Elastin vs. Collagen: What Changes Most With Age?

Collagen and elastin are the two structural proteins most responsible for youthful-looking skin. Together, they give skin its firmness, bounce, and resilience. Yet as we age, both decline, at different rates, in different ways, and with very different consequences for how our skin looks and feels.

Understanding which protein changes more with age, and why, empowers you to take control of your skincare journey. It helps you choose solutions that work with your skin biology rather than against it. And it highlights why modern, non-invasive technologies like CELF Microvibration Therapy are supporting ageing skin through science-led, non-invasive skincare routines.

 

What Are Collagen and Elastin, and How Do They Support Youthful Skin?

What is collagen, and where is it found in the body?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. In the skin, it forms a dense structural network within the dermis, providing firmness, strength, and support. According to the Cleveland Clinic, collagen acts like scaffolding, holding skin smooth, plump, and resistant to sagging.

What is elastin, and how is it different from collagen?

Elastin is what allows skin to stretch and snap back into place. While collagen provides structure, elastin provides flexibility. Think of collagen as the frame of a mattress and elastin as the springs. Without elastin, skin loses its bounce and begins to look lax.

What role do fibroblasts play in producing both proteins?

Fibroblasts are specialised cells in the dermis responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and other extracellular matrix components. When fibroblast function naturally changes with age and environmental stressors, the skin’s ability to maintain these proteins declines.

Why are collagen and elastin critical for firmness and elasticity?

Together, collagen and elastin determine how firm, smooth, and elastic your skin appears. When either is compromised, visible ageing accelerates, wrinkles deepen, contours soften, and skin loses its youthful resilience.

Boost skin firmness with CELF’s non-invasive microvibration therapy.
Learn how.

 

How Do Collagen and Elastin Naturally Change With Age?

At what age does collagen begin to decline?

Collagen production begins to decline as early as the mid-to-late 20s, gradually declining over time thereafter. A study confirms that this gradual loss contributes to fine lines, thinning skin, and reduced firmness over time.

How does elastin degradation compare with collagen loss?

Elastin behaves differently. While collagen declines steadily, elastin damage tends to be more abrupt and cumulative. Once elastin fibres are broken or degraded, often due to UV exposure, they are biologically limited in their ability to regenerate.

Do external factors affect collagen and elastin differently?

Yes. UV radiation is particularly damaging to elastin, causing fibres to fragment and lose recoil. Collagen is also affected by UV exposure, but it remains more responsive to supportive skincare approaches over time.

Is it true that the body stops producing elastin after puberty?

Production becomes extremely limited after early development. Research published through Wiley suggests that elastin production is minimal after early development, which explains why elastin damage is often permanent.

 

Which Declines Faster With Age, Collagen or Elastin?

What do clinical studies show?

Scientific consensus indicates that elastin deteriorates faster and is less repairable, while collagen declines more gradually but remains responsive to stimulation. The National Institutes of Health highlights collagen’s ongoing (though reduced) capacity for renewal well into later life.

What signs of ageing are linked to collagen loss?

• Fine lines and wrinkles
  

• Thinning skin
  

• Loss of firmness
  

• Reduced volume
  

What visible changes result more from elastin damage?

• Skin laxity
  

• Sagging contours
  

• Loss of “snap-back” elasticity
  

• Crepey texture
  

Can lifestyle interventions slow the decline?

Absolutely. Sun protection, antioxidant support, circulation-enhancing treatments, and fibroblast stimulation all help slow collagen breakdown, and indirectly protect remaining elastin.

 

Why Is Collagen Often Targeted More in Anti-ageing Solutions?

Are collagen-boosting ingredients more effective?

Collagen-focused ingredients such as retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C are well-studied for their role in supporting the appearance of firmer, smoother skin. Elastin-targeted treatments, by contrast, have limited regenerative potential.

Why is fibroblast stimulation key?

Fibroblasts are the source of collagen. Stimulating them, rather than merely applying topical collagen, targets one of the primary structural pathways involved in visible skin ageing.

Are there device-based approaches that support elastin?

While elastin regeneration is limited, maintaining skin health through circulation, barrier support, and reduced oxidative stress helps preserve existing elastin fibres.

