Lifting Ingredients In Anti-Aging Creams -

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)

What is DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) also known as DMAE Bitartrate, dimethylethanolamine, N,N-dimethyl-2-aminoethanol, beta-dimethylaminoethyl alcohol, beta-hydroxyethyldimethylamine. Dimethylaminoethanol is related to choline and is a biochemical precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. DMAE has been available in Europe under the product name Deanol for over 30 years. Researches around about DMAE mostly relates to its effect as an oral supplement. As an oral supplement it is popularly known for improving mental alertness. Because acetylcholine is a brain neurotransmitter, it’s easy to see how it could be associated with brain function (mental alertness). In a number of studies, DMAE has been shown to reduce age-related decline in cognitive ability and memory.

DMAE was also found to modestly increase life span of laboratory animals. An intriguing finding in some DMAE studies was that it reduced the accumulation of lipofuscin deposits inside cells. Lipofuscin is a cellular pigment, tends to accumulate in the cells of older people. Lipofuscin accumulation in aged people is considered an marker of aging. Neurons, heart and skin of older people usually contain particularly large amounts of lipofiscin. (see our article on lipofiscin accumulation and aging).

DMAE and skin connection

The DMAE-skin connection is less well researched. It has been demonstrated that DMAE causes some degree of skin tightening. DMAE won’t accomplish anything a well-performed surgical face lift can achieve, or even a laser skin tightening procedure, but it is not useless either. In fact, DMAE may be the first agent proven in a study to have at least some positive effect on facial sag. Topical DMAE has been called, mostly by skin care ads and media, “the facelift in a jar.” However, it remains unclear how DMAE firms the skin. Besides, even though DMAE can’t fully reverse the existing facial sag, it may reduce its further progression. Some people report a cumulative effect with continued use of DMAE.

Advantages of DMAE include: it is stable and does not require special stabilization like vitamin C, and it is easy to disperse in a topical vehicle. DMAE is a simple chemical and is a cheap ingredient to manufacture.

DMAE safety issue

The safety of DMAE is a serious concern. On one hand, it has been extensively used in skin care since the 90s without widespread reports of obvious skin damage. This makes major toxicity of commonly used strengths unlikely. However, this does not rule out a possibility of low-level skin damage. A 2007 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology raised concerns about DMAE’s potential to damage skin cells. It has been advised by some web site, “it may be prudent not to exceed the strength of 1% of DMAE and watch out for any adverse effects, such as skin irritation.”

Best Anti-Aging Skin Care Topical Producrts Contain DMAE : AlphaDerma CE