Diagram+of+the+skin

Keratin - a protein that gives skin its strength and flexibility and waterproofs the skin surface. Collagen - Collagen is a major structural protein in the skin. It plays a key role in providing the structural scaffolding for cells, tissues, and organs. If it weren't for collagen, the body would literally fall apart Elastin - Elastin is a highly elastic protein in connective tissue and allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting.Elastin helps skin to return to its original position when it is poked or pinched. Melanin - Melanin is a pigment that is produced by cells known as melanocytes in the skin of most animals, including humans. This pigment comes in different shades, depending on the genetic make-up of the individual.