Improving Elasticity: The Science of Aging Skin

Although collagen changes from both chronologic aging and photoaging have been well studied, there is a dearth of research into the elastin component of the dermis. No products have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for either replacing elastin or stimulating its synthesis. Recently, a zinc complex was shown to increase dermal elastin staining, hypodermal fat, and epidermal thickness in animal studies. Histologic studies of the same zinc complex in humans have revealed increased deposition of functional elastin fibers following 10 days of use. In the clinical trials reported here, there was an increase in functional elastin, as well as improvements in fine lines and wrinkles. No adverse events were noted.