Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA; Thioctic Acid) is a potent antioxidant, naturally found in our body. It is also a metabolic antioxidant, as it is involved in energy production, working in the mitochondria and being part of the citric acid cycle. This quick-acting, all-powerful antioxidant - believed by many to be the most potent known to man - can be found in the energy center of every cell in the human body.
Its unique characteristics as a universal antioxidant (it's fat- and water-soluble) give Alpha Lipoic Acid access to all parts of the cell, where it's free to do what it does best: lower inflammation, erase fine lines and wrinkles, shrink pores, reduce undereye puffiness, improve circulation, brighten complexions and protect and boost the effectiveness of such antioxidants like Vitamins C, E, and glutathione.
Alpha Lipoic acid protects the skin against UV radiation from the sun and others responsible for the generation of free radicals and photoaging. Due to its effect on nitric oxide and the nuclear transcription factor - factor KAPPA – B (NFK–B) Thioctic Acid leaves a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.
Ingredients
What are the benefits of Alpha-lipoic acid?
Without question, Alpha-lipoic acid is one of the most remarkable of all dietary antioxidants. Yet it does much more.
Protects cells inside and out
Many antioxidants function in only one type of environment, such as vitamin E in fatty tissues and vitamin C in the watery milieu of cells. In contrast, alpha-lipoic acid is determined by its ability to function in both the hydrophilic and lipophilic parts of the cell. Combined with its other properties, this characteristic enables alpha-lipoic acid to act as one of the most diverse antioxidants.
Antioxidants scavenge dangerous active compounds known as free radicals that can damage cell membranes, DNA, and other structures, leaving adverse effects on skin aging. A potent free radical scavenger in its own right, alpha-lipoic acid is routinely converted in the body to dihydrolipoic acid, another highly efficient antioxidant. Together, these two forms of alpha-lipoic acid neutralize a wide variety of free radicals. The skin depends on various dermal cell-protecting antioxidants to maintain health and functionality. However, the myriad roles of alpha-lipoic acid distinguish it from most other antioxidants.
Extends other antioxidants' life
After antioxidants quench free radicals, they are, in a manner of speaking, “used up.” So again, alpha-lipoic acid comes to the fore to enhance the free radical scavenging power of the formula containing other ingredients with the same purpose. It plays a central role in what cosmetic manufacturers call the “antioxidant network.” ALA helps recycle and replenish vitamins E and C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10 – all-important ingredients, enabling them to extend their natural lifespans.Because of its distinctive chemical structure, alpha-lipoic acid also helps the body produce a more powerful antioxidant, glutathione. In addition, research has also shown that antioxidants are synergistic and, as a team, have greater free-radical quenching properties in complex formulas than individual antioxidants. These exceptional qualities make Thioctic Acid the universal antioxidant and excellent ingredient for skincare products.
Protects cell integrity
Thioctic Acid can also help maintain cell integrity in the face of biological threats or damaging environmental factors. It inhibits the gene transcription factor (Nuclear factor-kappa B or NF-κB) that promotes cell destruction in the skin and other tissues, preserving normal function and improving viability.
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