Whether you are a seasoned natural veteran or a newbie who just had her big chop, chances are you have come across an abundance of information regarding all of the important factors that make for a healthy natural hair journey.
Has ‘amino acids’ come across on your screen once or twice? You know you should pay attention to these nutrients, but not quite sure why. Well, here’s the breakdown on why they are important to your overall health and hair regimen.
Amino acids are completely natural micronutrients, which have significant benefits such as supporting hair growth. They are your body’s protein building blocks.
According to the doctors at AminoAcidStudies.org, “Amino acids are completely natural micronutrients, which have very significant benefits such as supporting hair growth, maintaining cartilage in joints (treating arthritis”>, improving circulation, immunity, and others…”
Your skin needs them
Studies have shown that amino acids through supplements and topical beauty products can lead to an even complexion, improve the appearance–wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, stretch marks, and more.
There are 4 major amino acids for skin care:
- Proline
- Glycine
- Leucine
- Lysine
Together, they work together to provide antioxidant powers to strengthen the skin and also act as an exfoliant to boost moisture retention on the newer layer of skin underneath your Epidermis (the outer layer”>. Your other layers Subcutaneous, and Dermis equally benefit from amino acids for protecting them from potentially harmful environmental factors. Because of this, amino acids are used in various anti-aging products. Love to Know says they might trump the popular ‘alpha hydroxy system’ in effectiveness when it comes to smoothing skin and improving an even tone. Right now, there are 2 trending amino acid treatments: AFA (Acid Filaggrin Antioxidants”> and Amino Genesis.
The skin conditions that see improvement from products with high amino acid content:
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Chronic Dermatitis
Your body needs them
Amino acids can be incorporated into your diet to reap the benefits of them, as well. Leafy greens, fish, nuts, beans, and soy are all rich in the above amino acids, which have been proven to improve your immune system, ease the pain of those with Fibromyalgia, and even your body’s natural sleep pattern. According to a study by University of Arizona’s biochemistry department, your body produces 10 out of 20 amino acids. The other 10 must be supplied by food.
We produce these 10 amino acids:
- Alanine
- Asparagine
- Aspartic acid
- Cysteine
- Glutamic acid
- Glutamine
- Glycine
- Proline
- Serine
- Tyrosine
- Arginine
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
Your hair needs them
Amino acids are your building blocks of protein. The 3 layers of your skin, cuticle, cortex, and medulla, need amino acids for a number of things. L-lysine positively affects the synthesis of collagen in hair, which improves elasticity–this means bouncier curls for you. It also reduces daily hair loss and thinning–specifically, androgenic alopecia.
The following dietary and supplemental amino acid treatment serums can be found in your local natural grocery store:
- NOW Foods Amino Complete Caps
- Bragg Liquid Aminos
- BSN Amino X- Watermelon
- Vitacost L-Lysine Capsules
