Collagen and elastin: understanding the skin's support structures

Firm, supple, and plump skin doesn’t owe its appearance to chance. It is based on a complex internal structure, composed mainly of two proteins: collagen and elastin. Understanding their role means understanding both why the skin loses its firmness over time and how we can take action to support it.

Collagen provides the skin with firmness and structure, while elastin gives it its suppleness and ability to regain its shape. Here's what you need to know about these support structures and how to care for them.

Collagen and elastin: The skin's skeleton

Collagen and elastin are proteins found in the dermis, the deep layer of the skin. They are part of the extracellular matrix, a support network produced by cells called fibroblasts. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin: it provides structure, firmness, and strength, much like the framework of a building.

Elastin, which is less abundant but just as essential, gives the skin its elasticity—that is, its ability to stretch and then return to its original position. Together, these two proteins form the supportive structures that give youthful skin its firm, supple, and smooth appearance.

Why do they decrease over time?

Two processes are at work. The first is chronological, or intrinsic, aging: as we age, fibroblasts become less active, collagen production decreases, and elastic fibers become scarcer. The supportive matrix then loses both density and quality.

The second is extrinsic aging, which is linked to environmental factors, chief among them UV rays and pollution. These factors generate free radicals that activate enzymes called metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are capable of breaking down collagen and elastin. This phenomenon creates a vicious cycle: fragmented collagen disrupts the function of fibroblasts, which then produce less collagen and more degrading enzymes. The visible result is the appearance of wrinkles, loss of firmness, and sagging skin.

How can we preserve and support these structures?

The good news is that we can take action on two complementary fronts. The first involves protecting the skin to limit damage. Since UV rays are one of the main causes of collagen breakdown, daily sun protection is essential here. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, help neutralize free radicals; vitamin C also acts as a cofactor in the synthesis of collagen itself.

The second approach involves stimulating the production of these supportive proteins. Retinol is one of the leading active ingredients for this purpose: it promotes cell renewal and stimulates collagen synthesis. Peptides, on the other hand, act as signals that encourage fibroblasts to produce more collagen and elastin.

PERS skincare products that support collagen and elastin

The PERS method addresses both of these aspects. To protect, the PERS 10% Vitamin C Serum provides antioxidant protection, complemented by the PERS SPF 50+ Protection, which helps limit UV-induced damage.

To stimulate, the 0.3% PERS Retinol Serum boosts cell renewal, while the PERS Rich Cream, enriched with peptides, is designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production and strengthen the skin’s support structure. Protecting and stimulating thus form a coherent strategy to support these essential proteins.

Key takeaways

Collagen and elastin are the skin’s supporting structures: collagen provides firmness and strength, while elastin provides suppleness and elasticity. With age, but also due to UV exposure and pollution, their quantity and quality decline, leading to wrinkles and sagging. However, we can take action on two fronts: protect the skin from the aggressors that break down these proteins, and stimulate their production using key active ingredients such as retinol, peptides, and vitamin C. Supporting collagen and elastin means preserving the skin’s firmness and radiance over the long term.

Scientific Sources