KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Skin barrier is like as brick wall where the "mortar" in between the bricks is weak and crumbly. L-histidine helps your skin make filaggrin, a key "mortar" protein.
- L-histidine is an essential amino acid that helps your skin make filaggrin, a key "mortar" protein.
- Clinical studies have shown L-histidine, taken orally, can support the skin barrier, i.e., replenish the mortar between the bricks and reduce eczema symptoms.
- L-histidine is also used to make Natural Moisturization Factor (NMF) that helps keep skin hydrated and maintains the skin's barrier function,
- Oexidative stress experienced by the skin barrier, can worsen itching and increase flare-ups.
- Antioxidants from your diet, or in supplements and skincare can help neutralize oxidative stress.
- These options (oral l-histidine and antioxidants) can effectively complement current eczema treatments such as topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors, topical and oral JAK inhibitors, and biologics like lebrikizumab and nemolizumab.
- Always talk to your dermatologist before starting supplements, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on multiple medications.
What's going on with atopic dermatitis (eczema)? [1]
Eczema (atopic dermatitis, AD) isn't just "dry skin." It's a chronic inflammatory skin disorder where because of an impaired skin barrier, there is more water that can move out from the skin and more irritants that can sneak in. This contributes to dryness, and fires up both the immune system and itch sensation.
Picture a brick wall: the bricks are your skin cells, and the mortar is a protein called filaggrin that holds those bricks together. When filaggrin is low or not processed properly, the wall crumbles, water evaporates, irritants get in, and skin gets red, itchy, and inflamed.
While many people with AD don't necessarily have filaggrin gene deficiencies, inflammation on its own can still slow filaggrin processing and drain "natural moisturizing factor" (NMF) from the skin, leaving it parched and sensitive.
Fortunately, there are two helpful levers available in the form of oral supplements for managing this situation:
- Feeding/replenishing the mortar with L-histidine; and
- Neutralizing oxidative stress with antioxidants to protect the skin barrier from further damage.
These levers represent everyday-friendly options you can discuss with your physician and use in combination with other eczema treatments to optimize your eczema relief strategy.
L-histidine: the "cement mix" your skin needs. [2] [3]
- What it is: L-histidine is an amino acid (a building block of proteins). Filaggrin is very rich in histidine. Your body can take L-histidine, build filaggrin, and later break filaggrin down into NMF components that hold water and help keep the outer skin layer slightly acidic (a good thing).
- Why it matters: In a laboratory skin model and placebo-controlled clinical study conducted on adults with AD (n=24), daily L-histidine consumption:
- Increased filaggrin processing and improved skin barrier function; and
- Reduced eczema severity scores by roughly one-third after 4 weeks, while the placebo did nothing.
In other words, if filaggrin is the mortar in your skin that holds the bricks (cells) together, L-histidine is the extra cement mix delivered to the job site. With more "cement" on hand, your skin's "construction crew" can patch the wall to help hold moisture in and keep irritants out.
A note on gut barrier health: In fast-turnover tissues (like the gut lining), L-histidine deficiency symptoms at the cellular level include reduced cell survival and mitochondria-triggered cell death. Topping up L-histidine prevented that damage in lab studies. Now, while that doesn't prove gut issues cause eczema, it does reinforce the idea that L-histidine is important to skin AND gut barrier tissues. If you want to further improve your gut (because many people with AD also have a "leaky" gut), you can read more about another amino acid, l-glutathione.
Glutathione improves leaky gut primarily by acting as a potent antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut lining, which helps repair the intestinal barrier. It supports the health of the gut lining, promotes gut-specific immune function, and helps restore the balance of the gut microbiome, which are all crucial for healing intestinal permeability.
Antioxidants: keeping the skin barrier "wall" from "rusting".
When skin is subjected to irritants, scratching, microbes, and inflammation, it creates oxidative stress which damages lipids, ceramides, proteins, and DNA in the skin. Recent studies have shown that antioxidants for skin, whether consumed via diet (colorful fruits/veggies, certain vitamins) or topically applied via skincare products containing antioxidants, help to neutralize oxidative stress, thereby easing inflammation and supporting skin barrier repair.
Practical regimen you can share with your derm.
Foundational care (practiced every day):
- Moisturize morning and night and immediately after bathing to ensure moisture is sealed in.
- Use gentle cleansers and be sure to skip those with fragrances and harsh detergents/ingredients.
- Practice anti-itch habits like keeping nails short, applying cool compresses, and definitely consider using wet wraps during flares.
Where L-histidine fits in:
- L-histidine can be used as a non-steroidal adjunct to standard care. Clinical studies have shown that taking L-histidine once-daily can provide meaningful relief from eczema symptoms, especially itch.
Where antioxidants fit in:
- Diet first, skincare second. Eat a colorful plate of fruits and veggies. Supplement with antioxidants if you're too busy or travelling. Choose moisturizers specifically formulated for sensitive skin that help rebuild the skin barrier. Remember, antioxidants are meant to support your treatment regimen, not replace your prescriptions.
How this complements the "latest" therapies.
Today's modern therapies are more targeted than ever. A dermatologist may suggest step-ups if moisturizers and non-steroid options don't adequately control eczema symptoms. These include:
- Topicals:
- Corticosteroids chosen by potency and site (short courses to avoid TSW).
- Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for sensitive areas.
- Topical JAK inhibitors (ruxolitinib cream) useful for itch and inflammation without steroid side effects but still requiring safety monitoring.
- Light therapy: Narrowband UVB for moderate disease when topicals alone aren't enough.
- Systemics & biologics (the latest eczema treatment landscape):
- Biologics targeting type-2 inflammation such as:
- Dupilumab which targets the IL-4/IL-13 pathway, a long-standing treatment option.
- Tralokinumab which targets IL-13.
- Oral JAK inhibitors: Upadacitinib and abrocitinib for adolescents/adults with moderate-to-severe AD can provide fast itch relief but require lab monitoring and risk-benefit discussion.
Why do we mention all this? [3]
Because L-histidine and antioxidants can be used as additional support alongside proven therapies. Your derm can personalize the eczema treatment regimen based on your age, severity, other health issues, and goals.
Everyday analogies to make all this info click include:
- Skin Barrier = Brick wall. Filaggrin is the mortar and L-histidine is the cement mix your skin uses to make that mortar.
- Oxidative stress = Rust. Antioxidants are your anti-rust coating because while they don't fix broken bricks, they do mitigate the damage experienced by the skin barrier.
- Therapies = Tools. Moisturizers are your daily repair kit whereas prescriptions are power tools for bigger jobs. Using the right tools at the right time inhibits more cracks from occurring.
Prevention & lifestyle tips that stack the odds in your favor.
- Bathe smart: take short, lukewarm showers and moisturize immediately after.
- Fabric choices: opt for soft (ideally organic) cotton and be sure to avoid scratchy wool.
- Laundry: use fragrance-free detergents while avoiding the use of fabric softener sheets.
- Stress & poor sleep: Since both can trigger flares, try predictable wind-down routines to avoid stress and prioritize quality sleep. Use melatonin if needed.
- Diet: Practice protein-adequate, plant-forward eating habits to ensure regular consumption/introduction of amino acids (including L-histidine) together with natural antioxidants for skin barrier maintenance and repair. If you suspect potential food triggers, don't restrict randomly but instead speak with your physician first.
FAQ
Does L-histidine help with eczema?
Clinical studies have shown that it can, in fact, help. Two small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that once-daily oral L-histidine consumption for 4 to 12 weeks improved eczema scores (SCORAD) by ~34-39% in adults in 4 weeks and 49% in kids in 12 weeks, while placebo did not.
Is there a supplement for filaggrin?
While you can't take filaggrin directly, consuming L-histidine, a major component of filaggrin, can help your skin build and process filaggrin and produce more NMF (your skin's natural humectants). It's one of the key L-histidine benefits for skin barrier function.
What is the modern treatment for atopic dermatitis?
A multi-step plan/regimen involving the use of moisturizers coupled with AD trigger control; improving skin and gut barrier integrity; re-balancing the gut microbiome; phototherapy; prescription topicals (steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, ruxolitinib cream); and for tougher cases, biologics (e.g., lebrikizumab, nemolizumab) and oral JAK inhibitors (upadacitinib, abrocitinib). Your physician can create a tailored regimen based on severity, age, and safety. They can also test your gut microbiome and gut barrier health.
Who should not take L-histidine?
If you have a histamine allergy, you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have significant nutrient deficiencies, or take multiple medications, talk to your physician first. Start low, observe carefully, and use reputable products.
What is the number one cure for eczema?
Currently, there is no "cure" for eczema. The goal is to control it with fewer flares, less itch, and better sleep. While many people do well with consistent skin barrier care coupled with the targeted prescription, supplementation with L-histidine and antioxidants can further optimize results.
Conclusion
For those suffering from eczema, symptom management is very serious business. While both traditional and modern therapies involving prescription medicines can bring relief, it may come at a cost due to the potentially serious side effects associated with their use.
Supporting these medicines with natural, plant-based treatment options can further optimize eczema relief and if appropriate, may allow for slowly weening off their use altogether, which would certainly represent a kind of "holy grail" achievement.
Call to Action
At Codex Labs, we believe that we may have discovered the "holy grail" eczema sufferers have been looking for. Our solution utilizes a one-two, inside-out approach to treating eczema symptoms. We have developed age/dose-appropriate eczema relief systems that address the problem from the inside & out. For adults (18+) there is the SKIN BARRIER ECZEMA RELIEF SYSTEM, an inside & out advanced 30-day system specifically designed to reinforce the skin barrier, combat oxidative stress in the body, and provide relief to itchy, compromised skin. Then there is the "Clinician's Choice" SKIN BARRIER ECZEMA RELIEF SYSTEM for Teens (13-18) supported and favored by 230 independent clinicians for its ability to replenish the skin barrier while reducing irritation and itch. For younger children we have the SKIN BARRIER RELIEF SYSTEM (Kids 4-12) and the SKIN BARRIER RELIEF SYSTEM (Toddler 1-3). And last, but certainly not least, there is the SKIN BARRIER ECZEMA RELIEF SYSTEM for INFANTS (3-12 months) to bring desperately needed eczema relief to both them and their families. If you or someone you know and care about suffers from eczema, the Codex Labs' "holy grail" eczema relief systems are just what their irritated, itchy skin has been searching for. How can we be so sure? Because we have the clinical data to prove it!
References:
1. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis
