Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant agent found in various foods, and the human body also produces it. However, this powerful vitamin-like compound arrived some time ago on the drugstore shelves due to its multiple health benefits.
From diabetes patients to those suffering from neuropathy, several people can benefit from this supplement. However, today we will focus on a specific aspect of it—its dermatological benefits.
Here’s everything you need to know about alpha-lipoic acid and its benefits for the skin.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits For Skin
Alpha-lipoic acid has several benefits for humans, continuously reflected in the scientific studies that emerged in the 1950s. As we already mentioned, the human body produces ALA naturally, but its concentration in the upper layer of the skin is practically nil. Therefore, exogenous administration of this compound has potential dermal benefits that the ALA we produce naturally cannot satisfy.
Some of them are:
- Sun protection
- Wrinkle control
- Treatment of dark spots caused by sun exposure
- Anti-aging
- Reduces skin damage caused by cigarette smoking
As mentioned above, several studies support these potential benefits. For example, a study on rats suggests that ALA may reduce the damaging effects of smoking. More specifically, ALA reduced collagen bundles, hair follicle degradation/reduction, and sweat gland degeneration.
On the other hand, this review of studies proved the positive effects of ALA against skin aging caused by the sun. This is due to its significant efficacy in combating oxidative stress caused by excessive exposure.
Finally, another study in rodents published in 2013 demonstrates the ability of alpha-lipoic acid to accelerate wound healing. During the trials, rats with surgical wounds were administered topical ALA, and the researchers compared the results to other rodents that were not given the antioxidant.
After only one week, the improvements were significant for the rats that received the treatment.
R Lipoic Acid vs Alpha Lipoic Acid
There are two primary alpha-lipoic acid enantiomers. Initially, when you bought alpha-lipoic acid, you assumed that you would get 50% S-ALA, the synthetic enantiomer, and 50% R-ALA, the natural half. However, today we know that R-ALA is more potent, more bioavailable, and potentially more beneficial.
So why do most brands choose to sell both together and not discard S-ALA?
This is because the manufacturing cost would be too high, and studies suggest that although less effective, adding these two isomers simply works.
That said, R-ALA is often a better choice for those looking for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Alpha Lipoic Acid For Sale
Nowadays, ALA is widely accepted by the scientific community as a natural remedy. Therefore, more and more people are turning to this natural antioxidant, and its market is continually expanding. However, this means that there are more and more options to purchase it, and it can be challenging to choose.
That’s why, below, we’ll tell you about five alpha-lipoic acid products that we know work.
Best Rated Alpha Lipoic Acid
Nutricost Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg
Nutricost Alpha Lipoic Acid from Nutricost Store is an economical, non-GMO, soy-free option. This 9/10-rated product contains 600 mg of ALA per serving.
It is worth noting that all studies highlight the importance of proper dosing. In this aspect, Nutricost’s product will play on your side, as 600 mg per day is an excellent starting dose. However, as you gain experience, we recommend trying 2-3 servings per day between meals.
The review history of this product is full of happy stories and happy users. They state that the product is easy to swallow, contains an adequate dose per serving, and has been enormously effective for peripheral neuropathy.
Best Quality Alpha Lipoic Acid
Toniq Ultra High Strength Alpha Lipoic Acid Capsules
Toniq capsules contain twice as much ALA as the average product—an impressive 1000 mg per serving. Thus, two of these capsules will be enough for most users, and one will probably be enough for several.
In addition, Toniq has a strict laboratory testing protocol, which it publicly displays to ensure the safety of its purchasers. COAs indicate that Ultra High Strength Alpha Lipoic Acid is 99% pure. Unfortunately, most brands do not demonstrate product purity, so this is a score for Toniq’s product.
This product may not be the cheapest, but the high purity and potent dosage make it worth it.
Best R Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement
Bulk Supplements R-Alpha Lipoic Acid Powder
200 mg per serving? We have to be kidding…
Read again; it’s R-ALA, the natural isomer with twice the potency and greater anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effectiveness. This product does not contain S-ALA, the synthetic isomer, which we believe sets it apart from the competition.
By using this product, you will have peace of mind that you are taking full advantage of the benefits of alpha-lipoic acid.
Once again, this is not a cheap product, but those who can afford it will not regret it.
Best R Lipoic Acid Capsules
Life Extension Super R-Lipoic Acid
Again we are dealing with a premium product, as it contains only the best of ALA, the natural isomer. However, this product has some characteristics that make it stand out from even other R-ALA products.
At 240 mg per serving and an incredible price of $36 for a 30 capsule pack, we believe this is the best choice when it comes to R-ALA.
Users positively rate Life Extension Super R-Lipoic Acid as their preferred ALA supplement and report rapid improvements in neuropathy symptoms.
Best Supplement For Dry Skin
Nordic Naturals Omega Blood Sugar
Nordic Naturals offers a different option. Its soft gels feature a combination of omega-3 and alpha-lipoic acid & chromium, making it the best choice for treating dry skin.
These two compounds will work synergistically to rebuild your dermis, and according to users, results are not long in coming. In addition, this combination will also be ideal for combating instabilities in glucose and insulin levels.
We believe that for the value it provides, the price is more than fair. So if you’re taking ALA to help you rejuvenate your skin, this will be your best bet.
Looking For More Options? Check Out Our Review Of The Best ALA Supplements
Read our review of the best ALA supplements here. We’ve included both capsule and powder forms on our list.
Editor’s note: we are regularly updating this review. If you see any problems, weird interpretations of the data, or just want to say hi, please reach out to hello@the-unwinder.com.
Photo by Fleur Kaan on Unsplash
