To stay hydrated and supple, the skin needs a number of proteins and molecules. Among them, hyaluronic acid, urea, elastin and collagen. Naturally present in the body, their quantity decreases with age, which is the cause of skin aging and dryness (with exposure to the sun). Fortunately, these proteins and molecules are found in many cosmetic treatments today. Here’s why dry and mature skin should incorporate these ingredients into their skincare rituals.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a molecule naturally present in many tissues and fluids in the body. It is found, for example, in the synovial fluid of the joints to allow the bone surfaces to slide between them. It is also present in the vitreous humor of the eye, a gelatinous substance that fills the eye behind the lens. But where we find the most hyaluronic acid, it is in the skin. The molecule is located mainly at the level of the dermis (innermost layer of the skin), and to a lesser extent at the level of the epidermis (superficial layer of the skin). 

The ultimate anti-aging molecule, hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin hydrated. Indeed, this molecule is capable of absorbing up to 1000 times its weight in water. Skin rich in hyaluronic acid is hydrated, toned and smooth (the molecule fills the intercellular spaces responsible for wrinkles). In addition to being an excellent shield against wrinkles, hyaluronic acid improves healing of the skin when damaged because it promotes the reconstruction of the skin structure. 

Problem, the natural production of hyaluronic acid gradually decreases with age. The skin then becomes drier, more fragile and the face becomes hollow.

So to continue to enjoy all the benefits of hyaluronic acid on your skin, you can use cosmetics or food supplements that contain it. HA can also be injected directly under the skin. Even though it’s the star ingredient in wrinkle creams, the best external sources of hyaluronic acid are injections and dietary supplements. 

Urea is a molecule resulting from the breakdown of proteins by the body. It is made by the liver and eliminated in the urine. Its many benefits on the skin are well established. This is why it is more and more integrated in cosmetic care. Urea in cosmetics is produced from ammonia and carbon dioxide. It is a naturally exfoliating molecule. It does not contain grains but it removes dead skin cells by gently dissolving them. More precisely, urea loosens and dissolves scales, an action which makes it possible in particular to smooth rough skin. Thanks to urea, the skin is softer and better absorbs the active ingredients contained in the treatments subsequently applied.

Finally, urea maintains skin hydration because it absorbs and retains water easily, like hyaluronic acid. Urea-based treatments are indicated for dry skin, sensitive skin but also rough areas of the body (feet, elbows, etc.). Urea is also recommended in the treatment of keratosis pilaris, a benign genetic disease that results in grainy skin on the arms, thighs, buttocks and sometimes cheeks. 

Elastin is a protein made by cells called fibroblasts, found in the dermis, the innermost layer of the skin. As the name suggests, elastin is known for its elastic properties, it is this which allows the skin to resume its initial appearance after being pinched or stretched. Elastin can stretch up to 150% of its length at rest before breaking! Concretely, it plays a role of binder between cells and participates in the formation of biological tissues. It is involved not only in the functioning of the skin but also in that of the lungs, connective tissues, blood vessels and even certain tendons. 

Like hyaluronic acid, elastin stores are depleted with age. The dermis therefore loses elasticity and tone and can no longer fight against the effects of contraction of the subcutaneous muscles: this is the appearance of wrinkles. Besides time, repeated exposure to ultraviolet rays accelerates the degradation of elastin.

To help your skin keep its suppleness and elasticity, bet on cosmetics that include elastin in their formula. You should know that from the age of 30, elastin stocks drop considerably. Fibroblasts only produce so-called “rigid” elastin. The purpose of treatments enriched with elastin is therefore to preserve the properties of young elastin as much as possible. 

Collagen is a fibrous protein present in large quantities in the body. It is a major component of the skin but it is also found elsewhere in the body: blood vessels, cartilage, teeth, cornea, digestive tract … Its role is to connect cells with each other (with elastin) thanks to its adhesive properties. Collagen is characterized by its fibrous and solid appearance. 

This protein helps keep the skin well hydrated because it helps maintain a good level of water in the epidermis. Elle also promotes tissue regeneration, which makes it a great ally to boost healing in the event of an injury. At last, collagen makes the skin more supple and more resistant to stretching. 

To compensate for the decrease in natural collagen production associated with age, it is worth turning to cosmetic treatments that contain it in order to maintain the tone and elasticity of the skin. It is particularly indicated for mature skin to reduce the effects of aging (wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, dry skin). It is found in the form of creams, serums, masks or capsules to be taken orally.