Also known as: amino acids, essential amino acids, collagen building blocks
What are amino acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks for all protein synthesis in the body. For the skin, collagen (type I and III) and elastin are the most important proteins. Collagen is 33% glycine, 12% proline, and 10% hydroxyproline — and elastin is 27% glycine, 11% leucine. These amino acids are critical building blocks that must be available for fibroblasts to build new structural protein.
How they work in treatment
Topical application of amino acids does not reach the dermis — the stratum corneum blocks them. By injecting amino acids directly into the skin you bypass the absorption barrier. Cocktails like Sunekos combine 6 amino acids (glycine, proline, lysine, leucine, alanine, valine) with hyaluronic acid. Jalupro uses 4 amino acids. The result: building blocks where fibroblasts need them.
Where they are used
Amino acid cocktails are used for bio-revitalisation, fine lines, skin quality, and age-related structural loss. Most effective when combined with microneedling, biostimulator (Sculptra/Radiesse), or other signalling molecules (PDRN, polynucleotides) that trigger fibroblasts to start building.
Safety
Amino acids are essential components in the body. Allergy risk is minimal because these are the same molecules the body produces. The most common side effects are pinprick marks, mild redness, and swelling on day one — all from the injection itself, not the substance.
Common questions about Amino Acids
- Isn't oral collagen supplementation enough?
- No. Oral collagen is broken down to amino acids in the stomach and distributed throughout the body — only a fraction reaches the skin. Direct injection into the dermis gives 100-1000 times higher local concentration than oral intake.
- Can I build collagen without amino acids?
- No, you always need building blocks. Sculptra or Radiesse triggers fibroblasts to start building, but if amino acids are lacking, build-up is limited. That is why biostimulators are often combined with amino acid cocktails for the best result.
- What is the difference between Sunekos and Jalupro?
- Sunekos has 6 amino acids; Jalupro has 4. Both combine with hyaluronic acid. Sunekos is Italian, Jalupro is also. Clinically they perform comparably — choice often depends on availability and injector preference.
- How long does the treatment last?
- 4-6 months after a course of 4 sessions. Because amino acids are used as building blocks, the effect depends on fibroblasts continuing to build — combined with a biostimulator the result lasts longer.