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Senior Citizen Alerts
Anti-Wrinkle Compound Found to Cause Pathological
Reaction in Skin Cells
Researchers call for more study to see if DMAE is
safe
April 11, 2007 – Before you rub that next treatment
of anti-wrinkle cream on your face, you may want to check the label to
see if it contains DMAE. In a report on the study of how this compound
commonly used in many anti-wrinkle products works, researchers have
found a pathological reaction in skin cells and call for “serious
research” to determine if it poses a health risk. Their conclusion about
the mode of action of DMAE appears in the latest edition of the British
Journal of Dermatology.
DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is used in many
anti-wrinkle products dubbed "instant anti-aging face-lifts." This
compound, as well as other chemically similar ones, are also found in
cosmetics, creams, lipsticks, shampoos, soaps, and baby lotions,
although the way they work is not been understood.
Guillaume Morissette, Lucie Germain, and François
Marceau of the Université Laval’s Faculty of Medicine, Quebec City, did
the new research.
In vitro tests (using cells and tissues outside the
body in an artificial environment) conducted by Dr. Marceau’s team
revealed that the application of DMAE induces a quick and spectacular
swelling of skin cell vacuoles (tissue cavity) called fibroblasts, which
act as reservoirs and interface between the inside and the outside of
the cell.
In the hours following the application of DMAE, the
researchers observed an important slowing down of cell division -
sometimes coming to a complete stop, the inhibition of certain metabolic
reactions, and the death of a significant percentage of fibroblasts.
The mortality rate of fibroblasts, which varied
according to DMAE concentration, was above 25% after 24 hours in the
case of a concentration similar to the one resulting from normal use of
an anti-wrinkle cream. This thickening of the skin induced by the
extreme swelling of the fibroblasts would explain the anti-wrinkle
effect of DMAE, according to the researchers.
"Even though DMAE is similar to medication, there
is very little scientific documentation about its pharmacological and
toxicological effects," explains Dr. Marceau, who stresses his goal is
not to condemn the use of this compound.
"We’re not saying DMAE is dangerous to people
exposed to it, but our results indicate it’s time to begin serious
research to determine whether or not it poses a health risk."
DMAE is not a unique case in the world of beauty
products, continues the researcher. "Several compounds found in
cosmetics are just as complex as medication—they are absorbed through
the skin, flow through the bloodstream, are expelled by the kidneys, or
stocked in cells or even in the liver. Yet, the laws regulating their
use are far less restrictive than those regulating drugs," concludes Dr.
Marceau.
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