Carnitine for skin - the benefits and uses
With an impressive range of skin benefits, it’s no wonder that carnitine is increasingly found in a range of skincare products. This powerful ingredient has anti-ageing properties and can improve your skin's retention of moisture. Learn more about what carnitine is and how you can include it in your skincare routine.
What is carnitine?
Carnitine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body, mainly the brain, liver and kidneys. It’s also found in a range of supplements and skincare products. Carnitine is a broad term for a group of compounds that include L-carnitine (the most common form), Acetyl L-carnitine, D-carnitine, L-carnitine L-tartrate, and Propionyl-L-carnitine.
But what does Carnitine do?
Carnitine aids the body’s energy production by enabling our cells to break down fatty acids and transform fat reserves into energy. It’s essential for the proper function of the brain and heart, as well as aiding muscle movement and many other important body functions.
Carnitine reduces the stress of oxidants in the body and influences lipid metabolism, leading to a reduction in sebum production, making it an ideal ingredient for acne-prone or oily skincare products. It helps to repair damage, strengthening the skin and increasing the rate of cell regeneration to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion.
6 Carnitine skin benefits
1. Reduces the visible signs of ageing
As skin cell renewal slows down with age, the skin may start to appear dull or roughly textured. Carnitine skincare can help boost the skin's metabolism to improve elasticity and minimise the appearance of fine lines. It provides energy to the skin and encourages cell renewal, which reduces the signs of ageing.
2. Boosts skin hydration
Healthy skin requires plenty of hydration. As carnitine helps the skin cells to hold on to moisture, it keeps the skin hydrated and soft. This makes for plump, supple skin, with fewer lines and wrinkles.
3. Improves skin energy reserves and oxygen consumption
The production and use of energy is important for maintaining healthy skin. Carnitine helps to provide energy to the skin and encourages the regeneration of skin cells and skin renewal.
4. Strengthens the skin barrier
Carnitine helps to improve the strength of the skin and defend it against harmful environmental aggressors. It keeps the skin hydrated by preventing water from evaporating through the skin’s surface, which helps to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
5. Reduces inflammation
Carnitine is used as an anti-inflammatory and can reduce swelling and puffiness caused by skin damage. It helps to regenerate the skin after damage, and is good for treating sunburn or raised scars following a burn or cut.
6. Reduces oily skin and acne
When you have oily skin, your skin produces an excess of sebum, and this can lead to blocked pores and acne. Carnitine has been shown to reduce sebum secretion, providing less opportunity for blemishes to form. With use, skin becomes easier to manage and acne is reduced.
How to use Carnitine
It’s best to use products containing carnitine on a regular basis to reap the benefits and see noticeable results. You should look to incorporate it into your everyday skincare routine for optimal results.
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Whilst carnitine can be used sporadically to treat skin conditions such as sunburn, using it regularly can help to address skin conditions such as oily skin or acne:
Serum
Carnitine is most commonly found in face serums and is usually combined with targeted ingredients that address specific skin concerns. Apply a few drops on clean skin, morning and night. Use on its own or follow with your favourite moisturiser.
Face Wash
We recommend pairing your carnitine serum with a face wash to help clear away makeup and dirt, target breakouts and reduce pores. Massage a pea sized amount into wet skin morning and night for a clean, bright complexion.
Carnitine skincare products
Our BHA Exfoliating Serum S3 contains 3% carnitine, 2% salicylic acid and green tea extract. It’s a leave-on liquid exfoliator that targets acne, dead cells, wrinkles and fine lines while hydrating and nourishing skin.
The BHA Exfoliating Serum S3 Pro is formulated with extra ingredients of camomile and urea to enhance skin hydration and help regulate sebum production.
The BHA Exfoliant Serum S3 and Cera-C Pore Reducing Toner T1 Duo Set is perfect for combination or oily, acne-prone and congested skin. The lightweight toner is formulated to balance oil, promote elasticity, and minimise pore size. Together, this formidable duo targets breakouts, refine pores and stimulates cell renewal for a brighter, clearer and smoother complexion.
When to use Carnitine
Carnitine can be used at any time, and works best when incorporated into your daily skincare, however there are certain conditions for which carnitine could make a big difference:
Blemishes
Carnitine is great for fighting acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. It helps to visibly reduce the appearance of blemishes, and used regularly can prevent them from reoccurring. Apply your carnitine skincare directly onto problem areas or use it as part of your daily routine.
Oily skin and blocked pores
Oily skin can lead to build up of dirt or makeup on the skin, leading to blocked pores. Using carnitine skincare on a daily basis will help to reduce the amount of oil produced by your skin, and less oil means clearer pores and a reduced risk of breakouts.
Dry skin
Carnitine can help fight skin that is dry, flaky or irritated. Its hydrating effects leave your skin feeling soft, supple and moisturised. It’s ideal used as a makeup base, or on its own for everyday hydration.
Who can use Carnitine?
Carnitine is safe for everyone to use, as it’s naturally present in the body. Gentle on the skin, carnitine is generally well-tolerated by all skin types and can be used by those even with sensitive skin.
Are there any side effects of using Carnitine?
There are no serious risks to using carnitine on the skin, however you should always carry out a patch test before continued use.
Carnitine skincare: what is the verdict?
Carnitine is fast becoming an important ingredient in many beauty products. Popular for its oil and acne controlling properties, as well as deep hydration and skin regeneration. It can be used on even sensitive skin and is effective in treating skin concerts such as scar, stretch marks, dryness, and acne.
FAQs
Is carnitine skincare good for acne?
Carnitine is good for acne prone skin because it reduces excess sebum produced, which means less opportunity for acne-causing bacteria to accumulate. This can help to keep skin clear and free from breakouts.
Is carnitine suitable for my skin type?
Carnitine is suitable for all skin types, especially dry and mature skin, as it helps to expedite skin cell renewal, moisturise skin and enhance the skin barrier function.
Can carnitine be used with other products?
Carnitine can be safely incorporated into your current skincare routine. It can improve the skin’s moisture balance when used with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
How often should I use Carnitine skincare?
Carnitine can be used up to twice per day. Apply a few drops to clean skin and follow with your favourite moisturiser.
Discover the Facetheroy range of carnitine skincare products, including the BHA Exfoliating Serum S3, the BHA Exfoliating Serum S3 Pro and the BHA Exfoliant Serum S3 and Cera-C Pore Reducing Toner T1 Duo Set.
