DMAE

DMAE, also known as dimethylethanolamine, is an organic compound, which can be found in sardines and anchovies. It has been used for many years in European countries to enhance memory and cognitive abilities. Thus, in this respect, it was known to fight signs of aging in mental performance, but it is only recently that it showed potential as a face-lift cream. Anecdotal evidence suggests that DMAE can work to firm sagging faces. For that reason, DMAE creams were was touted and sold as a “face-lift in a jar.”

There is a great deal of controversy over using DMAE creams as a face-lift. The mechanism that causes the firming and tightening of the skin is not well understood. Studies done in 2007 in the British Journal of Dermatology caution people to the potential skin damage by using DMAE creams. The study doesn’t indicate, however, what concentrations of DMAE may be safe and under what conditions one can expect negative results. Many alpha hydroxy peels, for instance, work by damaging and removing the surface layer of the skin to reveal smoother skin underneath. The damage to the top layer of the skin is seen as beneficial and spurring a healing process.

The facts remain that many people have used DMAE creams already since the 1990s. If it were a case of being really damaging, there would be more examples of that in the general population using DMAE. Instead, people suggest it has been a wonder cream that has lifted their sagging skin and tightened it. The results also are said to be cumulative and increase over time.

If you do have sensitive skin, be aware that there may be some conditions and concentrations that may be too harsh for your skin. Until further study is done, however, the debate will continue to be waged over whether the product is safe or not.