To understand the benefits of Polyglutamic Acid, you should first understand the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Dry skin is a skin type, but dehydrated skin is a condition anyone can experience, regardless of their skin type. You can have oily skin and still be dehydrated. In fact, that could be one reason that exacerbates oil production. Dry skin has a lack of oils (commonly referred to as emollients or lipids).
With dehydrated skin, there’s a lack of water in the stratum corneum, which is the top layer of the skin. The reason for that is dehydrated skin lacks humectants. Humectants are the ingredients that help attract moisture into your skin. Typically, they draw water into the skin from two different places; they can draw water from a humid environment, and they enhance water absorption from the outer layer of the skin. They include ceramides, glycerin, sorbitol, Beta-glucan, Yeast Extract (one-of-the-best), Aloe, Honey, lecithin, Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acid has been the holy grail of humectants for some time now. Your body naturally produces it, but unfortunately, it can be degraded by free radical damage caused by UV exposure, aging, pollution, etc. Because of this, the natural levels of HA sometimes plunge and need replenishing. From serums to moisturizers, a lot of products contain Hyaluronic Acid, but there may be a new miracle ingredient that will help boost moisture levels: Polyglutamic Acid (PGA).
What is Polyglutamic Acid?
Polyglutamic Acid is a peptide (aka a protein) naturally derived from fermented soybean. The ingredient is five times more potent than Hyaluronic Acid, and it is classified to be one of the most powerful hydrating ingredients on the market right now. Polyglutamic Acid works by possibly inhibiting hyaluronidase, which breaks down Hyaluronic Acid. It could be very complementary to Hyaluronic Acid because HA is found in the deeper skin layers, while PGA works on the outermost layers. Hyaluronic Acid works within the skin to increase moisture levels, and Polyglutamic Acid can actually increase the production of natural moisturizing factors on the skin’s surface to improve hydration, too. Moreover, PGA essentially then creates a seal that keeps moisture from escaping. When paired together, they have the potential to be a major game-changer when it comes to hydrating and plumping the skin.
WHAT TYPE OF INGREDIENT IS: Acid
WHO SHOULD USE IT: Generally, Polyglutamic acid is safe for all skin types. Those with sensitive/reactive skin or eczema should do a patch test on the inside of the wrist before use, just to be safe.
HOW OFTEN YOU CAN USE IT: Ideally, Polyglutamic acid would be applied twice a day, but it’s best to start with one application per day to see how it reacts with your skin.
PLAYS WELL WITH: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, SPF, Niacinamide, Retinol.
DON’T USE WITH: Multiple different acids, stick to only using it with one or two others to avoid dryness.
Benefits of Polyglutamic Acid
Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Increases the penetration of Hyaluronic Acid
Stimulates the production of natural moisturizing factors
Boosts elasticity (more than collagen)
Aids the skin’s natural exfoliation process
Minimizes pigmentation
Products we love
If you’re new to ASDM Beverly Hills, prepare to meet your newest skincare obsession. ASDM has naturally sourced high-quality ingredients and potent active based formulas. This brand is the only one I could find that has pure formulas containing Polyglutamic Acid and is safe to use for even the most sensitive skin. See for yourself—you’ll thank me later.