Q: Where does alpha lipoic acid come from?

A: It’s always a good idea to know exactly where your vitamins and nutrients come for, whether you’re taking them in supplement form or using a skin cream that contains them. So what is alpha lipoic acid derived from? Well, that depends where you’re getting it. Let’s talk about the natural source as well as the synthetic source…

Natural Alpha Lipoic Acid
In nature, ALA is found in a number of foods. However the problem is that it’s found in such extremely low quantities, it’s virtually impossible to obtain the same amount a supplement contains through diet alone.

Here are some of the natural sources highest in ALA: broccoli, spinach, the organs of some meats (like the liver and kidney), and brewers yeast.

To give you an idea of just how little alpha lipoic acid is in these, according to Wikipedia, just to obtain 30 mg you would need to consume ten tons of liver! And keep in mind that’s one of the highest natural sources there is! Meanwhile the average alpha lipoic acid supplement contains anywhere from 100 mg to 600 mg, per capsule… so as you can see it’s virtually impossible to get enough through food!

Synthesized Alpha Lipoic Acid
So being that it’s impossible to obtain the desired amounts from natural sources, scientists have came up with ways to synthesize its production. This version is the same as what you would find in a natural source, so the benefits and effects are the same. So where does alpha lipoic acid come from? Now you know the answer!

Supplement vs. Skin Cream… or Both?
Well according to the latest research, it appears that both forms are beneficial. Alpha lipoic acid skin cream is a great way to get it absorbed directly by the dermis and epidermis. Meanwhile, a high potency and pure alpha lipoic acid supplement is also recommend so it can work from the inside out. After all, you can have the best skin in the world but if you’re body isn’t operating at peak performance, eventually the skin will catch up!

Q: How does alpha lipoic acid work?

A: That’s a great question, and to be honest, one that more consumers should be asking before they buy supplements. We live in very exciting times; just over the last century or so we’ve discovered most vitamins. Over the past couple decades alone, we have discovered many enzymes and important nutrients our bodies use. Alpha lipoic acid is one of these breakthrough discoveries – it’s so important, yet not many people don’t even understand how alpha lipoic acid works!

Here are the two basic things that ALA does…

Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant: This is a term most of us are more familiar about. An antioxidant is an organic substance that has the ability to counteract the harmful effects of oxidation in animal tissue. What is oxidation? Well that’s the process of what turns an apple brown so quickly after you cut it and expose it to the air. In the same way, this process is not good for our bodies. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that helps to fight off damaging free radicals.

Alpha lipoic acid has metabolic properties: What is unique about ALA is that it is also plays a role in the food we consume and how our bodies metabolize and convert it to energy. It is said the 95% of our body’s cellular energy is produced by a process called ATP (which involves many different enzymes). Alpha lipoic acid acts as a catalyst in the production of acetyl-coenzyme A, as well as a number of other vital enzymes. Those enzymes are how our bodies convert fatty acids and glucose into energy. Therefore, although ALA is not directly used by our body, it reportedly helps us produce these essential enzymes which are needed for energy production.

In addition to these two major things, ALA is also suspected to help other antioxidants through a synergistic approach – therefore when combined with other antioxidants, the benefits of all of them working together are said to be greater.

How much alpha lipoic acid is optimal?
Researchers have not yet nailed down the exact “ideal” amount of alpha lipoic acid. However this comes as no surprise, as scientists are still in disagreement as to how much vitamin C is considered to be ideal! However as of today, many are recommending alpha lipoic acid dosage ranging from 100 mg to 600 mg per day in the form of a supplement. Fortunately, even the best alpha lipoic acid supplements are very affordable, so this is a very easy thing for us to do.

A: Thanks for asking and reminding me to address this. Obviously you already know the difference between water soluble and fat soluble vitamins, but for our readers that don’t, I would like to take a quick second to talk about them.

