FUEL YOUR SKIN

Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.

- VICTORIA KIRBY

When you hear the words quality protein, you likely think of hard-boiled eggs, flaked tuna or a heaping scoop of whey powder. (And probably not your skincare products!) But as the most plentiful substance in our bodies (after water), proteins are, in fact, the building blocks of skin. Every function of your outermost layer relies on them, but surprisingly little is understood about how this vast network, known as the skin proteome, functions as a whole. Experts have a grasp on the biggies, like collagen and elastin, but there are thousands of other such proteins whose jobs remain unclear.

That’s starting to change. Thanks to new research technology, scientists are learning more about the lesswell-known proteins of this proteome and the role they play in skin ageing and disease. And it’s leading to advances in products and treatments, along with fresh insights into the role of diet and overall wellness. To be clear, you may already be doing a lot to support your skin proteome, but we’re discovering that there are other ways to get even more plumping, glowing, smoothing benefits.

SEEKING THE INSIDE STORY

Like the microbiome before it, the inner workings of the proteome are the next big frontier in skin care to be explored, researchers say. It’s part of an area of study called proteomics, and as you read this, experts are hard at work mapping every single protein found in the body. “Every organ, from the lungs to the liver to our largest, the skin, is made up of thousands of different proteins,” says Dr Michael Sherratt, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Manchester. Some are unique to their location; others, like collagen, can be found in multiple areas, like your bones, connective tissue, and, of course, your skin.