Overview
Superoxide Dismutase is an enzyme which catalyzes the dismutation of Superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Superoxide is a highly reactive free radical that can cause a lot of damage, and so Superoxide Dismutase is an important antioxidant defence in nearly all cells exposed to oxygen. Due to its antioxidant properties and its skin defence properties there are a number of anti aging skin products on the market that have Superoxide Dismutase as one of their major ingredients.
Product Details
A major part of the skin’s defense system is based on Superoxide Dismutase. Some research has shown that in damaged skin the amount of Superoxide Dismutase is depleted, and so manufacturers have become more enthusiastic about using this as an ingredient in their anti-aging skin creams. Superoxide Dismutase is also used in hair growth creams. Manufacturers of products containing this substance say that there are no real indications or side effects related to the use of Superoxide Dismutase.
The Good
- Anti-aging products containing Superoxide Dismutase are available for purchase online.
- Research does show that damaged skin does have depleted levels of Superoxide Dismutase.
- Manufacturers of skin products containing Superoxide Dismutase claim that there are no side effects or potential health risks related to the use of this product.
The Bad
- There have been no long-term controlled standardized tests carried out on skin care products which contain Superoxide Dismutase.
- There has not been much research carried out on Superoxide Dismutase as an ingredient in topical creams.
- There is no evidence that creams containing Superoxide Dismutase are superior to other anti aging creams on the market.
- There are not very many reviews or testimonials on the web from people who have already used face creams containing Superoxide Dismutase.
The Bottom Line
On the face of it, the science behind the inclusion of Superoxide Dismutase in anti-aging skin products makes sense. A major part of our skin’s defence system is based on Superoxide Dismutase. As a result of its important antioxidant qualities it provides crucial defence for all cells that are exposed to the oxygen, including of course the skin cells. When skin cells are exposed to high levels of free radicals (found in oxygen) the skin ages faster and Superoxide Dismutase helps prevent this. It seems logical therefore that manufacturers have drawn the conclusion that including Superoxide Dismutase in anti-aging skin creams will help limit aging and also repair already damaged skin cells by re-oxidizing them. The problem, however, is that there has not been enough research to-date carried out on Superoxide Dismutane as it relates to anti-aging creams for us to judge how effective it might be overall. However, it does seem to show promising signs as a potential weapon in the war against wrinkles.