Why is collagen more repairable than elastin?

Collagen has a dynamic turnover cycle, making it far more responsive to stimulation. Elastin’s structure, once damaged, is difficult to rebuild.

Stimulate fibroblasts naturally with CELF’s science-backed microvibration therapy.

 

Can You Rebuild or Repair Elastin and Collagen Loss?

Is collagen regeneration supported by science?

Yes. Numerous studies confirm that collagen appearance can be supported through consistent skincare, gentle mechanical stimulation, and overall skin health.

Why is elastin regeneration more difficult?

Elastin fibres form early in life and have minimal turnover. While some emerging research explores elastin-supportive pathways, prevention remains key.

What ingredients or devices show proven effects?

• Retinoids and peptides for collagen
  

• Antioxidants for fibre protection
  

• Non-invasive mechanical stimulation to support skin firmness and texture
  

How does CELF support firmer-looking skin?

CELF Microvibration Therapy uses low-frequency vibrations powered by the Oral-B iO electric toothbrush base.

It is designed to support smoother and firmer-looking skin with consistent daily use.

Gentle microvibration works without disrupting the skin surface.

Firmer skin starts at the source—your fibroblasts. See how CELF works.

 

How Does CELF Compare to Traditional Collagen-Boosting Treatments?

How does microvibration differ from microneedling or lasers?

Unlike invasive procedures that rely on controlled injury, microvibration therapy works through mechanical signalling, providing gentle skin stimulation without visible irritation or downtime.

Does CELF protect the skin barrier?

Yes. CELF is non-invasive and supports barrier integrity, making it suitable for consistent, long-term use.

How does improved serum absorption help?

Microvibrations help skincare products spread more evenly across the skin’s surface.

Can CELF help maintain elasticity longer?

By supporting skin renewal, CELF helps skin appear firmer and more resilient over time.

 

What’s the Best Time to Start Supporting Collagen and Elastin?

Should you start in your 20s or 30s?

Prevention is most effective when started early. Supporting fibroblast activity before a significant decline helps preserve skin structure for a longer period.

Is prevention more effective than repair?

Yes, especially for elastin. Once elastin is damaged, replacement is limited.

How can a simple daily tool become your skin’s best friend?

By integrating CELF into an existing routine, you transform an everyday habit into a science-backed skin treatment.

How long does it take to see results?

With consistent use, many users report visible improvements in skin texture and firmness within 4–8 weeks of consistent use.

 

How Can You Integrate CELF Into an Ageing-Smart Routine?

What’s the recommended usage?

Use CELF on clean skin with a hydrating serum for just a few minutes per area.

How does it work with hyaluronic acid?

CELF supports even product application, helping hydrating serums deliver a smoother, plumper-looking finish.

Can CELF improve tone and texture?

Yes, by energising the skin, effectively like a local cellular workout 

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

CELF is designed to be gentle and non-invasive, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

Start seeing visible benefits with as little as 5 minutes a day. 

Upgrade your routine with CELF’s Firming Kit. →

 

Final Takeaway

While both collagen and elastin decline with age, collagen remains the most responsive and strategic target for visible skin rejuvenation. By supporting skin health and consistent, gentle stimulation, you can help maintain firmness and resilience for longer.

With CELF Microvibration Therapy, skin science meets everyday simplicity—empowering you to care for your skin proactively, confidently, and intelligently at every stage of life.

 

FAQs

1. What is collagen in the skin?

Collagen is a structural protein that provides strength and support, keeping skin firm and plump.

2. What is elastin in the skin?

Elastin is a protein that allows skin to stretch and return to its original shape, supporting flexibility and bounce.

3. Which declines faster with age?

Collagen tends to decrease more noticeably over time, leading to sagging and fine lines, though elastin also declines.

4. Can collagen and elastin be restored?

Topical treatments, nutrition, and professional procedures may support collagen production and skin elasticity, but results vary.

5. How does aging affect skin appearance?

Loss of collagen and elastin can lead to wrinkles, sagging, and reduced resilience in mature skin.

6. Are there lifestyle factors that influence protein loss?

Sun exposure, smoking, diet, and environmental stressors can accelerate collagen and elastin breakdown.