Collagen and elastin are important because they bind the skin to the fatty layer beneath the dermis, called the hypodermis or subcutis.

Collagen is considered the fountain of youth because it wards off fine lines and wrinkles. As much as 75 percent of the dermis layer of the skin (the substantial second layer that is protected by the translucent outer layer called the epidermis) is made up collagen. Aging, exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors diminish the body\'s ability to produce collagen. Skin becomes thinner and loses its flexibility.

Elastin, also located in the dermis, holds the collagen bundles together and gives structure to the skin. When time and elements decrease the body\'s ability to produce elastin, the skin wrinkles and sags.