ALA proves beneficial to the human skin mainly by virtue of its potential antioxidant ability. The universal antioxidant inhibits cross-linking and thereby slows the aging process. It safeguards from wrinkling of the skin, hardening of the arteries, and stiffening of the joints. In one short-term study, a high dose of ALA was found to reduce mild-to-moderate wrinkles by up to 50 percent. In another study, ALA Cream usage resulted in a significant improvement in the appearance of certain types of scars.
ALA acts as a co-factor in a key biochemical pathway responsible for the production of energy in the cells (citric acid cycle). ALA exhibits a moderate anti-inflammatory effect and has a modest capacity to neutralize and eliminate a variety of toxic metals from the body. However, serious scientific research is required for the confident prescription of ALA Cream as a wrinkle cure option. Even then, the use of ALA Cream can be tried as a preferable remedy, because of its relative safety as compared to other marketed agents such as Retin A, vitamin C or glycolic acid.
One of the most significant disadvantages of ALA use is its high market cost. However, because of the ready availability of the R-form lipoic acid in the market, it is always preferential to home-prepare the cream for self-usage. This also helps optimize the dosage required. It should also be noted that only R-lipoic acid holds the efficiency to improve cellular energy production and reduce inflammation.
The topical products of Dr. Perricone, based on Alpha Lipoic Acid and vitamin C, include: N.V. Perricone ALA Nutritive Cleanser (to tone the skin), N.V. Perricone Vitamin C Ester Amine Complex Face Lift (lifts the skin and helps treat underlying causes of inelastic skin), N.V. Perricone ALA Eye Area Therapy (to nourish, restore, and protect the eye), N.V. Perricone ALA Lip Plumper (enhances fullness, contour and color of lips), N.V. Perricone ALA Evening Facial Emollient (to smooth, renew, and refine the skin overnight), and N.V. Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer (to soothe, hydrate, and protect skin).
