Introduction

Antioxidants are all the rage in the skin care industry these days, and a new substance called Acetyl glucosamine is gaining popularity. As a precursor of hyaluronic acid, it is an ally that keeps us youthful and radiant. However, it has a drawback. It needs to be more stable in order to formulate skin care products.

This is where its derivative NAG comes to the limelight. So now you must be intrigued to know the N acetyl glucosamine meaning.

Join us in this piece to understand the concept of NAG and its usage in skincare. Learn how B vitamin niacinamide accelerates your youthful glow while providing you with photoaged skin.

What is N acetyl glucosamine?

Imagine your skin as a robust castle wall that keeps out enemies like dirt and bacteria. Although the walls are strong, they need a little bit of reinforcement. This is where NAG comes in handy.

So, what is N acetyl glucosamine? It is essentially a non-acid amino sugar technology. It gently removes dead skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Thus revealing the radiant skin beneath. Additionally, they reduce the dark spots for a more even complexion.

NAG is the precursor of hyaluronic acid, a substance that keeps your skin plump and hydrated. It is applied topically to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. As a result, it creates a firmer and more lifted look. Its benefits extend to acne-prone skin, providing gentle exfoliation while delivering evening effects and cosmetic smoothening.

Therefore, think of N acetyl glucosamine as a precursor of hyaluronic acid, which is the skin's natural filler and promotes plump and photoaged skin!

What does N acetyl glucosamine do in skincare products?

While looking at skincare products, we all look for a multifunctional agent that comprehensively looks at all our skincare woes. One such product is NAG. It not only firms the skin but also hydrates and brightens it.

It works in numerous ways to rejuvenate your skin. Primarily, it is a tyrosinase inhibitor that helps your skin fade hyperpigmentation. N acetyl glucosamine in skincare works best when paired with niacinamide. This is found in the Dark Spot & Hyperpigmentation Correcting Power Serum product. It not only brightens your complexion but improves the appearance of spots and pigmentation. Thereby giving your skin a healthier and more beautiful glow. The formula is completely vegan, which is an added bonus for eco-conscious individuals!

Sourced from chitin, which is abundantly found in shellfish or fungi, this simple sugar is like a boon for our skin. Alternatively, greenery companies that understand the ecological impact and plight of animals opt for vegan sources such as corn. This vegan alternative is not only cruelty-free but equally effective.

Although it can be taken as a dietary supplement, but why go the cumbersome way and not settle for a topical application?

Skin care products that contain NAG laced with niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin not only prevent ageing but also tanning. It reduces the degree of skin tan after UV exposure and lightens UV-induced pigmentation. Moreover, it works by reducing sun sensitivity and effectively brightens your skin tone. Therefore, it not only addresses hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone but brightens your skin by lightening the colour of dark oxidized melanin spots.

N acetyl glucosamine benefits in skincare

Although we have talked about the overall usage of NAG, let's take a deeper look into the N acetyl glucosamine benefits:

Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is an important atom that is responsible for holding its weight multiple times in water. Young, supple skin holds its structure as it is packed with the flexibility of this acid to hold high water content. The Journal of DermatoEndocrinology states that the most interesting histochemical change that takes place in ageing skin is due to the depletion of hyaluronic acid.

Therefore, it is an important ingredient that must be in your skin care product. However, it cannot penetrate the dermis due to its high atomic weight. It is where N acetyl glucosamine, which is a structure square of hyaluronic acid, assists it to infiltrate through the skin. Thereby expanding the skin's water content and bringing a smoother complexion.

Pigmentation

It is found to reduce the presence of facial hyperpigmentation, and one such revolutionary product is the Overnight Acne Spot Corrector. It works up to its name by quickly shrinking existing breakouts, whiteheads, and blackheads. In an independent clinical study, it was found that the total acne lesion count was reduced by half, and the size of blackheads subsided by almost 70-80%. Moreover, the size of whiteheads reduced by almost 80-85%.

Some examinations projected that N acetyl glucosamine reduces melanin creation. Thereby providing a more brilliant, even complexion.

Exfoliation

N acetyl glucosamine provides skin-peeling properties like alpha and beta hydroxy acids without further aggravating your skin. The amino sugars can change how skin cells separate and follow, kick-starting your skin's natural exfoliation mechanism. This gentle action is especially beneficial for those with delicate skin since exfoliation with acids can cause photosensitivity or inflammation.

Collagen

Collagen is an essential ingredient liable for flexibility, firmness, quality, and fullness of glowing skin. Increased levels of corrupted collagen or a decrease in synthesis are known to cause skin ageing. Hyaluronic acid promotes the creation of collagen, and NAG plays a crucial role in permeating this aid into the skin.

Precautions while using N acetyl glucosamine

Although NAG is safe to consume orally or through enema, it is far more effective and convenient when applied through skincare products. However, some precautions must be followed as listed below:

N acetyl glucosamine can be used topically for as long as ten weeks, after which a short gap is necessary.

As it is frequently sourced from shellfish, people with shellfish allergies must be cautious. However, alternative vegan sources can be used after consulting your dermatologist.

Conclusion

N acetyl glucosamine must not be befuddled with other forms of glucosamine like glucosamine sulfate as they might vary in effect.

One must cautiously read the labels before purchasing skin care products or consult a practicing dermatologist. As most products contain glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride, it is essential to trust a reliable brand that is transparent with its ingredients.