What are the main proteins of the skin?

Do you already know what the main skin proteins are ? There are proteins that play a crucial role in the structure and function of the skin, such as collagen, elastin and keratin, which are essential to maintain the firmness, elasticity and resistance of the skin.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin and provides structure and strength. Elastin, as its name suggests, is responsible for the elasticity of the skin, allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape. There are also others that we will see below. So, what are the main skin proteins ?

As we mentioned, the main proteins in the skin are: Collagen, keratin and elastin.

What are the main proteins that the skin needs?

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The skin is the largest organ in the body and is made up of several layers of cells. In fact, the outermost layer, called the stratum corneum, is composed primarily of dead skin cells.

On the other hand, below the stratum corneum is the dermis, which contains:

  • Connective tissue,
  • Blood vessels,
  • sweat glands, and
  • Sebaceous.

The deepest layer of the skin is the hypodermis , which is composed primarily of fatty tissue.

Proteins are essential for skin health. Additionally, they provide structure and support, help repair skin damage and keep it hydrated.

Knowing this, the three most important proteins in the skin are:

Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin and is characterized by being responsible for giving the skin its strength and elasticity.

Typically, collagen production naturally decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Because of this, the use of products that help slow down aging is recommended.

Don't you know what hydrolyzed collagen is ? We invite you to read our respective article.

Elastin

Elastin is another important protein for skin elasticity, as it allows the skin to stretch and return to its original shape after being stretched.

This protein performs the same as collagen, since elastin production decreases with age.

Keratin

Keratin is a hard protein found in the outer layer of the skin and helps protect the skin from damaging elements. As if that were not enough, it keeps her hydrated.

Other main skin proteins

In addition to these three main proteins, there are many other proteins that play an important role in skin health. These proteins include:

  • Enzymes: They help carry out chemical reactions in the skin, and
  • Antibodies: Help protect the skin from infections.

You can get protein from your diet by eating a variety of foods, including meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products.

You can also apply topical products that contain proteins, such as serums and creams. However, it is important to note that topical application of protein is not as effective as eating protein in your diet.

This is because the protein molecules are too large to easily penetrate the outer layer of the skin. Eating a healthy diet and using sunscreen are the best ways to keep your skin healthy and protected.

Where can I get the main skin proteins?

You can get your skin's main proteins by eating a variety of foods. Here are some examples of foods rich in the proteins your skin needs:

Collagen

  • Meat: Beef, pork, chicken and fish are good sources of collagen.
  • Bone broth: Bone broth is made by boiling animal bones with water. It is a good source of collagen and other nutrients that are beneficial for skin health.
  • Gelatin: Gelatin is a protein that is derived from collagen. It can be found in powder or gummy form.

Elastin

  • Poultry: Chicken and turkey are good sources of elastin.
  • Fish: Salmon and tuna are good sources of elastin.
  • Eggs: Eggs are another good source of elastin.

Keratin

  • Meat: Beef, pork, chicken and fish are good sources of keratin.
  • Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds, are good sources of keratin.
  • Legumes: Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and peas, are good sources of keratin.

In addition to eating a healthy diet, you can also apply topical products that contain protein to help keep your skin healthy. Look for products that contain collagen, elastin or keratin.

It is important to note that topical application of protein is not as effective as consuming protein in your diet, as the protein molecules are too large to easily penetrate the outer layer of the skin.

Eating a healthy diet and using sunscreen are the best ways to keep your skin healthy and protected.

Summary of the main skin proteins

Now that we have seen the importance of proteins in the skin, let's summarize the main ones:

  • Collagen: Provides structure and strength to the skin. Its production decreases with age, causing wrinkles and sagging.
  • Elastin: Responsible for the elasticity of the skin, allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape.
  • Keratin: Protects the skin and keeps it hydrated, found in the outer layer of the skin.

To maintain these proteins, eat foods such as meat, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Additionally, topical products containing these proteins can help, although they are not as effective as consuming them in the diet.

That said, eating healthy and using sunscreen are key to healthy and, above all, long-lasting skin.

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