# *Elastin.*

> Elastin in the lexicon: function alongside collagen, why it is hardly renewed, sun damage (elastosis)

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-elastin-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

The protein that gives the skin its stretch and recoil. It is hardly produced after puberty and is damaged by UV light.

## A closer look.

Elastin forms a network of rubber-like fibres in the dermis that returns the skin to its shape after stretching – after smiling, for example. While collagen provides firmness, elastin provides elasticity. The body produces it mainly in childhood; in adulthood new formation is minimal.

Chronic UV exposure leads to solar elastosis: the fibres clump and lose their function, the skin becomes lax and crinkly. Smoking accelerates the breakdown. That is why sun-exposed skin on the neck, décolleté and backs of the hands visibly ages faster than protected skin.

Treatments cannot replace elastin directly; microneedling, PRP and polynucleotides stimulate the fibroblasts that also form elastic fibres, and skin boosters improve water binding, which measurably increases elasticity. The most effective protection remains consistent sun protection.

This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).

## At a glance.

- **Function:** stretch, recoil
- **New formation:** minimal after puberty
- **Biggest damage:** UV light (elastosis)
- **Protection:** sun protection, no smoking

## Frequently asked questions.

**Can elastin be applied to the skin?**

Creams with elastin stay on the surface; the molecules are too large to penetrate.

**Why does neck skin crinkle earlier?**

Thin, often unprotected skin with few sebaceous glands – elastosis shows here first.

## Related pages.

- [Collagen](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-kollagen-en.html) – Lexicon
- [Skin boosters](https://www.vivaderm.de/skinbooster-en.html) – Treatment
- [Photoaging](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-photoaging-en.html) – Lexicon

## Sources

- [German Society of Dermatology (DDG)](https://derma.de/)
- [DermNet – dermatology reference](https://dermnetnz.org/)
- [American Academy of Dermatology](https://www.aad.org/)
- [PubMed – biomedical literature database](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)
- [AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines](https://www.awmf.org/)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.