Readers of The Wrinkle Cure and viewers of my PBS TV program know that I consider DMAE an amazing breakthrough in our quest to maintain youthful skin tone and radiance. I have observed the effects of topical DMAE for years and have seen results such as decreased sagging in a matter of weeks.

The American Academy of Dermatology had its annual world meeting in New Orleans in February 2002 and independent studies presented there confirmed my own research results. But before I share the landmark findings, let’s review why I recommend topical DMAE.

Aging skin is characterized by loss of tone with resultant sagging. By providing optimal building blocks, topical DMAE can increase the chemicals responsible for youthful tone.

As mentioned, just three months ago (February, 2002), scientists from the Johnson & Johnson Company reported the highly positive results of two clinical trials testing the effects of topical DMAE. Here is a summary of their findings, presented at the American Academy of Dermatology in New Orleans.

Study #1: Long Term Use of Topical DMAE
A well-controlled, 18-week study tested the long-term safety and efficacy of a topical DMAE lotion. The researchers assigned 155 volunteers aged 35-60 to use either an active DMAE lotion (such as my N.V. Perricone, M.D. Alpha Lipoic Acid Face Firming Activator) or an identical-appearing inactive (placebo) lotion. The participants used the test products for sixteen weeks. Then, following two weeks of non-use, the researchers assessed the results.

The group using an active DMAE lotion showed statistically significant improvements in the overall appearance of their skin, versus the placebo group. This effect continued during the two-week post treatment period. The researchers saw these key effects in the DMAE group:

• Overall improvement of appearance
• Improvements in forehead lines
• Improvements in eye area skin firming
• Improvements in lip and cheek area firming
• Moister skin
• Benefits continued after cessation of treatment

Study #2: Short Term Use of Topical DMAE
In a supporting study, 50 volunteers used a DMAE lotion (such as N.V. Perricone, M.D. Alpha Lipoic Acid Face Firming Activator) for one month. The researchers noted improvement as early as two weeks. After one month, the volunteers were shown before-and-after photos, and a large majority chose their "after" photo as the more attractive picture. (Many of these photos will appear in my new book, The Perricone Prescription, scheduled for publication in August, 2002.)

The authors of this study came to these highly positive conclusions:

1. The DMAE lotion improved the appearance of aging skin.
2. This formula was well tolerated, with no significant adverse effects.
3. Researchers and participants alike saw key improvements in appearance:

• Improved skin firmness (eyes and cheeks).
• Improved appearance of skin lift on the cheeks and jaw-line.
• Reduction of under-eye puffiness.
• Improved lip fullness.

In my next newsletter, I will write about the effects of topical DMAE on the body, especially the upper arms, buttocks, and thighs.

Warm regards,

Dr. Nicholas Perricone