Elastin moisturizer is a special kind of lotion that contains elastin proteins and is designed to hydrate the skin and restore a youthful, tightened appearance. It is the natural protein in the body’s connective tissue that allows skin to bounce back and retain its shape. Elastin moisturizer is marketed as being able to reduce wrinkles and to make the user appear younger, as the elastin and collagen lost with age are the main culprits of wrinkles.
In addition to elastin, many elastin moisturizers often contain collagen. Collagen is another protein found in the body’s connective tissue. It gives skin its strength and is also found in bones, cartilage, and ligaments. In cosmetic procedures, collagen is injected as a filler to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. It is also injected into the lips to give them a fuller, poutier appearance.
There has been a great deal of controversy over the efficacy and effectiveness of elastin moisturizer. Many medical professionals believe that because elastin and collagen are found in deeper layers of the skin, a topical cream cannot reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Some brands of elastin moisturizer may also contain harmful chemicals known carcinogens, possibly negating any positive cosmetic effects of the product. Elastin moisturizers that are available by prescription only and have stronger active ingredients have been shown to be more effective in reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles than standard over-the-counter creams.
Promises made by manufacturers of elastin moisturizer may be false, but these products are not evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any another authoritative health agency. Taking preventive steps to protect the skin against aging is a more effective method of anti-aging than using an elastin moisturizer. Excessive tanning, a poor diet, and smoking have all been shown to have negative effects on the skin. Regular physical activity is also a good step to take toward maintaining a youthful appearance.
If the ingredients in a chosen elastin moisturizer are natural and noncarcinogenic, the product may still be useful for hydrating the skin, and if the product contains SPF, for protecting against ultraviolet rays. A licensed dermatologist can give the best advice on how to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. He or she may prescribe a pill that increases elastin and collagen production in the body or use dermatological procedures such as microdermabrasion to freshen the appearance of the skin. The doctor might also prescribe a topical cream that has been lab-tested and approved for its effectiveness.