Vitality News Health Articles

Several documents describe the usefulness of the pyroglutamic acid radical (also called Sodium PCA). This usefulness is most seen in the field of dermatology and cosmetics, and is especially backed-up by the fact that the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid avoids dehydration of the skin and maintains it soft, supple and elastic.

Sodium PCA is a naturally occurring element of human skin and a part of the “natural moisturizing factors” (NMF) that maintain a healthy epidermis. Sodium PCA is highly hygroscopic, catching moisture from the air. It imparts a moist feeling to hair and skin. Sodium PCA administered to the skin is assimilated to a limited extent. It is non-comedogenic, non-irritating to the eyes and skin — even at concentrations up to 50%, and doesn’t promote phototoxicity or sensitization. It is quickly biodegradable. Soluble in water and ethanol and insoluble in oils, it is used for its powerful humectant abilities in many health and beauty solutions including gels, conditioners, shampoos, lotions, creams, lipsticks and foundations.

One of the main elements in keeping skin healthy is making sure the composition of the epidermis (outer layer of skin) is intact. That composition is defined and composed by skin cells that are held together by the intercellular matrix. The intercellular matrix is the “cement” or “mortar” between skin cells that keep them together. It helps avoid individual skin cells from losing water and makes the smooth, non-flaky appearance of healthy, flawless skin. The elements that do this are usually called biological moisturizing factors (NMFs) or ingredients that mimic the structure and function of healthy skin. While the oil and fat elements of skin avoid evaporation and confer lubrication to the surface of skin, it is actually the intercellular matrix along with the skin’s lipid content that confers skin a good part of its surface texture and feel.

The intercellular matrix is the body’s first line of defense against water loss. When the lipid and NMF load of skin is lessened, we notice flaking, surface roughness, fine lines, and a tight, bothersome feeling. The longer the skin’s surface layer (stratum corneum) is altered, the less efficient the skin’s intercellular matrix becomes. Moreover, the skin’s healing process is impaired. All of the skin’s supporting NMFs and lipids are found in the intercellular structure of the epidermis, both between skin cells and in the lipid content on the surface of skin. When any of these elements are included in skin-care products, they appear to aid stabilize and maintain this complex intercellular-skin matrix. More important, all of these ingredients, and many more, can help support the intercellular area of the skin by keeping it flawless. This support helps avoid surface irritation from penetrating deeper into the skin, works to maintain bacteria out, and reinforces the skin’s defensive/healing mechanism. Applying moisturizers of any kind with NMFs (whether they are labeled as being antiaging, antiwrinkle, serums, lotions, or sunscreens) allows your skin to do its job of curing and rejuvenating itself without the difficulties brought on when skin is suffering from dryness and excessive irritation.

Recover and maintain your skin’s hydration and tone applying our natural skin care solution, designed to nourish your skin while at the same time eliminates all types of imperfections and scars.

- Angelique Jodein