Protein
is crucial to most biological processes and amino acids are the
building blocks. An immense amount of our cells, muscles and tissue are
made up of these mighty particles. They also aid in the storage and
transport of nutrients and are an essential element in repairing tissue
in our muscles, bone, hair and SKIN. Not only do they play a crucial
role in healing wounds, they remove waste deposits. " A large portion of
our epidermal cells is made of protein," says Beverly Hills, CA
dermatologist Rhonda Rand, MD. "Collagen is the main protein of the
skin, and keratin is the fibrous protein that forms the main structure
of hair and nails. Produced mainly by our liver, amino acids aid in
collagen production and healing. The skin renews itself and constantly
heals itself from all the damage it incurs, so it always needs new
building blocks, aka amino acids, to continually repair itself," says
Dr. Rand." "Amino acids are critical for both healthy skin and a healthy
body," says Greenbrae, CA plastic surgeon Kimberly Henry, MD. "They
promote collagen production, fat burning, a healthy pH balance, increase
hydration, reduce the effects of aging and keep the hair and nails
healthy," says Henry. Because amino acids diminish with age, its
important to keep feeding our bodies daily. A lack of essential amino
acids results in a decrease in collagen production, the skin's ability
to retain water, an increase in body fat, rough and dehydrated skin, a
slower rate of healing, a dull complexion, loss of skin elasticity,
digestive problems and low energy. Our bodies make plenty of amino
acids, 20 if you're counting, but essential amino acids must be obtained
through foods or supplements. "Your body does not have a protein
reserve like it does for fat or carbohydrates so ideally you need to
make sure you get these essential amino acids on a daily basis," says
Toni McKinnon, director of science information at USANA Health Science.
You can do this by consuming meats, nuts, beans, lentils and dairy
products.
So does putting amino acids on our
skin help ? "They absolutely do," says NY dermatologist Dr. Dennis
Gross, MD. "Amino acids are very small molecules and can be easily
delivered into skin. Because they are so tiny, they are easy to
produce." Applying amino acids topically is a very potent means of
providing our bodies with them for the purpose of beauty. "With food
products, you won't get the maximum concentration of the important amino
acids skin needs. But with topical products, the doses are more
effective and there is a targeted supply of the specific amino acids
that work to create collagen," says Gross. So....maybe a little bit of
egg on our face isn't so bad after all. Or better yet head to
shopspaViolet.
Cheers, Miss Violet
