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| Alpha lipoic acid, like other antioxidants
of its kind, gives great protection against free-radical damage done to the
cell. What makes many believe it to be superior to other antioxidants is that
it is a “universal antioxidant.” This means that it is soluble in
both water and oil, allowing it to enter all portions of the cell. It is this
measure of solubility that determines which portion of the cell the antioxidant
can protect. Because it can enter all portions of the cell, alpha lipoic acid
can give the greatest protection against damaging free-radicals of all antioxidants.
According to Dr. N.V Perricone, the assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, certain antioxidants can actually slow down the aging of the skin. However, in order for this to occur, antioxidants must possess certain properties. They must be able to attract the free-radical, they must reside in the targeted area, they must be nontoxic, and they must act as an anti-inflammatory. Any process that causes inflammation in the cell accelerates the aging process. Alpha lipoic acid meets all of these criteria and in a topical formula has been shown to be readily absorbed into the skin.
Dr. Perricone’s extensive studies have demonstrated that alpha lipoic acid can be a powerful agent in the treatment of aging skin. These studies have also concluded that it also has a soothing effect on irritated skin, acts as a very powerful anti-inflammatory, gives the skin a healthy glow, helps diminish fine lines, and prevents redness associated with exposure to UV rays. Alpha lipoic acid has also been shown to boost the levels of other antioxidants, like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, giving further protection from damaging free-radicals. |
