Glossary

Elastin

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Elastin — a stretchy structural protein in the dermis that allows skin to snap back into place after being stretched or compressed. Produced by fibroblasts, it works with collagen to maintain the skin's elasticity and resilience.

Key points

  • Elastin gives skin its ability to recoil and return to shape after movement or stretching.
  • It is far less abundant than collagen but essential for maintaining skin flexibility.
  • Elastin fibers are produced mainly early in life, and the body makes very little new elastin in adulthood.
  • Sun exposure and aging can damage elastin fibers, contributing to sagging and reduced skin bounce.

Frequently asked

What is the difference between collagen and elastin?

Collagen provides strength and structure, while elastin provides stretch and recoil, allowing the skin to return to its original shape after being moved.

Why does skin lose elasticity with age?

The body produces little new elastin in adulthood, so as existing fibers are damaged by aging and sun exposure, skin gradually becomes less elastic.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Elastosis DermNet NZ Clinical guidance dermnetnz.org
  2. ELN gene: MedlinePlus Genetics MedlinePlus Clinical guidance medlineplus.gov
  3. Principles of dermatological practice. Structure of the dermis and subcutis DermNet NZ Clinical guidance dermnetnz.org
  4. The complexity of elastic fiber biogenesis in the skin PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Mechanical Properties and Functions of Elastin: An Overview NCBI Reference database ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.