There are both preventative and restorative benefits of alpha lipoic acid for skin. As an antioxidant, it helps to prevent the damage caused by free radicals and to improve the functions of other antioxidants. It has also been found effective in helping to prevent and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Other benefits include improving texture and reducing the visibility of scars. People often prefer using it for these purposes because it is less irritating than other products designed to produce similar results.
Alpha lipoic acid is found in human cells, which suggests that it has positive functions, one of which is believed to be antioxidant properties. While it should be noted that the research regarding alpha lipoic acid for skin is limited, there are increasing indications that this ingredient helps to prevent damage to the skin cells caused by free radicals.
Considered one of the most potent antioxidants, alpha lipoic is both water and oil soluble, which improves its ability to penetrate cells. Its solubility characteristics may also help to explain its reputation for having the ability to boost the benefits of other antioxidants.
Many people use alpha lipoic acid for skin to help repair existing damage. Both research and users have reported that it has the ability to reduce wrinkles and that it can have a drastic impact on fine lines. Hyperpigmentation, or skin darkening, is a beauty issue that is often considered to blame for making a person appear older than she is. Some people apply alpha lipoic acid for its sloughing properties, which is a process of exfoliating outer layers of skin. Given this ability, alpha lipoic acid has also been found to have positive effects on scars by reducing their appearance.
Anti-inflammatory properties have been attributed to alpha lipoic acid. Inflammation can be uncomfortable and can also result in negative visual effects. For example, a pimple is often noticeable because the area is inflamed. Alpha lipoic acid is therefore used to help treat problems such as acne inflammation and dermatitis and to make these problems less visible.
Alpha lipoic acid for skin is believed to be a benefit to overall skin texture. It also tends to give a person's skin a healthy glow. As many people find alpha lipoic acid for skin to be less irritating than other ingredients that they may apply for some of the aforementioned purposes, it can often be used on more sensitive areas, which tends to boost users' appreciation of it.