There are two different classifications for vitamins (and vitamin-like nutrients):

Water Soluble: This refers to vitamins which are dissolved easily in water. Since our bodies are largely water, and our entire digest tract from our mouth down contains water, that means these are readily absorbable in our bodies.

Unfortunately, they only stay in our bodies temporarily; when we go to the bathroom they leave us. Therefore, we constantly need to replenish our body’s water soluble vitamins, ideally every several hours for many of them. Common vitamins in this category include C and B.

Fat Soluble: This references those vitamins which are absorbed in the intestinal tract along with other fats. Therefore, if you just take a fat soluble supplement without fatty foods, it will not be absorbed very well with your body. It’s best to consume them with fatty substances (healthy ones like avocados and olive oil). Unlike water-soluble, our body stores most fat-soluble – therefore it is possible to overdose if you take too many for long periods of time. Some of the most common which fall under this umbrella are A, D, E, and K.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Solubility
That brings us back to the question… is alpha lipoic acid water soluble? Well, the answer here will totally surprise you. Alpha lipoic acid is both fat and water soluble. That means this antioxidant and metabolic catalyst can be absorbed throughout our body. That’s what makes alpha lipoic acid cream for skin so versatile. This important and potent antioxidant can not be obtained in adequate supply through diet, which is why alpha lipoic acid supplements are so important.

But watch out, there are some retailers who sell “Doctor’s Best” brands for unfair prices. The “scam” is that they markup up the price on hard to find products – like alpha lipoic acid – by a large margin and basically price gouge the consumer. Fortunately, you don’t have to fall victim to this. How do I get around? I buy supplements like alpha lipoic acid online instead. For me personally, I have found that I save about 70% by going the route of a web-based vitamin supplement store.

However it’s worth pointing out that there are also many other anti aging treatments which are beneficial to use in conjunction with alpha lipoic. But finding the one that is right for you can be a hefty challenge. One way that you can find the perfect cream, as well as find a product that has added protection against the sun and other harmful elements, is to incorporate products that are considered to be effective treatments.

More About Lipoic Acids
These are naturally produced antioxidants that occur within the body and unlike other antioxidants can thrive in various conditions such as, water and fat. This property alone makes it very unique, but this isn’t the only thing that sets it apart from other anti aging ingredients. This substance also has wonderful protective properties which help the skin stay healthy, as well as helps to prevent damage from free radicals.

Some of the best ones come in a variety of different forms, such as vitamins,creams and serums. Among the most popular choices are the supplements and the creams. Many of these products have other essential antioxidants and natural products, which give them great benefits in fighting the signs of aging as well as being an overall effective skin care treatment.

Supplements
Vitamins are among some of the most widely used forms of this substance, as well as some of the best alpha lipoic acid treatments available today. The reason being, is that these do a number of different things. It promotes cellular production, keeps skin healthy, helps with smoothness and texture of the skin, plus it has been said that it is also a great antioxidant to keep the brain and mind healthy. I don’t know of many other compositions that have this many benefits, especially being able to treat two completely different parts of the body all by using one key ingredient.

Combining Ingredients
An alpha lipoic acid cream is also a great product and is available for people who enjoy this key ingredient in a moisturizing form as oppose to taking it orally. Many people like using the cream too because of the texture and how it acts as a great moisturizer to replenish the skin and give it the hydration it needs. They also feel it may be better help the skin when it is applied directly to it.

Many of these products use a variety of other ingredients in combination with other natural vitamins and antioxidants which give alpha lipoic acid cream a unique appeal unlike many other skin care products. Some of the common ingredients found in these creams are Vitamins A, C, D and E. Other ingredients include hyaluronic acid and antioxidants such as, green tea extract. All of these come together and provide a very diverse combination that can help the skin and its defense against the aging process.

