Elastin: the fiber that gives skin its recoil

Elastin is a fiber-shaped protein found in the dermis that gives the skin the ability to stretch and return to place, like an elastic band. Together with collagen, it forms the extracellular matrix network that supports the skin. When elastin decreases or fragments, the skin recoils less well and laxity appears.

Where does elastin come from?

It is produced by fibroblasts, largely during childhood and youth. In adult life, turnover is very small: a good part of the fibers the body has are the ones made early. That explains why the loss is so noticeable over time, and why elasticity is hard to "recover".

What destroys it?

• Natural aging: the fibers fragment and production drops.
• Sun: ultraviolet radiation leads to solar elastosis, with thick, yellowish, lax skin.
• Smoking and pollution, which speed up fiber degradation.
• Weight loss and rapid volume changes.

How does it show up in the clinic?

In one and the same face, laxity can have two components: volume loss and loss of skin recoil. Filler treats lack of volume better; biostimulators work through neocollagenesis, and other technologies are chosen at the professional's discretion. In no case is there a guarantee that elastin will be restored.

Talking to the patient

Skin with little elastin tends to respond less to treatments that depend on recoil. Assessing the skin beforehand, including sun exposure and habits, helps align expectations.

In Harmy

The projection simulates the volume effect on the frontal photo in the marked areas. It does not simulate any improvement in skin elasticity or texture.

Also called: elastic fibers.