Effect of ellagic acid and retinoic acid on collagen and elastin production by human dermal fibroblasts.

Background: Elastin is a fibrous protein key to the structure and support of skin as well as other organ tissues. Elastic fibers are located in the skin's dermal layer and make up approximately 2%-4% of the fat-free dry weight of the dermis in the skin of adults. Aging causes the progressive degradation of elastin fibers.