ALA is an antioxidant required for proper daily function in our body. It is one of the most common ingredients in skincare products.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is also known as lipoic acid, thioctic acid, and 6, 8-dithiooctanoic acid. Although our body can synthesize ALA (alpha lipoic acid), it can also find in our diet.
If you are new to this ingredient and are concerned about the safety of ALA for your skin, then this article is for you. Let’s explore the ingredient’s benefits and how to add them to your skincare routine.
What is alpha-lipoic acid, and where can you find it?
ALA is an organosulfur compound derived from caprylic acid, which is found in organ meat (kidney, liver, and hearts of animals like goats and chickens) that humans consume and in plant sources like broccoli, spinach, tomato, etc.
What does alpha-lipoic acid do to the skin?
- Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that helps our skin by protecting it from free radicals produced by exposure to UV light; it therefore also acts as an anti-aging agent.
- A 2019 study shows ALA decreases the biosynthesis of melanin. This improves skin tone by inducing depigmentation.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Benefits for Skin
We need alpha-lipoic acid to slow down our aging process, decrease inflammation, and treat hyperpigmentation.
There is limited research on ALA for the skin, but its main function is as an antioxidant that can protect our skin from harmful rays.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of Alpha lipoic acid on the skin.
Help with hyperpigmentation or skin whitening
ALA improves pigmentation and epidermal thickening, as proved in an examination study in 2019 with Nano capsule technology. Researchers suggest the use of ALA for topical application which helps in the whitening of the skin and improves skin tone.
Anti-aging
- A 2011 study concluded that ALA is a powerful anti-aging agent that can protect our skin from photodamage and aging. Which as results promote youthful skin and we may look younger.
- It also protects our skin from pollution, which causes stress, and other environmental stress.
Anti-wrinkle
- The efficacy as an anti-wrinkle effect was also found in a study done with the dispersion of alpha-lipoic acid.
- The result of the study shows a reduction of facial lines and an overall improvement in skin color and texture.
Does alpha-lipoic acid help acne?
Research on ALA for improving acne is limited. But the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this ingredient will help to control acne.
Alpha-lipoic acid side effects
Generally, topical applications of alpha-lipoic acid are safe to use under 5%. A higher dose may cause symptoms of skin irritation, rashes, itchiness, and redness.
The best way to use alpha-lipoic acid
Dermatologists and skin experts recommended the use of ALA in a concentration of 1–5 percent in the form of creams and gels. A product containing alpha-lipoic acid used as a moisturizer helps to prevent photo-aging.
Generally, using ALA is safe for the skin, but if you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before using it.
Which products contain alpha-lipoic acid?
Mainly, alpha-lipoic acid supplements are found, but nowadays, skincare products also contain this miracle ingredient in it. You can get it online or at any medical store.
You can find ALA products online here
In this video, a doctor explains the skin benefits of alpha-lipoic acid.
FAQ’s
Q.How long does it take to see results from alpha-lipoic acid?
Ans. A 2013 study found that after the application of alpha-lipoic acid to the skin, it takes 7 days to heal a wound. Therefore, you may assume it will show its result within a week.
Q. Can I use moisturizer after alpha-lipoic acid?
Ans. Many moisturizing products contain alpha-lipoic acid; if not, you can use a moisturizing product afterward.
Q. Does alpha-lipoic acid cause skin rashes?
Ans. Dermatologists consider ALA safe to use, but at higher doses, it may have some side effects like skin rash and itching, so before using it, do a patch test to ensure that it is right for you.
Conclusion
Alpha lipoic acid is made in our body in small amounts and is used in the daily functions of our body. Due to its antioxidant properties and health benefits, this can be used orally and topically as well. This is safe to use for any skin type.
Are you using a product containing alpha-lipoic acid?
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Also read
- Should you avoid parabens in skincare?
- What does glycolic acid do to the skin?
- Why Should Sulfates Be Avoided?
Resources
- Effects of alpha lipoic acid on smoking-induced skin damage. https://doi.org/10.3109/15569527.2016.1154069
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7927099/
- Isaac VLB. (2015). Rheology as a tool to predict the release of alpha-lipoic acid from emulsions used for the prevention of skin aging. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/818656
- Evaluation of lipoic acid topical application on rats skin wound healing.
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-86502013001000004 - Kubota Y, et al. (2019). Novel nanocapsule of α-lipoic acid reveals pigmentation improvement: α-Lipoic acid stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocyte in murine skin by topical application. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.13828
- Matsugo S. (2011). Photochemical stability of lipoic acid and its impact on skin ageing. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3109/10715762.2011.587420 - Salehi B, et al. (2019). Insights on the use of a-lipoic acid for therapeutic purposes.
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9080356 - The clinical efficacy of cosmeceutical application of liquid crystalline nanostructured dispersions of alpha lipoic acid as anti-wrinkle. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2013.09.008