Quick question: Are amino acids important in skin care?

Amino acids are the building blocks for peptides and proteins in our body and are also a key component in maintaining moisturizing your skin. Although you rarely see the term "amino acids" on the back of your favorite skin care products, you can see them in the list in the form of peptides, which are simply chains of amino acids. Ahead, Skincare.com consultant and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai, Joshua Zeichner, MD, explains why you should never miss out on their benefits. 

What are amino acids in skin care?

According to Dr. Zeichner, amino acids are a major part of your body's natural moisturizing capacity. Because of this, "amino acids are used in moisturizers to volumize and hydrate the skin, and they are combined into fragments known as peptides." Both peptides and amino acids brighten, firm and protect the surface of the skin. 

What types of amino acids should I look for in skin care products?

“There are 20 different amino acids, including the essential amino acids that are naturally produced by our body and the essential amino acids that are essential for daily healthy functioning,” says Dr. Zeichner. "The most common amino acids found in the outer layer of the skin as part of the natural moisture boundary are serine, glycine and alanine." The trick is to find ingredients that will help nourish these natural amino acids. “Two common amino acid ingredients used in moisturizers are arginine and PCA sodium salt, which help enhance this natural moisturizing factor,” he adds.

How to Include Amino Acids in Your Daily Skin Care

Amino acid skin care products are important to include in your daily routine because they help restore what your skin is already producing. You want to choose the one that suits your skin's needs. For example, SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator great option if you feel like your skin is dull and uneven, and Paula's Choice Peptide Booster offers great anti-aging benefits.