You may have heard of collagen while perusing your pharmacy or grocery store, or even from people who have tried it for its many benefits. It has become a widely popular supplement for many good reasons: Collagen supplementation can promote healthier skin, joint comfort, and antiaging benefits. Like other interventions, some people may experience improvements in their health while others may be left underwhelmed and not feel any differently. This is because collagen does not work alone. Beneath the skin surface lies a complex and remarkable team of structural proteins collectively known as the extracellular matrix (ECM), and part of the ECM is one of collagen’s closest companions called elastin.

Elastin: The Unsung Partner

While collagen has justifiably earned its place as the skin’s structural backbone, elastin is the crucial ingredient that gives connective tissues (i.e., skin, lungs, blood vessels, and ligaments) its elasticity and resilience. Recognizing the unique dynamic between the two can help explain why results vary with supplementation and how to better support the resiliency of our connective tissues.[1]^, [2]

Elastin is a specialized highly elastic structural protein made primarily by fibroblasts and smooth-muscle cells. Collagen provides strength and structural support, while elastin provides stretch and recoil (think bounce and flexibility), which allows tissues to return to their original shape.[3]^, [4] Together, they give tissues like our skin, firmness, and flexibility.

There are other important differences in the metabolism of collagen and elastin. Our bodies can continually renew collagen production, but it slowly declines as we age. On the other hand, elastin fibres have a very low rate of turnover, so it is more vulnerable to damage from factors such as UV rays, pollution, smoking, and aging. The decline of both may explain why skin loses its suppleness and firmness over time.[5]

Factors Affecting Elastin Integrity

Elastin’s Roles behind the Structural Scenes

Elastin provides the flexibility that allows skin and other tissues to stretch and return to their original shape (think of actions like smiling and frowning).

In the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, elastin similarly enables tissues to expand and contract efficiently without injury, and it reduces the workload on the heart and blood vessels.[6]^{, [7], [8]}

Different but Complementary

There are at least 29 types of collagens known to science. Types I and III are the most abundant in the skin but also serve as structural support for muscle cells and play a significant role in heart function. Types I, II, and III are the most prevalent collagens overall; they coexist in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ratio of collagen to elastin varies on the type of tissues. Elastin is generally more abundant in skin and blood vessels, while tendons and bones contain mostly collagen.[9]^, [10]

Can Supplementing Help?

Collagen supplementation can provide improvements in the health of skin, bones, etc. and in maintaining proper health of several important structures of the body (e.g., nails, cornea, and skin). Most collagen supplements that have been studied and used in practice are in hydrolysate, marine, bovine, or porcine form. These supplements also contain peptides or amino acids derived from collagen only, not elastin.[11]

Elastin supplementation or replacement is a significant biological challenge, as elastin fibres regenerate slowly and are large and difficult to absorb in functional form.[12]^, [13] Replenishing elastin seems to rely on promoting your body’s own elastin synthesis and tropoelastin production through vitamin A derivatives, copper, and zinc.[14] However, emerging evidence supports the benefits of orally consumed elastin peptides. In one study, 12 weeks of supplementation led to significant improvements in wrinkle depth and volume, along with increased hydration and reduced melanin levels, with no reported adverse effects.[15] Another clinical trial, using a collagen drink enriched with elastin peptides, reported measurable improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, dermal collagen density, pore size, and multiple wrinkle parameters.[16] Interestingly, even some collagen peptides may indirectly support elastin metabolism by stimulating fibroblast activity.[17] Topical products are also being explored. Peptides that mimic tropoelastin (recombinant human tropoelastin–based treatments), retinoids, and plant extracts such as that from Centella asiatica may aid elastin synthesis or slow elastin fibre degradation.[18]^, [19] Daily sun protection remains an effective strategy for preserving elastin, as chronic UV exposure alters collagen and accelerates elastin breakdown (think solar elastosis).[20]

ECM – Easy Maintenance for Collagen and Elastin Health

Preserving and encouraging collagen and elastin health requires a well-rounded approach.

• Ensure you are consuming adequate protein intake and including nutrients like vitamins A and C, copper, and zinc to promote ECM integrity
• Daily sunscreen use prevents elastin degradation
• Consider topical support such as retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants that stimulate production of these structural proteins
• Be aware of environmental exposures, pollution, stress

Collagen supplementation also seems to be an accessible way to support structural concerns (e.g., skin, joints). The best results will always involve consideration for what truly is going on in the bigger picture. Just like elastin, do make it a point to offer yourself more flexibility in care options, and give yourself more credit for the resilience your body has shown amidst the health challenges you face.

Dr. Kim Abog, ND

Dr. Kim Abog is a registered naturopathic doctor and doula based in Toronto, Ontario. She has a special interest in fertility and reproductive health. She helps people by facilitating health-management plans with them, connecting them to evidence-informed integrative health solutions, and helping them thrive.

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