When your skin is overly exposed to the sun, over time its cells can be permanently damaged and overproduce pigment that shows up as unsightly dark splotches and uneven skin. However, new research indicates that your skin wellness can improve when you look after the wellbeing of your joints, as glucosamine, which is, a compound best known for treating arthritis, ‘can actually help stop the formation of new age spots, and help fade existing ones.’
According to Alexa Kimball, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and lead researcher on one of the studies testing glucosamine, ‘These findings on glucosamine may impact the way dermatologists treat UV-related skin damage in the future. Right now we have prescription and surgical options, which some people aren’t willing to try. It’s exciting to see this level of research being done on topical cosmetic applications of glucosamine, and the promising results.’
In 2006, a panel of experts, including leading dermatologists from around the world and Procter & Gamble Beauty scientists, met in Rome to review and discuss the glucosamine data. They found that a more stable form of glucosamine, known as n-acetyl glucosamine, reduces the amount of melanin in your skin cells. This means that there is less excess pigment in your skin to cause age spots.
The panel also concluded that a formula that combines this version of glucosamine with a vitamin B derivative known as niacinamide can significantly reduce your amount and appearance of hyperpigmentation, age spots and uneven melanin distribution. This is because niacinamide has similar effects on slowing down pigment production, and so researchers have paired these compounds together based on the hypothesis that it one will improve the efficiency of the other.
But why is this such an important discovery for your wellbeing? ‘Pigmentation is an appearance issue that strikes an emotional chord for women, and even though we’re constantly telling our patients about the importance of UV-protection, once the damage is done, we need to be able to provide them with ways to help,’ Dr Kimball explained. ‘The level of research and validation on topical cosmetic application of glucosamine will help it stand apart from other ingredients when it comes to improving tone and treating hyperpigmentation.’
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