Tackling Anti Aging Skincare Inside Our Bodies

We often forget that one of the largest organs we have is one on the outside : our skin.

We also tend to forget that like all organs, anti-aging skincare requires just as much care and attention as our other organs such as the heart or the liver.

Anti Aging Skincare and Essential Amino Acids

So we go out and buy the most expensive cream or oil we can afford to nourish our skin – especially the face. We buy into all the claims of eternal youth, baby bottom skin and flawless complexion at age 60+ when in fact, we should be paying more attention to what we eat.

An interview with Dr. Habib Ur Rehman, a practitioner of dermatology for nearly three decades and an international fellow of American Academy of Dermatology, highlights the importance of nutrition and anti-aging skincare.

What are Essential Amino Acids?

Essential Amino Acids cannot be made by the body. There are eight essential amino acids : Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine which are all required to make a protein molecule. Lack of one will make the protein molecule incomplete and you cannot substitute one for another.

Why are Essential Amino Acids Important for the Skin?

Our skin cells regenerates every month and it cannot do so without protein. So if you do not have all the eight amino acids in place to make a protein molecule, your skin (as well as other parts of your body) will not be able to make new cells. Collagen production is stimulated by these amino acids – without them your skin will be thinner and dehydrated.

The Importance of Food and Nutrients for Good Skin

“Collagen and elastin are secreted by fibroblasts in the layer of the skin called dermis. Amongst other things, amino acids are an essential part of this synthesis. When the supply of amino acids is reduced, it affects the renewal of these cells which causes, in particular the thinning of dermis.” – Dr. Rehman -

Wrinkle Prevention with Collagen and Elastin

“First, it is important to understand that wrinkles develop in the dermis, the layer below the epidermis. Collagen and to some extent elastin are the main part of the dermis and subcutaneous layer. They give bulk and elasticity to this layer and keep the overall skin tissue firm.

The regeneration of these cells by fibroblasts weakens as you get older, making this layer of the skin thinner causing wrinkles to appear. If collagen and elastin regeneration could be stimulated, it would slow the appearance of signs of aging. This effect is modified by the rejuvenation process used in lasers which stimulate collagen synthesis. Heat in lasers does this.”  – Dr. Rehman -

Foods with Amino Acids

Essential amino acids are found inside collagen and elastin and amino acids are essential to stimulate collagen and elastin regrowth. With age, the fibroblasts will need to be kick started with the right amount of amino acids in our diets.

Meats such as chicken and beef; diary products such as cheese and yoghurt are good high quality sources of essential amino acids as well as beans, nuts, almonds, lentils and vegetables such as broccoli and asparagus.

Or you could try a essential amino acids supplement

Bottom line : Your anti aging skincare should be tackled inside as well as outside your body.