The skin is the body’s largest organ and for it to be able to function optimally it requires numerous components; from proteins, water and lipids through to different chemicals and minerals. Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins themselves. And although there are over 500 amino acids discovered in nature, only 20 play a significant role in the human body.
What is Protein?
Protein is found throughout the body in muscles, bone skin and hair and virtually every other connective tissue. It makes up the enzymes which power many chemical reactions and the haemoglobin which carries oxygen in the blood. at least 10,000 different proteins makeup your body and keep you that way. For example proteins are responsible for giving cells their shape.
Structurally peptides and proteins are very similar, made up of chains of amino acids and held together by peptide bonds (also known as amide bonds). But the distinguishing factors are predominantly size. Peptides are smaller than proteins and are short chains of amino acids (typically between 2 and 50 amino acids). Whereas proteins are chains made up of 50 or more amino acids.
In addition the structure of proteins can adopt a complex formation creating, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures made up of one or more polypeptides. Functional distinctions can also be made between peptides and proteins.
What are the Skin’s Proteins?
Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the skin making up 75-80% of your skin. Collagen and elastin together are responsible for keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Over time ageing and the environment reduce the skin’s ability to produce collagen so topical products can often stimulate the collagen production, keeping us youthful for longer.
Elastin as it sounds is like elastic. Elastin is another protein which is responsible for giving structure to the skin and organs. Similarly to collagen, time and the environment affects elastin. Low levels of elastin in your skin can cause your skin to wrinkle and sag.
Keratin is the main protein in the skin at the surface layer. It is also important in the makeup of your hair and nails too. Keratin is what forms the rigidity of the skin and barrier protection.
The Skin’s Structure
Keratinocytes which are the producers of the protein keratin are located in the Epidermis which is the outer layer of the skin. These are the main component of the epidermis. If you’re not familiar with the skins layers check out my blog post on skin cells here. Melanocytes which produce the skin pigment known as melanin are also located here in the epidermis.
The dermis layer is the middle layer. This layer gives skin its fullness and plumpness. Ageing and UV rays can damage the dermis leading to wrinkles and fine lines. In this layer is where you will find both collagen and elastin. These 2 are key as they offer support and elasticity to the skin.
