DMAE Review

Overview

DMAE is short for Dimethlylaminoethanol, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that facilitates the synthesis of a neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine. DMAE is processed in the liver. Much research has been carried out on DMAE regarding its anti-aging qualities. It is often used to reduce age related mental-decline when there are problems with memory and cognitive ability. Trials of DMAE on humans have often shown that it increases mental alertness in some people. Trials featuring the use of DMAE on rats showed that it slightly increased their life span. The anti aging properties of DMAE have led to a number of manufacturers using it as an ingredient in their anti-aging skin creams.

Product Details

DMAE is available as a supplement, as a stand alone topical application and as an ingredient in anti-aging face creams. Those who market and produce anti aging creams containing DMAE say that it prevents deterioration to skin cells. DMAE is found naturally in oily fish such as sardines. However, DMAE is not only used in skin creams and as a supplement to improve cognitive ability and memory; it is also used, among other things, to treat water and in products that remove paint.

Since it is still a new ingredient, a number of dermatologists and skin care experts have urged caution with the topical application of DMAE as they believe that it may not be beneficial to the skin. In fact, in 2007 a study in the British Journal of Dermatology raised concerns that DMAE when applied topically may actually damage the skin.

The Good

• DMAE taken as a supplement does appear to result in anti-aging effects in some people.
• Skin creams containing DMAE can be ordered online.
• DMAE is a substance that occurs naturally in the body.

The Bad

• The majority of clinical trials on DMAE have focused ons its anti-aging properties as it relates to mental alertness and cognitive abilility, rather than skin.
• A number of skin experts believe that DMAE applied topically can actually causes skin damage.
• Some experts believe that a safer way to increase the amount of DMAE in your body is simply to increase your intake of certain fish.
• The use of DMAE in topical creams is still fairly experimental.

The Bottom Line

As things stand we simply cannot recommend anti-aging creams that contain DMAE by itself as there are too any question marks regarding whether or not it is a safe substance to topically apply to the skin. If controlled clinical trials prove otherwise then we would be happy to change our opinion. In the meantime if you wish to increase the amount of DMAE in your body, increase the amount of certain fish that you eat, such as sardines and anchovies This method is guaranteed to be safe.