Is elastin effective in reducing stretch marks?

The essentials to remember.

Some studies in vitro show that elastin can stimulate fibroblasts and promote the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to topical application, as elastin’s ability to penetrate the skin remains uncertain.
Two clinical studies observed a decreased risk of stretch mark development with creams containing elastin, but these formulations also included additional active ingredients (vitamin E, Centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid…).
The available scientific evidence is limited, and the efficacy of elastin on stretch marks has not yet been fully demonstrated.

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What are the effects of elastin on stretch marks?

The stretch marks, by their scientific name striae distensae, are common skin lesions that appear when the skin undergoes too rapid stretching for its supporting structures to adapt. This phenomenon typically occurs during pregnancy, puberty, or after significant weight gain or loss. The stretch marks result more precisely from a rupture of the collagen and elastin fibers present in the dermis and responsible for maintaining the skin’s structure. At first, the stretch marks appear as red or purplish streaks (inflammatory phase), then gradually lighten to become white (scar phase). Although completely benign, stretch marks are sometimes considered unsightly, and it is not uncommon to seek their removal.

Because of its role in supporting skin tissue resilience, elastin is frequently incorporated into creams targeting stretch marks.

Indeed, several studies in vitro have shown that elastin, and more precisely certain of its peptide fragments, could stimulate the production of new skin fibers. In a study conducted with elastin peptides derived from bovine ligament, researchers observed a 25 to 30% increase in fibroblast proliferation and a strong stimulation of collagen and elastin fiber synthesis. These effects, mediated by activation of elastin receptors, suggest that elastin peptides could reignite dermal cell activity. This is particularly relevant for combating stretch marks, where the rupture of supporting fibers makes the skin less elastic.

> 100%

Increase in the production of new collagen fibers.

> 250%

Increase in the production of new elastin fibers.

It nevertheless remains difficult to extrapolate these results to stretch marks. Indeed, the studies demonstrating elastin’s ability to stimulate fibroblast activity were conducted in vitro, meaning under conditions that do not fully replicate human skin. It is still unknown to what extent topical elastin or its fragments can penetrate the skin and reach the fibroblasts. However, a few clinical studies have investigated the use of elastin in treatments aimed at reducing stretch marks. These studies, summarized in the table below, suggest potential effects, but the protocols often have methodological limitations (limited participant numbers, presence of multiple active ingredients in the creams, partial description of the formulation and results obtained…) that complicate drawing firm conclusions.

Study	Protocol	Results	Limits
MALLOL & al. (1991)	Daily application by 80 pregnant women of a cream containing Centella asiatica, vitamin E, and collagen and elastin hydrolysates, or a placebo, from the third month of pregnancy until delivery.	34% of pregnant women in the treatment group developed stretch marks, compared to 56% in the placebo group (a difference considered statistically significant by the researchers).	It is impossible to attribute the effects specifically to elastin (the cream contains several active compounds), the sample size is limited, and stretch mark severity was assessed subjectively.
WIERRANI & al. (1992)	Daily application by 25 pregnant women of a cream containing vitamin E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, elastin, and menthol, or of a placebo, from the 20th week of pregnancy until delivery (25 women without treatment).	1/3 of pregnant women in the treated group developed stretch marks, compared with 2/3 in the control group (difference deemed statistically significant by the researchers).	It is impossible to attribute the effects specifically to elastin (the cream contains several active compounds), the sample size is limited, and stretch mark severity was assessed subjectively.

Overview of clinical studies investigating the effects of elastin on stretch marks.

Thus, although some studies suggest a potential effect of elastin-containing creams in preventing stretch marks, the scientific evidence remains too limited.

The tested formulations always combined multiple ingredients (vitamin E, Centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid…), making it impossible to isolate the effect of elastin. Moreover, the participant pool was relatively small. Thus, despite the frequent presence of elastin in anti-stretch mark creams, it remains difficult to state that it affects stretch mark formation or attenuation. Further clinical trials focused solely on elastin and involving a larger volunteer cohort would be needed to confirm its potential.