Amino Acids: The Trending Ingredient

Amino acids are the basis of every cell in the body. These building blocks of protein make up our muscles, organs, skin, hair and fingernails.

In the skin, amino acids form collagen, which maintains elasticity and firmness. In the hair, it makes keratin. Amino acids are also found on their own in the epidermis, the upper skin layer, where they attract water to keep your complexion hydrated.

Your body makes amino acids constantly. But it is able to produce only so much. And how much it does produce depends on your age.The older you are, the longer your body takes to replenish amino acid levels.

Researchers from Japanese skincare brand Minon Amino Moist found that after the age of 18, the rate of replenishment drops by about 1 per cent every year. By the time you’re 40, the regeneration process would have slowed  by 25 per cent.

You also lose amino acids when you perspire or bathe, says Dr Heng Jun Khee, associate consultant from the National Skin Centre.

What happens when there aren’t enough amino acids? Your skin sags, becomes dehydrated and looks more lined. Hair becomes dry and brittle, and thins out. To make up for the shortfall, you can “feed” amino acids to your skin and hair through amino acidrich beauty products.

The molecules are tiny – 3,000 times smaller than a collagen molecule, says Minon Amino Moist, so the skin absorbs it all better, which makes for better hydration.

AmericanJapanese haircare brand Amino Mason is also taking advantage of how tiny amino acid molecules are. Its products contain the 16 amino acids that make up hair. Being so small, these are thought to get into the hair shaft more easily than keratin, for better moisture and repair.