What is the role of amino acids in the skin?

Amino acids play a crucial role in the skin by being fundamental building blocks for the proteins that maintain skin structure and function, specifically collagen and elastin. Collagen is essential for skin firmness and elasticity, while elastin allows the skin to stretch and recoil. The presence of amino acids promotes the synthesis of these proteins, which helps to keep the skin strong, resilient, and youthful.

Additionally, while amino acids do contribute to hydration indirectly as part of the skin's natural moisturizing factors, the direct hydration role is primarily fulfilled by other substances such as hyaluronic acid. The property of absorbing UV rays is not a function of amino acids; instead, this is usually attributed to certain pigments and sunscreens. Although some amino acids can exhibit antioxidant properties, the primary and most significant role of amino acids in the skin is their contribution to the production of collagen and elastin, making option B the most accurate response.