Anti-wrinkle compound linked with skin cell reaction

Quebec City, Canada — A new study suggests that a compound commonly found in anti-wrinkle products causes a pathological reaction in skin cells, reports news source keepthedoctoraway.co.uk.

The substance, DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol), is used in many anti-wrinkle products and in creams, lipsticks, shampoos, soaps and baby lotions, say researchers from Université Laval’s Faculty of Medicine in Quebec City.

Results of their study were published in a recent issue of the British Journal of Dermatology.

The researchers’ tests revealed that DMAE produces a rapid swelling of the skin cells and that hours after its application, there occurs a significant slowdown — sometimes a total halt — of cell division. There also appears to be inhibition of certain metabolic reactions, and the death of more than 25 percent of fibroblasts in the cells within 24 hours after application of DMAE products.

DMAE’s anti-wrinkle effect works by swelling fibroblasts, which thickens the skin, according to the study.

Noting that the study is not intended to condemn the use of DMAE, the researchers write that because there is little scientific documentation about DMAE’s pharmacological and toxicological effects, their study’s results indicate that further serious research is needed to determine whether the compound poses a health risk.