Alpha Lipoic Acid The Miracle Nutrient Now Used In Anti Aging Skin Care Formulas
Many of us are aware of the benefits of taking antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, the mineral selenium, and the amino acid Acetyl L- carnitine. They have shown to be beneficial for our health, but they are also essential for healthy skin. Another important antioxidant nutrient that was discovered over 50 years ago that is now being added to anti-aging skin care formulas is called alpha lipoic acid. This remarkable natural substance is found in all of our cells, and is a more powerful antioxidant than vitamins A, C, or E. This nutrient can be taken orally, and is available in dosages as low as 50 milligrams (mg.), and up to a maximum of 600 mg. per capsule. It is not only helpful in treating a variety of skin conditions, but it can also help certain health conditions.
Do you suffer from inflamed skin? Do you have blackheads, whiteheads or acne scars on your skin? Acne is a skin condition that afflicts millions of people. Fortunately, there are a number of products on the market, both chemical and natural, that can successfully help treat this condition. Most people that suffer from this condition take antibiotics, or use a prescribed topical lotion that contains benzoyl peroxide. Since there are side effects associated with the use of these chemical topical formulas, many people have chosen to treat this cosmetic problem naturally. Over the years, we have seen a number of formulas that contain botanicals, essential oils, and antioxidants since they can achieve skin enhancing benefits without harmful side effects. In the case of acne scars, a study was performed testing a topically applied alpha lipoic acid skin cream to determine if it would reduce or eliminate these skin blemishes. After several months of treatment, a significant improvement was noted in the reduction of acne scars. In addition, this natural compound did not cause the stinging, redness, or irritation normally experienced with the use of benzoyl peroxide based products.
Another troublesome skin condition similar to acne is rosacea. The symptoms of this skin condition include facial redness and broken blood vessels in the skin. This problem can cause some people to shy away from social situations, since it gives the appearance of a drinkers face. A prevailing belief of many medical authorities today is that inflammation is at the root cause of any disease, and rosacea is no exception. Our personal appearance is very important to most of us, and the medical profession is able to control this condition with the use of antibiotics. Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to be very helpful in reducing the redness associated with this condition. Additionally, this natural skin cream does not cause inflammation to the skin when topically applied. This treatment choice is an option for those people that would like to avoid taking antibiotics in order to control this skin condition. Certainly, you should consult with your doctor to determine if antibiotic therapy should be combined with a skin cream containing this natural compound. Many of the topical prescription lotions have been claimed to cause redness since they are inflammatory.
As we age, some of us may develop bags, or dark circles under our eyes. In my case, if I dont get the proper amount of sleep, I will tend to develop a sallow complexion. This yellowish appearance of my skin is caused by inflammation resulting from free radical damage to our skin cells. Alpha lipoic acid is an effective anti-aging skin care nutrient, and is helpful in treating this skin problem since it has anti-inflammatory properties. It is very effective at reducing swelling under the eyes, and many people have stated that they didnt need cosmetic surgery to correct that problem. In order to avoid having those skin symptoms, you should try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, not smoke, and keep your alcohol consumption to a bare minimum.
Besides its anti-aging skin care enhancing effects, this amazing nutrient has shown to be beneficial in treating certain health conditions. Diabetes is a degenerative disease which can occur as a result of heredity, or by a diet that is high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. It is important to reduce or eliminate those high glycemic foods in your diet, since they turn to sugar quickly in the blood stream. Alpha lipoic acid is beneficial in treating diabetes since it quickly removes glucose from the bloodstream. When people eat foods high in sugar, it will also have a deleterious effect on their skin. Inflammation will result because of the rapid rise in one’s blood sugar.
Hepatitis is a serious health condition resulting from a virus that attacks the liver. It is mainly contracted from blood and body fluids. There are a number of drug therapies available such as interferon, and the antiviral drug entecavir is also used to treat this disease. Alternative physicians have prescribed alpha lipoic acid at a dosage of about 600 to 1800 mg. per day. They have also included in their protocol other antioxidants, such as selenium, Vitamin C, and botanical herbs like milk thistle, and dandelion root. This treatment approach has been very successful for those suffering with Hepatitis C. Individuals utilizing this type of treatment noticed an increase in their energy levels, and, as a result, they did not need to consider having a liver transplant. Alpha lipoic acid is a good detoxifier, and is beneficial for individuals suffering from hepatitis since it helps rid the body of toxic waste.
The beneficial results of this remarkable nutrient have been documented, and we should consider making it a part of our daily anti-aging skin care regimen. We should not wait until our skin appears lifeless, dry, wrinkled, or shows other signs of aging before applying an alpha lipoic acid skin cream. Instead, we should consider practicing a preventative approach by using a formula containing this nutrient while our skin is still healthy. A healthy lifestyle including a balanced wholesome diet, exercise, and an antioxidant supplement regimen is also important and will help treat our skin from within. So, if you would like to lessen or erase wrinkles, eliminate crows feet, and reduce the swelling under your eyes, utilizing this nutrient in topical and supplemental form will help you attain a more youthful appearance, while improving the condition of your skin at the same time!