One Last Piece of Advice
There you have it, two different forms of treatment for the same purpose. So whichever product seems more appealing to you, just make sure to consult with your physician before you start this, or any other type of treatment, that way you can further educate yourself about the side effects as well. I am not a doctor, therefore talking with one to make a well informed decision is a wise choice.  I think Best alpha lipoic acid is a great brand to use, but there are plenty of others on the market that are worth considering.

But there is one important thing you must know. This is different from many other vitamins and nutrients, in that it’s not possible to get the amount that is usually recommended through diet. And although our body also makes it, we make less as the years go by… which is why adding alpha lipoic skin care to our daily regimen is so important.

The question that many face is not whether or not to use alpha lipoic, but rather which one they should use? Scientifically engineered versus holistic products from nature, this is a dilemma that many people find themselves in when deciding which skin care products to try. This is especially true when it comes to trying to decide which one is the ideal skin treatment for them to suit their individual needs. Why not combine the benefits of both worlds and try a product that has the high tech ingredients of science as well as the popularity of all natural ingredients?

Why Alpha Lipoic Acid For Skin?
This active ingredient is amongst one of the newest discoveries and most modern skin care products available in the industry today. Research has shown that this appears to be an extremely powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and other symptoms of aging. These products which use lipoic acid combine both the cutting edge popularity of science and the essential ingredients of nature to bring you a biochemically engineered product to help with the signs of aging.

Available Products
There are a variety of different products available (mostly online) which use this state of the art antioxidant, so there will be sure to be at least one type of treatment that you find desirable and well equipped to suit your needs. Vitamin supplements and creams are amongst many of the popular varieties people use, all of which have differing results and potencies.

Supplements
Vitamin supplements which contain this infamous ingredient also contain other compounds such as vitamins C and E. Vitamins C and E actually work better when combined with alpha lipoic acid skin care products, so having these other ingredients is imperative for maximum benefits. Unfortunately almost none of the mutli-vitamins use ALA yet so you will need to take it separately. Many of these vitamins are also packaged in a very safe manner which helps protect the freshness and ingredients within them. These bottles are also manufactured to keep excess moisture out, so you will be sure to have the correct potency as stated on the bottle.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Cream
The other product we will discuss in regards to this fabulous skin care agent is alpha lipoic cream. This substance is ideal for anyone who want to help fight off free radicals that damage and age your skin. Products such as these contain a variety of different combinations of ingredients which give it a unique composition all it’s own.

These creams helps with protecting the skin from harmful environmental factors that can cause long term damage to the skin. There are a variety of brands that have all natural ingredients such as Green tea extract, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E, which help promote the appearance of livelier smoother skin. It accomplished this by introducing many different functional ingredients which work together to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. People state that it makes their skin firmer, more toned and their complexion looks smoother.

The Ultimate Duo
Vitamin supplements as well as topical alpha lipoic acid skin care  products are two major treatments you can incorporate into your beauty routine to help fight against those stubborn wrinkles, age spots as well as help protect their skin against future damage; many of which are harmful environmental factors, such as pollution and more. I am not a doctor nor do I claim to be a professional so consulting with one in order to make a well informed decision is strongly encouraged. This way you can understand both the benefits as well as the side affects that you may encounter if this treatment is rendered.

Drugstores and other retailers usually carry very few products that contain alpha lipoic. Because this is a newer treatment, most of them also mark up the price by an astronomical amount. This is why many use the net to buy them instead. Not only is the selection of alpha lipoic acid skin cream greater online, but the prices are almost always considerably less.

It also has some traits that enable it to work as an anti-inflammatory aide, which is why many are now using it for joint health, too. It is known to help in removing an array of different toxic metals in the body, most commonly referred to as free radicals. Free radicals can cause cancer.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements – Why Are They Necessary?
When you were younger your body naturally produces it, but production drastically decreases as you get older. You can’t obtain enough through diet, because even though many foods contain ALA, they don’t contain what many scientists consider to be the optimal amount. For example, liver is one of the most potent natural sources, yet you would need to consume over 10 tons of it to get the same amount found in many alpha lipoic acid supplements. Brick and mortar retail stores love charging outrageous prices for newer anti aging supplements like this, so you need to turn to a supplements store that is online for a good price. The amount I pay for mine online is a tiny fraction of what Target charges for the exact same product.

