Thanks to its incredibly high potency, ALA doesn’t need to be used daily for your skin to start reaping the benefits. In fact, many people see results after as little as a week of use. So, what is this super-acid? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Alpha Lipoic Acid, like so many great skincare ingredients, is an antioxidant produced naturally by your body. However, the quantities produced are at such a low level that people are increasingly looking for ways to supplement their levels of ALA through other sources. Food sources including spinach, broccoli and organ meats including liver and heart all contain ALA, but for targetted skin benefits, it’s best applied externally.The topic of many scientific studies, Alpha Lipoic Acid is thought to be a potential aid in a wide number of health conditions, including diabetes, HIV and liver disease. This is thanks to its combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While findings are as yet inconclusive, what we do know is that it’s a fantastic compound for skincare.
How Does It Work?
At a cellular level, ALA assists the body in fighting free radicals and preventing oxidation of cells. This is the damage that, among many other health problems, can result in the premature ageing of the skin. When applied topically, Alpha Lipoic Acid penetrates the surface layers of the skin and begins to work its magic. The skin has a brighter, more youthful appearance and benefits from the cellular protection that ALA offers.When used at high concentrations, ALA should be used infrequently to avoid skin sensitivity, but the skincare products we highlight in this article all use ALA in lower concentrations to avoid this occurring.Who Can Benefit From Using Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Alpha Lipoic Acid’s powerful antioxidant properties make it a fantastic tool for all skin, but particularly when used for anti-ageing. Whether you have dry or oily mature skin, or you simply want to brighten your complexion, you’d do well to consider ALA. As it is soluble in both water and oil, it is effortlessly blended into a range of products targetting the various skin types, so you’re sure to find something that works for you.What Products Contain Alpha Lipoic Acid?
At allbeauty, we stock two main brands which use ALA as a key ingredient, Perricone MD and The Organic Pharmacy. Which product you opt for is solely down to your own personal preference and at which stage in your routine you want to introduce Alpha Lipoic Acid.
ALA Activator/SerumFor a daily dose of skin brightening and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, the Perricone MD High Potency Face Firming Serumis a crowd favourite. Used after cleansing and before moisturising, just a pump or two will make a difference to your complexion.
Perricone MD TreatmentsHigh Potency Classics Face Firming Serum 59ml
ALA MoisturiserWhen it comes to daily anti-ageing treatment, you can’t do better than combining powerful antioxidants with a preventative SPF. Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer does just that, combining moisturising properties with ALA, Vitamin C and the added protection of an SPF30.Perricone MD MoisturisersVitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening MoisturiserSPF30 59ml
ALA CreamIs your skin feeling lacklustre? A'kin Intense Hydration Day & Night Cream is the ticket to brighter, younger-looking skin. With shea butter, aloe and rosehip oil, it’s the perfect pick-me-up for tired skin.
A'kin Facial Care Intense Hydration Day & Night Cream 50mlWas this helpful? If so, you can view all of our Alpha Lipoic Acid products and read similar articles at allbeauty.com/Ingredients
