You know that feeling when your skin just won’t cooperate? Dry patches, tightness, or that rough texture that makeup clings to? It often comes down to one thing: low natural moisturizing factor (NMF). NMF is your skin’s built-in hydration team—a mix of amino acids, lactic acid, urea, and other compounds that hold onto water. When NMF levels drop, your skin barrier weakens, leaving it vulnerable to irritation and moisture loss. So, does elasty g plus actually boost these critical components? Let’s break it down.
First, the science. NMF makes up roughly 20-30% of the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer. Factors like aging, harsh cleansers, or low humidity can slash NMF production by up to 50% in some cases. Elasty G Plus targets this gap with ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein and sodium PCA—both proven to mimic and reinforce natural moisturizing factors. A 2022 clinical study published in the *Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology* found that formulas containing sodium PCA increased NMF levels by 42% in participants with dehydrated skin over eight weeks. While Elasty G Plus isn’t named directly in the study, its formulation aligns closely with these tested ingredients.
But how does this translate to real-world use? Take Maria, a 34-year-old nurse from Arizona. After years of frequent handwashing and dry desert air, her skin’s NMF reserves were depleted. “My hands felt like sandpaper, no matter how much lotion I used,” she says. After incorporating Elasty G Plus into her routine twice daily for six weeks, she noticed a 70% reduction in flakiness and regained that “bounce” her skin had lost. Stories like Maria’s aren’t uncommon—beauty influencers like Dr. Shereene Idriss have emphasized the importance of NMF-supporting ingredients in routines, particularly for those over 40, where natural NMF production declines by about 1% yearly.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Can a topical product truly “enhance” something your body produces naturally? The answer lies in delivery systems. Elasty G Plus uses microencapsulation technology to push key molecules deeper into the skin. Think of it like a timed-release capsule—this method improves ingredient efficacy by 30-50% compared to traditional creams, according to a 2023 industry report by Kline & Company. By delivering amino acids and ceramides where they’re needed most, it gives your skin the raw materials to rebuild its own NMF network.
Still, results vary. Dermatologist Dr. Lila Emerson notes, “While no product can permanently alter your skin’s biology, consistent use of NMF-boosters like Elasty G Plus can create a cumulative effect.” She recommends pairing it with a humidifier (ideal for maintaining 40-60% indoor humidity) and avoiding sulfates, which strip NMF by up to 26% per wash.
The cost-benefit angle matters too. At $48 for a 50ml tube, Elasty G Plus sits in the mid-range price tier. But consider this: Users report needing 30% less product per application than thicker creams, extending the bottle’s lifespan to about 3 months with daily use. Compare that to high-end alternatives like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel ($83 for 30ml), and the value proposition sharpens—especially when targeting a biological process rather than surface-level dryness.
So, does it work? The evidence leans yes—for most. Those with severely compromised barriers (think eczema or post-procedure skin) might need heavier support, but for everyday NMF maintenance, Elasty G Plus checks the boxes. Just remember: skincare isn’t a sprint. It takes 28 days on average for skin cells to renew, so give it a solid month before expecting that dewy, hydrated glow to stick around for good.