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Difference Between Collagen and Elastin
Collagen and elastin are two essential proteins that are found in the human body and are critical components of the connective tissue. They play a vital role in maintaining the structure and function of the skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. While both collagen and elastin have a similar purpose, they differ in their composition, properties, and function.
These two types of proteins provide together firmness, stiffness and skin elasticity. Collagen keeps the skin in its place, while elastin allows it to return to its original shape every time after it makes a move, thus preventing the apparition of wrinkles.
When we are young, the skin does not lack collagen and elastin, so it is firm and wrinkleless. As we get older, the body produces smaller amounts of collagen and elastin, and so the skin gets an aging look. Ultraviolet radiation and pollution contribute to tissue damage and premature aging.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein that makes up about one-third of the total protein in the human body. It is the primary component of connective tissues such as skin, tendons, cartilage, and bones. Collagen is responsible for giving skin its elasticity and strength and for maintaining the structure of bones and joints. As we age, the production of collagen decreases, leading to the signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and brittle bones.
Among its functions in the body include providing optimum bone and joint health, improved heart health, maintaining a healthy gut and weight, supporting connective tissues, muscles, and the skin.
Connective tissues support and connect several types of tissues and organs in the body, being a kind of cellular “glue”. Cartilages, fats and tendons are examples of fibrous tissues. Collagen is also found in ligaments, in blood vessels, in bones and, of course, in the skin
What is Elastin?
Elastin, on the other hand, is a protein that provides elasticity to the connective tissue. It is found in the skin, blood vessels, lungs, and elastic fibers in the body. Unlike collagen, elastin is made up of a unique protein structure that allows it to stretch and then return to its original shape. This is crucial for maintaining the elasticity of the skin and ensuring that it can stretch and move without becoming damaged. Elastin production decreases with age, leading to skin that is less elastic and more prone to sagging.
Elastin fibers account only for 5-10% of the total dermal fiber, but are essential to ensure skin elasticity. Unlike collagen, which is a fibrous protein, elastin is a protein that has the ability to stretch and return to its original form.
Ligaments also contain elastin. In patients with connective tissue or collagen diseases, both collagen and elastin are affected by inflammatory processes.
Differences: Collagen and Elastin
Collagen and elastin are both important proteins in the body, but they have different properties and functions. Collagen provides strength and stability to the connective tissue, while elastin provides elasticity. The decline in production of these proteins with age is one of the primary reasons for the signs of aging in the skin and other connective tissues.
The following table highlights the major differences between Collagen and Elastin −
Characteristics |
Collagen |
Elastin |
|---|---|---|
Structure |
Collagen is a structural protein found in skin and connective tissue. |
Elastin is a structural protein found in the connective tissue of the elastic structures |
Abundance in the human body” |
Collagen in the third most abundant protein in the human body |
Elastin is less abundant |
Colour |
The colour of collagen is white. |
The colour of elastin is yellow. |
Function |
Collagen gives strength to structures. |
Elastin makes the structures elastic. |
Production |
Collagen is produced throughout the life until aging begins |
Elastin is produced during the fetal period. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while collagen and elastin are similar in that they are both essential components of the connective tissue, they differ in their properties, composition, and function. Understanding the difference between these two proteins can help individuals make informed decisions about their skin care and overall health.
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