Everyone desires glowing, youthful skin. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that can help you achieve radiant skin. This potent antioxidant fights free-radical damage caused by pollution and sun exposure. ALA helps your skin look brighter, smoother, and younger. Let's dive deeper into alpha-lipoic acid benefits for the skin and how this antioxidant can transform your skin.
Understanding Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
ALA or alpha-lipoic acid is a natural compound, that the human body produces. ALA has exceptional antioxidant qualities and can function in cell environments that are both fat and water-soluble, earning it the moniker of ‘universal antioxidant’. (1)
Because of its two-fold purpose, alpha-lipoic acid benefits the skin. ALA can neutralize a wider range of free radicals, which makes it an effective protection against oxidative stress.
According to research, (2) ALA is considered more effective at reducing oxidative stress than Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Benefits For Skin
Now that we know about the powerful antioxidant qualities, let us see how alpha-lipoic acid benefits the skin.
#1 Combats Free Radicals
Unstable molecules called free radicals are responsible for wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and premature aging. By neutralizing these dangerous free radicals, ALA shields your skin from oxidative stress.
#2 Reduces Toxins
Alpha-lipoic acid is known to flush out toxins. ALA binds with toxic elements like mercury, arsenic, iron, and other metals that act as free radicals on the skin. It can boost your body's natural detoxification process and promote a clearer, more radiant complexion.
#3 Boosts Collagen Production
Collagen gives skin its firmness and elasticity, but the skin loses its elasticity as we age. ALA increases the production of collagen, which lessens the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines.
#4 Improves Dull Skin
A stressful life leads to dull skin. One of the best benefits of alpha-lipoic acid for skin is it can reduce the dullness of the skin. ALA makes parched, greying skin look more radiant and youthful by regulating melanin production. (3)
#5 Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines
The restorative properties of this compound are excellent for reducing wrinkles and fine lines. ALA can deeply penetrate the skin, fasten the process of collagen production, and slow down premature aging.
#6 Reduces Inflammation in the Skin
The anti-inflammatory properties of ALA, can soothe irritated skin and reduce the redness. This makes it effective for skin conditions like acne and eczema. (3)
#7 Protects the Skin Against Sun Damage
UV radiation of the sun is one of the biggest enemies of your skin. ALA can provide extra protection by scavenging free radicals produced by UV radiation. However, sunscreen is still necessary, as it gives added protection from UV damage and protects the skin from hyperpigmentation.
How to Incorporate ALA into Your Skincare Routine for Radiant Skin
ALA or alpha-lipoic acid is a very adaptable antioxidant. This enzyme is found in all living things, including plants and humans. However, with age, the production of this enzyme can be depleted. You can easily boost ALA in your body by maintaining a good diet or by supplementation.
Let us look at some of the ways to incorporate ALA in your routine.
Diet
A good diet plays a big part in boosting alpha-lipoic acid in the body. ALA is easily found in plants and a diet with ALA-rich foods can help to boost the levels in the body.
Here are some alpha-lipoic acid rich foods that you can include in your diet.
- Flaxseed
- Soybean
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Potato
- beetroot
- Pumpkin seed
- Tofu
- Walnuts
- Canola oil
Supplements
The quantity of ALA in food is relatively small, which is why supplementing is a good option to boost alpha-lipoic acid in the body. ALA gummies for skin glow can help you considerably to incorporate this enzyme in your system.
Topical Application
With the ever-increasing demand for optimal skincare, you can find a product rich in ALA for topical application.
Takeaway
Remember, consistency is the key to radiant glowing skin. Regular consumption of food rich in Alpha-lipoic acid or health gummies with ALA can give you results in under 60 days. However, do not forget to apply sunscreen generously every time you go out in the sun. Protecting the skin from sun damage is a basic necessity for protection against further damage.
Alpha-lipoic acid benefits for skin are plenty, but leading a healthy lifestyle with nutritious food, good hydration levels, less stress, and a healthy sleep cycle is important when you want to achieve radiant glowing skin.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25620240/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119305887
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17218103/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21166725/