5-minute focus on: 5-HTP and skincare

We all know about the power of retinoids, collagen and so on, when it comes to skincare. But what about 5-HTP, have you heard of that? Because it’s in the same league as the retinoids.

What is 5-HTP?

5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP for short, is an essential amino acid called, tryptophan, which is naturally produced by the body to create serotonin.¹ Serotonin is the happy hormone that’s responsible for playing a key part in regulating our mood, among many other things.²

What does 5-HTP do?

Low serotonin levels are said to go hand-in-hand with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, weight gain, as well as other health problems. 5-HTP is seen as a way to help support levels of serotonin.³

How do you take 5-HTP?

5-HTP is mainly taken as a supplement that come from the seeds of an African shrub called Griffonia Simplicifolia. (It’s important to note here that these supplements aren’t the same as L-tryptophan supplements that are also given to people to help increase serotonin levels).⁴

However, while it’s possible to get tryptophan from food, such as dairy products, meat, chickpeas and chicken, 5-HTP isn’t present in any food. It can only be added to our bodies by taking a supplement.

5-HTP supplement doses vary, depending on what it’s being used for. They can range from 50mg up to 300mg and 5-HTP can be taken at different times again, depending on why it’s being taken.

Why should we put 5-HTP on our skin?

As we get older, our skin loses its elasticity and the rate at which our skin cells repair and renew slows down. 5-HTP may be widely used to help used as a supplement, but recently found in skin care formulations.

Cue: Q&A 5-HTP Face and Neck Cream

It combines Griffonia with caffeine and natural Boisaccharide Gum to help immediately tighten the skin and aid skin suppleness.

How to use it: Put some on your fingertips and gently massage into your skin morning and night.

What it helps with: Mature skin types, skin suppleness and hydration.

Skin types it can be used on: Dry, sensitive, normal or combination skin.

Has this article piqued your interest about HTP-5? Do you want to find out more about it? Check out this post, ‘5-HTP: Benefits, dosage and side effects.’

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Last updated: 11 August 2020