin is roughly 1,000 times stretchier than collagen.

• Both can change over time, and sun exposure can add to that change.

Collagen and Elastin: Two Proteins in the Same Layer

Both proteins live in the dermis, the middle layer of skin. Cleveland Clinic says the dermis has a network of elastin and collagen fibers that offer support and elasticity. They work as a pair, but each one has its own job, and they’re easy to confuse.

What Collagen Does

Collagen is the framework. Cleveland Clinic says its main role is to provide structure, strength, and support throughout the body. In skin, that framework can help it look firm and structured. Cleveland Clinic compares skin to a rubber band: If it’s stretched too often, it can lose some of its ability to snap back, which can contribute to visible wrinkles.

What Elastin Does

Elastin is the stretch. According to Cleveland Clinic’s guide to elastin, it works a bit like a rubber band itself, stretching out and shrinking back, and it’s about 1,000 times stretchier than collagen. It’s a major part of tissues that need to flex, like the lungs and large blood vessels, with smaller amounts in skin. Cleveland Clinic puts elastic fibers at about 2% to 4% of the dry weight of adult dermis.

Cleveland Clinic suggests a quick way to see elastin at work: Pinch the skin on the back of your hand for a few seconds, then let go. Skin with plenty of elastin tends to settle back into place quickly, while skin with less of it can take a few seconds.

Why Both Can Change Over Time

According to Cleveland Clinic, the elastin in skin decreases with age, the body loses collagen over time, and the dermis begins to thin. Sun exposure plays a part too. Cleveland Clinic says ultraviolet light breaks down collagen fibers and leads to the production of abnormal elastin.

As that network loosens, skin may start to look less firm, and visible lines can form. Our guides on how to soften the look of crepey skin and tighten the look of neck skin cover two places where these changes can show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is elastin a type of collagen?

No. Cleveland Clinic says they’re separate proteins that often get confused, and specialists who study tissue under a microscope use special stains to tell them apart.

Which one helps skin look firm?

Both play a part. Collagen helps provide structure and strength, and Cleveland Clinic notes that elastin works along with collagen to help keep skin firm-looking and stretchy.

Where else in the body is elastin found?

Cleveland Clinic lists the lungs, bladder, large blood vessels, some ligaments, and ear cartilage.