What Do Amino Acids Do For The Skin? | Activeskin

What Do Amino Acids Do For The Skin?

You may have heard of amino acids before, but do you know how important they are for optimal health? Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and peptides, essential compounds for many critical roles in the body such as muscle repair, hormone and neurotransmitter production and immune function. Alongside this, they are also extremely beneficial for your skin. You might be wondering - what does amino acid do for skin? Amino acid for skin health delivers results in hydration, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and reducing inflammation. Let’s dive in to the amino acid skin care benefits and how you can make the most out of your skincare products to achieve your goals of glowing, radiant skin. 

How Amino Acids Benefit Skin

Skin Hydration

Amino acids are essential components of the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF). They work closely with aquaporins, the body’s water transport system, to attract and retain water in the skin, leaving the outer layer hydrated and nourished. When incorporated into skincare, they make effective ingredients in skincare products for dehydrated skin to boost natural plumpness and radiance. 

Some key amino acid types involved in hydration:

• Serine - retains moisture in the skin for a smoother look and feel.
• Alanine - balances moisture levels in the skin, improving hydration.
• Glycine - moisturising and skin-repairing properties to maintain elasticity and firmness.

Collagen and Elastin Production

Amino acids are the foundation of key proteins in skin and hair such as elastin, collagen and keratin. Collagen is responsible for providing structure, strength and resilience in the skin while elastin allows flexibility with the ability for the skin to return to it’s original shape. Amino acid for skin elasticity delivers exceptional results in firming, smoothing and providing structure to the skin for a youthful appearance. Not only do amino acids ensure your skin remains supple and resilient, but they are also the secret to healthier, stronger and thicker hair, as boosting Keratin contributes to faster hair growth and less breakage. 

These are some key proteins that are responsible for maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and structure: 

• Proline - vital for collagen biosynthesis, structure and strength.
• Glycine - improves moisture retention, strengthens skin and boosts collagen production.
• Lysine - responsible for the formation of collagen.

Reduce Signs Of Aging 

As we age, the amount and quality of collagen and elastin fibres decline, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Amino acids boast many anti-ageing skincare benefits, as an increase in elastin and collagen production can assist in skin firmness and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. With the antioxidant properties present in some amino acids, the skin is protected from free radical damage, which is a major contributor to premature skin ageing.

Peptides, a short chain of amino acids, are a favourite skincare ingredient due to their anti-ageing and collagen boosting properties. The benefits of improving overall skin texture and tone are why you should add peptides to your skincare routine. 

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Amino acids help maintain a balanced and healthy complexion by delivering many anti-inflammatory benefits for skin such as:

• Soothing skincare properties - some amino acids can soothe the skin by balancing pH levels, while present antioxidants can help to strengthen the skin’s barrier. 
• Healing skin conditions - amino acids promote wound healing, maintain skin hydration and repair damaged skin in conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. 
• Calming effect on the skin - effective skincare for redness. Centella Asiatica (Cica) is an amino acid suitable for sensitive skin types due to it’s ability to calm irritated and inflamed skin. What Is Cica Skincare And Why Does Your Skin Crave It? Well cica skincare provides many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-ageing benefits. 

Repair And Regenerate Your Skin

With many vital roles in tissue repair, amino acids can accelerate the skin’s natural repair process by rebuilding damaged tissue and enhancing cell turnover. With many environmental aggressors such as exposure to UV and pollution that contribute to skin damage, the regenerative properties of amino acids help to restore the skin and even out texture and tone. 

Top Amino Acids Skincare Products

1. The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 30ml - A hydration support formula rich in amino acids to mimic the skin’s natural moisturising factors. Anti-irritant properties work to soothe the skin and encourage strengthened barrier function for healthy skin.
2. The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm 15ml - A multi-purpose moisturising balm to restore dryness and hydrate the lips, elbows and cuticles. A rich formula that contains amino acids for immediate results and skin barrier support for softer, smoother skin. 
3. Hydropeptide Nimni Cream 50ml - A highly potent amino acid complex that rejuvenates the skin and improves overall tone and texture. Combined with Vitamin C and Retinol, this cream significantly improves firmness of the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and boosts collagen production. 
4. The Jojoba Company Clarifying Pore Control Serum 30ml - A clarifying serum & treatment that helps to minimise the appearance of pores, leaving the skin smooth and texture refined. Enriched with amino acids that work to regulate oil production and reduce inflammation in the skin. 
5. WelleCo Super Elixir Original 300g Refill - Naturally rich in fibre, amino acids and essential vitamins, this clean beauty supplement works to support immune function, gut health, enhance energy and promote healthy hair, skin and nails. A combination of 40+ naturally derived wholefoods, herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals and probiotics, this daily superblend leaves you feeling fresh and energised. 
   

Amino acids are extremely versatile ingredients that work to improve all skin types. Incorporating amino acids into your skincare routine can transform your complexion, provide adequate hydration, repair and protection. Whether you’re tackling concerns of dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, or inflammation and redness, amino acids will become a skin saviour in your routine. Start your journey to healthier, more radiant skin with amino acid skincare.