Solutions & treatments
Amino acids form a natural part of our metabolism and are essential to skin health. They play an important role in keeping sensitive skin moisturised and protected. Find out exactly what amino acids are and how using them in a gentle foaming cleanser can help restore and respect the skin’s barrier function. So that sensitive skin stays soft and healthy!
Amino acids are necessary for our bodies to function properly, including our skin. Let’s take a closer look to find out how they help care for sensitive skin.
1. Essential and non-essential amino acids
There is a very large number of different amino acids. Some are produced by the body (called non-essential), whereas others can only be obtained through diet (referred to as essential).
2. Building blocks for the body
20 of these molecules act as building blocks that create proteins, such as enzymes, when assembled. Proteins play a key role in growth, repair and helping our metabolism and body function.
3. Amino acids for the skin
These proteinogenic (protein-producing) amino acids are also responsible for fibrous proteins in the skin, such as keratin, collagen and elastin. Amino acids therefore have a significant effect on the appearance of the skin, since wrinkles and sagging skin are due to a loss of collagen and elastin. The amino acids are necessary for skin repair and healing.
4. Supporting hydration
Some amino acids are water soluble and therefore act as humectants, absorbing water from the skin to prevent it from evaporating (transepidermal water loss). The acids help the skin in its role as a protective barrier for the body. To function properly, the skin needs an optimal amount of water. Its outermost layer is responsible for regulating water loss, in part through a protective coating known as the Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) – of which amino acids and amino acid derivatives are key components.
Surfactants are used in a growing number of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Amino acid-based surfactants gently cleanse, care for and support the skin. When the skin absorbs and metabolises the surfactants, they provide fatty acids that restore the skin’s barrier function, as well as amino acids that replenish the NMF.
Amino acid-based surfactants offer exceptional biological affinity with the skin’s own structure for a biomimetic approach to cleansing. By drawing inspiration from skin’s own biological mechanisms for defending itself, they help skin to restore its health. This is particularly the case for sensitive skin and its weaker barrier function.
A combination of high tolerance, soft cleansing and full respect for the skin barrier makes amino-acid cleansers ideal for sensitive skin. Gentle, biodegradable surfactants combine respect and tolerance in a wider eco-biological sense, as they respect the skin. As part of the NMF, the amino acids in the facial cleanser help reduce water loss, while also maintaining its natural pH level. Fatty acids contribute to restoring the skin barrier.
1. When applied, unctuous foam forms in rinseable products.
2. The face wash for sensitive skin cleans by forming into micelles – one end attracts fatty elements, such as dirt, the other end attracts water.
3. All the dirt is collected and is easily rinsed off using water.
4. After cleansing, residual surfactants are absorbed by skin.
No feelings of tightness or irritation. Skin feels fresh, clean and moisturised !
