Ergothioneine, a key amino acid in skincare

Ergothioneine is an intriguing ingredient.

It is an amino acid that has fabulous results for improving the vitality of your skin.

A common amino acid used in skincare is carnitine; this helps your skin cells burn food more efficiently to make more energy.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to this amino acid, it heats energy production, and it can produce free radicals, that damage your skin cells and leads to premature ageing.

Studies have found that the essential amino acid ergothioneine has the same antioxidant effect on skin cells that carnitine has. However, unlike carnitine, it can cool down cells during peak energy production.

Ergothioneine explained

This is an antioxidant amino acid; it naturally occurs in your body.

It is found in high concentrations around our cells that are subject to damage from free radicals and oxidation. The downside is that your bodies can’t easily synthesis it, and because the skin is the last organ to receive the benefits of any uptake of nutrients, it may be better to apply it topically.

Skincare products containing ergothioneine are used to reduce signs associated with ageing, such as crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles. These creams will often contain other antioxidants along with ergothioneine to maximise the skin benefits, for instance, when combined with Vitamin C; it is found to be far more effective.

This amino acid is the perfect antidote for a lack-lustre skin, and certainly one ingredient to watch out for in anti-ageing and dry skin products, for skin that lacks vitality and requires a boost.

This is a great video on ergothioneine if you require further research.

Conclusion

Research suggests that ergothioneine is not harmful to your skin because it occurs; naturally, so it is not likely to cause any irritation when applied topically to your skin.

There are also several studies underway that suggest ergothioneine may be effective as a natural preservative.

Should this research prove successful, it could quickly become the preservative choice, especially if you have sensitive, thin skin.