DMAE: discover the powerful anti-wrinkle

Over the years, the production of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction, is gradually reduced in the body. For this reason, the muscles become looser and wrinkles appear. Skin aging starts knocking at the door.

In order to control and compensate the body’s natural aging and minimize its effects, several alternatives are being tested. One of these alternatives is DMAE, the name given to dimethylaminoethanol, a substance with tensor effects that improves sagging, expression lines and wrinkles and is found in fish and also reproduced in the laboratory.

What is DMAE?

Dimethylaminoethanol, more popularly known as DMAE, is a substance found mainly in fish, such as salmon, sardines and anchovies and was discovered by chance by American dermatologist Nicholas Perricone. Initially reproduced in the laboratory, with the aim of treating cases of hyperactivity, mild depression and memory, it was observed that the drug stiffened the neck and left the patients’ skin tight. It was then that the rejuvenating power of DMAE was discovered.

From just a neurological remedy, the substance became responsible for the improvement of facial sagging due to the tensor effect it has. Adepts claim that when applied to the face, DMAE leaves the skin firmer and tighter, improves contour, softens creases and wrinkles, providing a more youthful appearance.

The cream does not act on the superficial or deeper layers of the skin, but on muscle contraction. Therefore, it is not necessary to avoid the sun or fear flaking. In contact with the skin, DMAE increases levels of acetylcholine, which is an important neurotransmitter in muscle contraction. In addition, it stimulates collagen production.

Substance benefits and advantages

Here are the main positive aspects of using products that contain DMAE:

• It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action;
• Improves skin tone, elasticity and firmness;
• Increases skin stiffness by nourishing the facial muscles;
• It has immediate and cumulative effect;
• It acts on the plasma membrane, decreasing the concentration of Free Radicals (responsible for aging);
• Reduction of sagging;
• Younger appearance to the eye area, lips, eyelids, neck and décolleté.

Scratchs

Studies reveal that very high concentrations of the substance DMAE can lead to muscle paralysis. In some cases there may be an allergy to the substance.

One of the studies carried out with the substance pointed out that it caused the death of fibroblasts (connective tissue cells). The reason for this would be the fact that DMAE causes fibroblasts to swell and, in the process, some could die. In this case, the consequences would be skin with more collagen, but thicker.

According to dermatologist Silvia Santilli, if used indiscriminately, DMAE can cause long-term damage to the skin: “DMAE has shown, in some studies, to worsen sagging in the long term, especially at higher concentrations. The ideal is to assess the real need in each case and adapt the treatment to the skin reactions”, she concludes.

Where to find and buy creams with DMAE?

DMAE is most commonly found in the form of creams, gels, and lotions. Today there are already products available for sale containing DMAE, but the substance can also be handled in specialized pharmacies.

In addition, DMAE can also be injected under the skin or even taken in capsule form. In the case of the injectable procedure, DMAE is applied to the musculature or the most superficial layer of the skin, the dermis.

The substance administered through capsules also promises to offer the same effects as creams and injections. In addition to benefits for skin improvement, decreased sagging, and increased collagen production, the capsules also promise to help with longevity, reducing physical and mental fatigue and increasing concentration. DMAE increases the amount of chemicals in the central nervous system and therefore helps with reasoning.

It is worth mentioning that, in all cases, the indication of use should always be made by a specialist doctor, in this case, your dermatologist.

Discover other anti-wrinkle options and invest in prevention

According to dermatologist Silvia Santilli, the scientifically proven products with regard to the treatment and prevention of wrinkles are acids (retinoic, glycolic) and sunscreens: “these products have active principles scientifically studied in order to improve and prevent skin aging , not just wrinkles, such as sagging and blemishes, for example. There are those that act to increase collagen production and skin renewal, such as retinoic acid, for example; there are antioxidants, which slow down the aging process by fighting free radicals; there are bleaching agents that work at different stages of the formation of stains; deep moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, for example; the tensors, which firm the skin and are used for the so-called “Cinderella effect”, the indication depends on the needs of each one”, he guides.

Despite so many options, prevention is still the best option when it comes to skin health. According to Silvia, it is very important to invest in preventing the appearance of wrinkles from a young age: “the main anti-wrinkle product is still sunscreen, as it acts on the cause of aging. Moisturizers and vitamin c-based products, for example, can also be used without problems”.