Using Alpha-Lipoic Acid For Acne Treatment

Powerful Antioxidant Fights Acne

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a sulfur compound which plays an important role in our biological processes.  Although this substance is not an essential nutrient, our body makes enough alpha-lipoic acid to cater to basic metabolic functions. 

At normal levels, ALA helps in the metabolism of carbohydrate to generate energy in the body.  This is the basic function of alpha-lipoic acids. 

Alpha-lipoic acid also works as an antioxidant, thus protecting your body cells from damage. It prevents your skin from losing its moisture and elasticity, giving it a barrier protection from acne breakouts.

Alpha lipoic acid works with vitamin B, C, and E and other antioxidants to maintain the health of your body cells.  Take note that these vitamins have a major role in fighting acne bacteria and in speeding up the healing of your acne lesions. Alpha lipoic acid regenerates or “recycles” these vitamins, making them much more available for use. 

By flushing pollutants and waste from your body, alpha-lipoic acid cleans and purifies your skin, thus preventing acne.  The substance also promotes efficient blood flow to the nerves, so your skin gets all the necessary nutrients for nourishment. 

ALA is shown to have moderate anti-inflammatory effects, most probably because the substance contains significant amount of sulfur.  With this, alpha lipoic acid helps reduce acne redness and swelling.

Alpha lipoic acid is considered as a universal antioxidant because it is soluble in both water and in fat.  With this, it’s easy for your body to absorb the substance. 

In order for your skin to benefit from the anti-oxidizing function of alpha-lipoic acids, you need to have an extra amount of alpha-lipoic acid in your body - just above the normal level that your system can produce.  This means that taking alpha-lipoic acid supplements can promote your skin’s strength, vitality, and glow.

Alpha lipoic acid is found in some foods.  Some notable amount of alpha lipoic acid is said to be found in lean beef and organ meats like kidney, heart, and liver. ALA is also present in spinach, broccoli, yeast and potatoes.

Topical applications of alpha lipoic acid usually come in cream, lotion or gel.  Most of these preparations are derived from natural or organic substances, sspecifically from plant and animal tissues, so they don’t pose adverse side effects when applied to the skin.

Alpha lipoic acid supplements are commonly available in capsules.  Manufacturers of alpha lipoic acid capsules recommend two 50-mg dosage of ALA daily as supplements. Mild dosage can be in 30-mg to 100-mg capsules. 

Very powerful antioxidants come in 300-mg to 600-mg dosage of alpha lipoic acid, but you need to take precautions in using these strong medications.  These high dosages are usually utilized for other bodily malfunctions like diabetes and liver diseases.

Excessive intake of alpha-lipoic acid is toxic to your health, especially to pregnant or breastfeeding women. With this precaution, you need to ask your doctor to recommend the right dosage for the supplement.

The next topic in this series is Tetracycline acne treatment.