What Is ALA Skin Cream?

Beauty, Home & Family
on September 26, 2011
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Antioxidants have long been understood to combat the damage to cells caused by the aging process. Knowing which antioxidants are effective is a challenge. Read on to discover what ALA skin cream is and how it can help you fight the aging process by revealing younger looking skin.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a useful antioxidant. But what does that mean, exactly? ALA is a fatty acid found in every cell of the human body. It has been dubbed the universal antioxidant because it is both fat- and water-soluble — a rather unique achievement. This means ALA is able to penetrate cell membranes more completely than other compounds. Antioxidants are good because they scavenge for, bind to and eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are unstable compounds that damage human DNA cells in ways that are visible to the eye and destructive to health. ALA is also thought to assist in boosting the presence of other helpful antioxidants, like vitamin C. (Note that the abbreviated term ALA should not to be confused with alpha linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid found in nuts, seeds and vegetables.)

What is ALA used to treat? Alpha lipoic acid is versatile. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ALA is potentially useful in treating stroke-related reduced brain function, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, cancer, alcohol-related liver disease, diabetes and Lyme disease. Recently, ALA has also been touted as a super effective treatment for aging skin. ALA boasts devotees such as famous dermatologist to the stars Dr. Nicholas Perricone, who offers an eponymous skincare line with ALA and even an alpha lipoic acid dietary supplement. Check with your own physician before taking supplements, especially if you take medication for conditions, like diabetes, that might react adversely to ALA supplements.

The bottom line is ALA creams can give skin a youthful, healthy glow. Famous skin doctors and anti-aging researchers feel that ALA creams help stave off and repair age-related skin damage. Since the compound penetrates the skin barrier and goes deep into skin layers, it is able to protect against and fight free radical damage that causes wrinkles and signs of aging than other compounds and creams.

Food is a great source for alpha lipoic acid. Eat your ALAs to support your skin and skin care regime. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states that food sources of ALA occur naturally in foods bound to lipoyllysine such as organ meats — kidney, heart and liver — spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, peas and Brussels sprouts.