Now that we know what this natural product is and some of the functions it serves we can now explore the many benefits that this substance has on the body and our overall well being. Many people take this for for a number of health ailments, including neurological problems, complications associated with diabetes, as well as arterial sclerosis. However, further research needs to be done to verify these claims, and it is something you would need to discuss with your doctor. No dietary supplement such as this should be used to treat, prevent, or cure a disease.

Glutathione
What is a unique trait about this acid is that it is able to function in water and fat, which makes it a very valuable component in skin care. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E are not able to function within these different environments. It is also able to reuse vitamin C and glutathione after they have been depleted within the body. Glutathione is an essential antioxidant that helps the body dispose of harmful substances. ALA is known to help promote increased production of glutathione within the body.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Skin Care
It has recently been discovered to have many benefits as an anti aging treatment as well. There are many different products that have made it into the online skin care industry today, but the ones that will be the main topic of discussion is alpha lipoic acid cream.

This cream is unlike any other and has really skyrocketed in popularity among consumers. It has been said to do a number of things for the skin. Some of these claims are it helps firm and protect the skin from future skin damage.  Many of these products contains vitamins C and E as well as other essential ingredients DMAE and Ester, which also serve their own individual functions. Alpha lipoic acid may is known to help with the prevention of unforeseen skin damage. Vitamins C and Ester also can help with protecting the skin against free radical damage. DMAE helps the skin feel firmer.

As you have seen alpha lipoic acid cream has many great benefits for the skin and works with the body’s own natural chemistry. This factor makes it an ideal treatment for anyone who has sensitive skin or allergies. Hopefully, I have answered your question in regards to what is alpha lipoic acid. It should be noted that I am not a physician or dermatologist, so consulting with one prior to receiving treatment is a must. This way you can decide whether this is a product that will be beneficial in the treatment of your skin.

Best Alpha Lipoic Acid Skin Cream? It’s Not So Black & White
With new ones coming out all the time, I can’t say there’s an absolute best. But I do know what they sell at local drugstores usually isn’t very potent at all. So it’s important to pay attention to how much active ingredients they contain. If you want creams that contains an adequate amount, you will most likely need to obtain them through a specialty retailer.

Not every one is the same. Just like you can get any given vitamin in a wide variety of milligrams, the same applies to alpha lipoic acid skin care. Many products do use a fair amount of ALA, but others just cut corners. They will add a little bit just so they can throw it on the label.

So what should you do? This is where you need to do your homework. Doing a little research before you choose a lotion is a must. The good news is that are some great antioxidant body lotions out there. But only you can decide which is best for your type of skin.

What you may not know is that alpha Lipoic acid Lotion is just one of many of new products that manufactures have created to meet the current ALA trend. What makes this composition distinct from other ingredients is it’s ability to work effectively in water as well as fat in your body, which most other antioxidants are incapable of. It is this feature that makes it a highly valued ingredient in many different anti aging products.

Alpha Lipoic Skin Care
Some of the current products contain a fusion of different elements of nature as well as the high tech scientifically engineered elements associated in the beauty industry. Many of these products contain such vitamins as A, D, E, and B5. All of these come together to contribute certain functions within the cream to give the consumer a multitude of benefits.

Another interesting composition of this antioxidant are in different forms it is available. Some products come in tubes or pumps, while others come in bigger containers more commonly associated with moisturizing face treatments. There are also alpha lipoic acid eye cream treatments that aim to help diminish puffiness under the eyes as well as fade dark circles. Such products usually contain green tea extract, which is also another great antioxidant to help replenish the skin and help with a number of problems associated with the delicate skin under the eyes.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Lotion
This lotion is different than just your regular run of the mill moisturizer. This product would be ideal for someone who has oily skin and wants to take advantage of the benefits that this antioxidant offers. It can also be used for people who don’t want the thick saturation of a moisturizer, but still want to be able to reap the benefits of this key ingredient. People with sensitive skin might also find this form of treatment geared more to their liking then the moisturizer.

