Benefits of Amino Acids for Skin
There’s a wise saying that goes: Beauty comes from within. To a large extent, this is literally true when we are talking about amino acids. They are an absolute must for healthy, beautiful skin. In this article, our product developer Eva will explain all about what essential amino acids are, what role they play in your diet and what effect they have in skincare products.
Asking the Expert
First things first. Eva, what are amino acids and what does our body need them for?
Eva: Various amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins and peptides in the human body, which are made up of amino acids that are linked together like a chain. There are 20 naturally occuring proteinogenic (“protein creating“) types of amino acids, which are divided into non-essential and essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body, so you must get them through your diet. These include leucine, isoleucine, lysine, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Essential amino acids are mainly found in protein-rich foods such as fish, meat, dairy products, nuts and legumes.
Non-essential amino acids, on the other hand, can be produced by your body from other amino acids or metabolic sources. They include, for example, cysteine, arginine, tyrosine and ornithine.
Amino acids perform many different functions in the body. Some are responsible for protein synthesis, which also makes them crucial building blocks for tissues to build muscles, skin, hair and nails. Others serve as a source of energy and form enzymes and hormones. But that is not all. The amino acids lysine and cysteine also help in wound healing. This means that a lack of amino acids (and the resulting lack of proteins) can lead to poor growth of hair and nails and make wounds take longer to heal.
First things first. Eva, what are amino acids and what does our body need them for?
Eva: Various amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins and peptides in the human body, which are made up of amino acids that are linked together like a chain. There are 20 naturally occuring proteinogenic (“protein creating“) types of amino acids, which are divided into non-essential and essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body, so you must get them through your diet. These include leucine, isoleucine, lysine, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Essential amino acids are mainly found in protein-rich foods such as fish, meat, dairy products, nuts and legumes.
Non-essential amino acids, on the other hand, can be produced by your body from other amino acids or metabolic sources. They include, for example, cysteine, arginine, tyrosine and ornithine.
Amino acids perform many different functions in the body. Some are responsible for protein synthesis, which also makes them crucial building blocks for tissues to build muscles, skin, hair and nails. Others serve as a source of energy and form enzymes and hormones. But that is not all. The amino acids lysine and cysteine also help in wound healing. This means that a lack of amino acids (and the resulting lack of proteins) can lead to poor growth of hair and nails and make wounds take longer to heal.
We know now that amino acids are an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet. Can they also help to achieve beautiful skin and if so, to what extent?
Eva: Yes, that’s right, through a healthy and balanced diet you can ensure that the body has enough amino acids available. Certain amino acids are also natural components of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) and make sure that the skin is well moisturized and remains supple, while others promote cell regeneration and protect the skin from free radicals. Some amino acids (such as leucine) stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis. These two proteins are essential components of the connective tissue and promote tight and firm skin.
How useful are amino acids in skincare products and how can I tell if they are included?
Eva: Of course you can also support your skin externally with products that contain amino acids. Especially in anti-aging products, they are popular ingredients that ensure proper hydration, promote skin regeneration and offer antioxidant properties. If you want to find out if amino acids are included in a product, you can take a look at the INCI list. On the list, the ingredient with the highest content is always listed first.
Amino acids that are commonly used in skincare products include arginine, histidine, methionine, glutamine, carnitine, glycine and cysteine.
What are the benefits of amino acids for the skin?
Eva: Due to their small molecular size, amino acids have the advantage that they can easily pass through the surface of the skin and penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Here are a few that have a positive effect on the skin:
- Arginine helps damaged skin regenerate
- Histidine moisturizes
- Methionine protects the skin from pollutants
- Lysine strengthens the skin barrier
- Glycine and leucine reduce fine lines.
What are the benefits of amino acids for the skin?
Eva: Due to their small molecular size, amino acids have the advantage that they can easily pass through the surface of the skin and penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Here are a few that have a positive effect on the skin:
- Arginine helps damaged skin regenerate
- Histidine moisturizes
- Methionine protects the skin from pollutants
- Lysine strengthens the skin barrier
- Glycine and leucine reduce fine lines.
Which active ingredients can I combine with amino acids in my skincare routine?
Eva: You can, of course, combine amino acids with other active ingredients, depending on the effect you want to achieve.
If you combine them with hyaluronic acid, you can hydrate the skin and reduce fine lines caused by dryness.
Combine retinol with amino acids and you have a perfect anti-aging mix. It helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and promotes a smooth complexion.
You don’t necessarily have to combine amino acids with only anti-aging ingredients. Combine them with niacinamide and you can reduce dark spots and achieve an even skin tone.
Beauty editor
