A protein that is similar to collagen and is the chief constituent of elastic fibers.

	Aneurysm / Rupture Relationship to Copper Deficiency "...Copper is a cofactor for lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that is responsible for the connective tissue integrity by crosslinking elastin..." Concern Over Wrinkled Skin The Condition "...layers: the exterior epidermis, including the stratum corneum ("horny" outer layer), and the dermis below, which contains capillaries, hair follicles, sebaceous glands and the fibers (collagen and elastin) that give the skin its strength and elasticity..." Relationship to Cigarette Smoke Damage "As with skin that is overexposed to sunlight, smoking causes thickening and fragmentation of elastin, the elastic fibers that are long and smooth in healthy skin..." Cosmetics / Moisturizers As A Treatment "...Ingredients that are often added to moisturizers include lanolin (from sheep's wool, it may cause an allergic reaction), vitamins, essential fatty acids, collagen, elastin, and keratin..." Fibroblast Related Topic "...Fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin..." Glycolic Acid As A Treatment "...Once inside the cell, it stimulates the skin to make new, healthier collagen and elastin fibers in the deeper dermis, improving sun damage and wrinkling..." Grape Seed Extract (Pycnogenol) As A Treatment "...Grape seed extract also offers free radical protection in cells with limited blood flow, such as linings of inflamed joints, elastin and neurons..." Poor/Slow Wound Healing Recommendation Copper "...It works with vitamin C to create strong collagen, and it creates cross-links in collagen and elastin that give strength to proteins..." Threonine As A Treatment "...Anti-aging; helps form Elastin and Collagen; supports the immune system; produces antibodies; helps digestive and intestinal tract function; boosts metabolism..."

Last updated: May 10, 2007