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Common anti wrinkle creams can cause pathological reaction in skin

A recent research carried out by researchers from Universite Laval's Faculty of Medicine, has found that a compound commonly used in many antiwrinkle products causes a pathological reaction in skin cells.
The mode of action of this substance, called DMAE, will be presented by lead researchers Guillaume Morissette, Lucie Germain, and Fran?ois Marceau in the latest edition of the British Journal of Dermatology.

DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is used in many antiwrinkle products, which are given the name of "instant anti-aging face-lifts."

Apart from antiwrinkle products, DMAE, as well as other chemically alike substances, are also found in cosmetics, creams, lipsticks, shampoos, soaps, and baby lotions, although the way they work is not yet understood.

Dr. Marceau's team conducted vitro tests and the results showed that the application of DMAE brings about an immediate and spectacular swelling of skin cell vacuoles called fibroblasts, which act as reservoirs and interface between the inside and the outside of the cell.

After applying DMAE to the skin, the researchers observed a significant slowing down of cell division, the reticence of certain metabolic reactions, and the death of a significant percentage of fibroblasts.

The mortality rate of fibroblasts, which differed 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 antiwrinkle cream. The thickening of the skin induced by the pathological swelling of the fibroblasts would explain the antiwrinkle 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."

"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.

Originally Published: www.medicalindustry.net