Combining ALA With Other Nourishing Ingredients
I was intrigued when I actually found ALA products that are  specifically designed from nature and can be applied to both the eyes and lips to help with many problems associated with these two facial features. This cream can help with dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles around the eyes and can also be used as a botanical lip treatment to give your pucker the softness and moisturizing it deserves. Some of these all natural ingredients are shea butter, kukui nut oil, rose hip seed oil, jojoba oil and cucumber extract. I must say that I was pretty much blown away with this one treatment that you could use as both an eye treatment as well as a lip treatment. In today’s day and age people are gong to want a product that has a versatility and I believe that this product has many traits that make it appealing to many people. I know that I am excited about trying it.

Anti Aging Lotion – One Size Fits All?
So whatever your preference is you should be able to find the right treatment that is suited for your needs. However we all have our own skin type so there is no “one size fits all” answer. Fortunately, many of the higher end lotion products utilize alpha lipoic acid skin care, so there are many options on the market today. Just be sure to do your homework before you choose.

But what you need to know is not every skin care product that uses this is created equal. The best wrinkle cream and serums you could use not only have alpha lipoic acid as a primary ingredient, but they should also incorporate other key substances to multiply the benefits.

The benefits of combining those substances makes common sense. There are many different variations of alpha lipoic cream; some have more chemical based components, while others turn to the more environmentally friendly ingredients to please those people who are more into herbalist skin remedies. Whichever your preference, there will be sure to be at least one anti aging cream that is designed to meet your needs.

An alpha lipoic skin care product that contains ingredients such as L-Carnosine, DMAE, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Aloe vera are among some of the natural ingredients that many of these creams contain. Each one of these components has a specific job that it does to make the product even more effective in it’s fight against wrinkles, sun spots, and prevention of skin damage.

L-Carnosine
This a product that is produce within the body whose supply decreases as we age. This chemical is a dipepetide that is composed of amino acids beta-Alanine and 1-Histamine. L-Carnosine has the ability to regenerate cells and connective tissue. This process enables the skin to be restored and actually prolongs the life of these cells. It also helps prevent the skins loss of elasticity and inhibits the wrinkling of the skin.

DMAE
This is a cellular equalizer and a precursor to acetylcholine, which is essential for firmer skin. The degradation of these cells are one of the reasons behind aging prematurely. By using this product as a topical treatment people have been known to see differences in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin A
Thas a very small structure that enables it to penetrate the many lower layers of the skin, where collagen and elastin are found. This valuable vitamin helps smooth out an uneven skin complexion, helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps improve skin texture, as well as the skin’s hydration.

Vitamin C
This helps with increasing the skins vitality, while vitamin E helps with providing maximum protection against free radicals. It also suffices as a great moisturizer. Although these vitamins have great benefits individually, they are much more effective when paired together and provide a multitude of advantages, especially when included in a alpha lipoic cream.

Aloe Vera
This a plant that has a world of wonderful benefits and properties that make it one of the most widely used all natural plants in many beauty products and creams. The reason being, is that it is an effective moisturizer, is able to penetrate the skin, keeps skin soft and supple, and promotes the rejuvenation of skin. It has also been known for the ability to strengthen skin tissue as well as being a superb scar reducing agent.

So many different vitamins and minerals! Who would have thought that there were so many of these in alpha lipoic cream as well as in many other skin products. One thing is for certain, each one has it’s primary function and all of them combined give us the well rounded skin care we deserve. Please keep in mind that I am not a licensed dermatologist nor do I claim to be, so please make sure to speak with a physician before starting this or any other type of treatment.