We all know about the importance of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to keep our bodily system functioning and bolster overall skin and hair health. But do we know the importance of amino acids and how essential they are? Amino acids are small molecules that the body uses to build proteins and in fact, it is not just the skin but our entire body which needs amino acids to function properly. Our body needs more than twenty different amino acids but it can make only around eleven of them on its own. When it comes to skin, amino acids are also essential to keeping skin hydrated, supple and maintain its elasticity. They make the most vital skin component- collagen which is part of various muscles, connective tissues, and tendons.
Also Read: Protein Building Blocks: Here’s Why You Need Essential Amino Acids In Ample Amounts
Why Are Amino Acids Important?
Amino acids are divided into two categories, essential amino acids, and nonessential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be produced, and their benefits can be only derived from eating certain foods, vitamins, or minerals whereas non-essential amino acids are produced by the body and it can make them on their own. Every amino acid serves many purposes and apart from building proteins which is its main task, it carries many important functions like transporting nutrients, synthesizing hormones, and building cells. Amino acids also help the body transport water effectively.
Importance Of Amino Acids For Skin
In the skin care realm, amino acids have gained immense popularity. They make up a crucial part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor and let the outer layer stay super soft and hydrated. A good skin care product consisting of essential amino acids can go a long way to not just bolter skin health but also delay ageing signs and diminish fine lines that may show up at a very early in life and it helps to keep skin elastic and super smooth. It also lets the body diffuse moisture deep into the skin. It can very well improve the blood circulation of our hair follicles.
Also Read: Leucine: Astounding Benefits Of This Amino Acid For Radiant, Healthy Skin-Infographic
Not only can you get a dose of essential amino acids from supplements and by topical application of products imbued with these protein building blocks but there are some herbs that are chock o block with these fundamental compounds. Foray into this infographic to know about them: