When you think of protein, strong muscles may come to mind. But protein is critical to your health in many ways, from fueling energy to keeping your immune system strong. Proteins like collagen and elastin are also essential to your skin's structure. Furthermore, over 70 percent of all proteins are expressed in the skin.
So, it's no surprise that supporting protein growth also supports healthy, vibrant skin. This is where arginine comes in. Read on to learn all about arginine in skin care, including what it is, its benefits, and how to add it to your routine.
What Is Arginine?
Arginine is a type of amino acid (and amino acids are the building blocks of all the protein in your body). It's considered a "conditional" amino acid—meaning your body makes it, but you may need to get higher amounts through your diet, especially during periods of stress or illness. Arginine naturally occurs in high-protein foods like meat, nuts, seeds, legumes, and dairy products.
In addition to supporting healthy skin and your body's overall protein growth, arginine improves blood flow and helps stimulate the release of many different hormones.
What Are the Benefits of Arginine in Skin Care?
So, what are arginine's skin benefits? For starters, its antioxidant properties help protect the skin against free radical damage from ultraviolet light and other toxins. It can also support healthy collagen production and regeneration and improve blood supply to the skin, all of which promote overall skin firmness and elasticity.
Arginine also enhances hydration and decreases skin dryness, especially when combined with moisturizers. Together, arginine's skin benefits keep your skin nourished and supple and help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Incorporating Arginine into Your Routine
While this versatile amino acid can benefit all skin types, it can be especially advantageous if you have dry or dehydrated skin or want to minimize signs of premature aging. Fortunately, harnessing its healing power isn't complicated.
Diet
For the best skin support, focus on eating nutrient-dense whole foods and minimizing added sugar and ultra-processed foods. You can find arginine in naturally protein-rich foods like chickpeas, almonds, fish, brown rice, and yogurt.
Skin Care
Next up: Incorporate an arginine skin care product into your routine. One easy way to do this is to swap out your regular cleanser with EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser. This gentle cleanser is good for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It combines arginine with two other amino acids, taurine and glycine, to strengthen the skin barrier while removing sunscreen, excess oil, and other impurities. In clinical trials, 98 percent of users agreed it felt gentle and didn't irritate their skin, and 92 percent agreed their skin felt soft and hydrated after just one use.
For an extra arginine boost, add EltaMD Skin Recovery Serum to your evening routine to soothe and renew your skin's natural barrier overnight. Serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients, so they pack a powerful punch.
Compatible Ingredients
If you're looking to maximize anti-aging effects, like minimizing the appearance of fine lines or pigmentation, consider adding Retinol or Vitamin C to your routine to enhance arginine's protective and skin-firming benefits.
Building Blocks for Beautiful Skin
When it comes to building your best skin, it's all about developing healthy habits. Start with regular sun protection—including using sunscreen daily, seeking shade, and minimizing midday sun exposure. Then, incorporate ingredients like arginine into your skin care routine to help promote healthy, vibrant skin every day of the year.
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