Can Supplements Support Skin Firmness After 30?
Hitting age 30 is major milestone – it’s often a time when we feel confident, more accomplished, and have a better outlook on life.
But it’s also a time when the subtle signs of aging start to hit. The “bounce back” that our skin used to have in our 20’s starts to slow down. Fine lines and a gradual loss of skin firmness start to show.
It’s the pivotal point when investing in your healthcare really starts to matter. Thankfully, we have incredible tools to help promote healthy skin elasticity and vitality.
But before you reach for that next tube of anti-aging cream, let’s dive into the science behind two skin superstars, collagen and elastin, and why this duo might be your best investment for glowing skin for years to come.
Why Skin Firmness Changes After 30
It’s unfortunate but true … even as early as our mid to late 20’s, collagen levels naturally start to decrease. In fact, research suggests that collagen levels decrease by about 1% per year, after age 25.1 By the time we reach age 30, we can start to notice the loss of skin elasticity and skin firmness.
But collagen is not the only player. While collagen provides structure to the skin, elastin provides the stretch and elasticity. Both are crucial in a comprehensive skincare plan.1.2
So what are the main reasons that collagen and elastin start to break down? Here are a few:
- The natural aging process, which slows down collagen and elastin production
- UV exposure and other environmental stressors
- Inflammation and oxidative stress
- Hormonal shifts
- Poor diet
- Stress
It’s the combination of all of these that can speed up the processes that contribute to the first signs of visible aging, namely loss of skin elasticity and skin firmness.
The Role of Elastin in Maintaining Firm Skin
Most of us already know about collagen. But what role does elastin play in skin firmness, and what does this mean to our skincare routine?
Elastin is a highly specialized protein found in the connective tissues of the skin. Its main job is not only to allow those tissues to be elastic and stretch properly, but also to bounce back and retain their shape..2
When elastin levels decline, the skin can look more saggy. While it still stretches, it doesn’t hold its shape as well, and this results in skin that is less firm and supple.
The challenge with elastin is that unlike collagen, which our bodies continue to produce into adulthood, most of our elastin is created in childhood, and once it starts to decrease, it’s hard to get it back..2 That’s why protecting the elastin we have and providing key support to our skin becomes ever more important.
And this is where targeted nutrition, such as an elastin supplement, can play a pivotal role in an anti-aging skincare routine.
How Collagen and Elastin Work Together
To achieve true skin firmness, you cannot rely on collagen alone. Collagen works best with elastin to improve the strength and resilience of the skin.3
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help define these roles:
Collagen: Provides the framework, structure and strength to the tissues of the skin. It keeps skin plump and strong.
Elastin: Provides the flexibility and “bounce back” to the skin fibers. It ensures that when this strong tissue matrix moves, it contracts back to its original shape.
This is why we need to target our approach to both collagen and elastin. When you support both, you are reinforcing the entire architecture of the skin for optimal skin firmness.
Can Supplements Help Improve Skin Elasticity
The question with supplements is always – do they work? In other words, will eating or drinking these proteins actually reach my skin?
Well we have good news. When it comes to collagen and elastin, research seems to suggest we can see noticeable improvements, provided we take high quality supplements that our bodies can absorb.4
Studies have shown that we digest and absorb collagen and elastin proteins, either by breaking them down into individual amino acids or possibly absorbing these peptides intact..5
Studies also suggest that in addition to providing the building blocks for collagen and elastin synthesis, they also signal the body to start ramping up collagen and elastin repair and growth.5
So yes, it appears very likely that collagen and elastin can help prevent loss of skin elasticity and improve skin firmness, which is definitely exciting science news!
And of course, Body Kitchen has used this research to make sure our ProElastin supplement delivers exactly what you need, a highly absorbable, high-quality form of elastin that your body can use to produce the skincare results you are looking for.
What to Look for in a Skin Firmness Supplement
As you well know, not all supplements are created equal. Evaluate these areas carefully to make sure you are getting a product that works.
- Bioavailability: Check that it contains “hydrolyzed” peptides. These are broken down into smaller weights that are easier to absorb.
- Ingredients: While many products focus solely on collagen, the most effective skincare routine includes elastin as well. Body Kitchen’s ProElastin is specifically designed to fill that gap and can work alongside the rest of your skincare routine.
- Antioxidant support: We need critical antioxidants, such as vitamin C, for our bodies to make collagen and elastin. If your diet is deficient, consider adding a supplement for extra support.
- Purity: Make sure all of your supplements are third-party verified and only use tested, high-quality ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Turning 30 should be a celebratory milestone, not the time when you have to accept the inevitable effects of aging. The steps you take now, any age, can help you maintain that glow and vitality for years to come.
By understanding the key partnership between collagen and elastin, and choosing the right supplements to support your skin health, you can maintain skin firmness and slow down the loss of skin elasticity, for lasting youthfulness that comes from within.
If elastin is missing in your anti-aging skincare routine, consider adding Body Kitchen’s ProElastin. It’s the perfect investment for glowing skin, at any age.