Amino Acids play a major role in the overall health of the body, especially when it comes to great skin. There are many different ones, however there are around 20 which are of the height of importance for our health. These can be separated into two groups. Essential and non-essential. The Non-essential one’s are not how they sound. They are definitely required for your health! It is just that your body already produces these and are non-essential from your diet.
How Amino Acids Work In The Skin
Amino acids as mentioned above at the building blocks for great skin. They are the base structures for peptides and proteins. Each performs a specific function in skincare. They bind in a unique complex structure to form specific proteins. Amino acids naturally form in the skin or can be applied topically. Both of which help to improve the skin’s hydration, strengthen your immune system and build an overall healthy appearance.
Amino Acids and Peptides
As mentioned above, peptides form by building of a peptide bond between two amino acids, forming a dipeptide. These dipeptides further bind creating longer chains known as polypeptides. Amino Acids work closely and effectively together with other ingredients which make up the skin’s natural moisturising factors. Such as glycerides, hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides. They also work well collaboratively in skincare with other ingredients such as antioxidants, actives and omega fatty acids. Meaning when applied to the skin, they can improve all skin types of all ages. Win win!
What You Need To Know For Great Skin
The 9 essential amino acids are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. They are found in products containing animal proteins (such as seafood, beef, poultry, dairy products and eggs) but also in vegetables.
The 11 non-essential amino acids are: alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine.
Some of these alone have the capability to restore visible skin damage, soothe the skin and improve the signs of fine lines and wrinkles but ultimately make up some of the key proteins in the skin’s structure such as keratin, elastin and collagen.