The cosmetics industry is constantly researching new ways and ingredients to help us, consumers, to keep our skin smooth and vibrant. As more and more people concern themselves with preserving a youthful and radiant appearance, skincare trends take the beauty and skincare industry by storm.
For a few years, Asian skincare, especially Korean skincare is taking the beauty and skincare enthusiasts by storm. An often found ingredient in Koren skincare products, especially in ampoules, serums, and creams, is adenosine.
What Is Adenosine?
You probably remember your biology classes and heard about adenosine. It’s a compound that occurs naturally in our bodies and in all living organisms. It’s part of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP plays an important role in intracellular processes. It’s responsible for transferring energy for many of the cellular and muscular functions. You can liken ATP to a battery, storing and using energy when needed.
Our bodies metabolise ATP on an as needed basis and don’t store large quantities of it. As we age, the ATP levels in the skin drop leading to energy deficiency. This in turn results in depleted and tired-looking skin.
The adenosine used as an ingredient in skincare products is made from yeast. This compound has anti-aging properties and helps to soothe, restore, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
When you read the ingredients list, you find adenosine near the bottom of it. It’s added in minute concentration, at under 0.1%. It’s not clear if it’s economically unsound to add more or if a higher concentration is not beneficial. Currently, there are no guidelines in place that regulate the concentration in beauty products.
How Does Adenosine Benefit Your Skin?
As mentioned, adenosine is generally used for its anti-aging properties. It also helps support wound healing and the natural functioning of the skin.
Anti-aging
The two compounds responsible for the elasticity, strength, and structure of the skin are elastin and collagen. Factors like stress, UV radiation, environmental pollutants, and poor diet contribute to breaking down elastin and collagen. As we age, the levels of both compounds decline, resulting in saggy, loose, and wrinkly skin.
One possible explanation for adenosine’s anti-aging properties is that it stimulates the fibroblasts that produce elastin and collagen, thus increasing their levels in the skin. This improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as make the skin firmer and stronger.
Healing And Restoring
As adenosine boosts the activity of fibroblasts and thus stimulates collagen generation, it also means it’s beneficial for wound healing and tissue repair. Since collagen gives structure and strength to the skin, it’s essential to the healing process.
For these reasons, it could potentially also be an ingredient for treating acne. Although, it has yet to make its name as a spot treatment when there are already many known and effective ingredients in the market.
Soothing
Adenosine has shown anti-inflammatory properties. It can soothe and calm down inflamed and red skin. This means it can be added to skincare products for treating minor scrapes, cuts, burns, and other injuries. This quality also lends itself to treat acne. It’s also said that adenosine can help to reduce swelling, irritation, and redness that is often associated with sensitive skin types.
Overall, adenosine has been shown to improve blood circulation accelerating the repair of damaged cells and increasing the overall cell turnover.
Is Adenosine Save To Use?
Adenosine is naturally present in all living organisms. Adenosine has been scientifically studied since the early last century. But it’s a relatively new kid on the block in terms of skincare ingredients. Adenosine is a natural component of the body and doesn’t cause irritation or sensitivity.
You may already have been reaping the benefits of adenosine without knowing if you’re using Korean skincare products.
Have you tried skincare products with adenosine? What effects did you see?
