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A new study published in Minerva Cardioangiologica shows Pycnogenol® lowered symptoms of jetlag such as fatigue, headaches, insomnia and brain edema (swelling) in both healthy individuals and hypertensive patients. Patients also experienced minimal lower leg edema, a common condition associated with long flights. Click here for a summary of the study. If you are now [...]

Lighten and Brighten sun damaged skin the Perricone Way Now that the long, hot summer has drawn to a close, the toll of excess sun exposure may be appearing on your face and body. Hyperpigmentation is one of the negative effects of chronic overexposure to sunlight, which also plays a role in skin aging and [...]

Q: I have very bad skin; acne and dark spots on my face. My doctor suggests laser
treatments but I have heard that they could make it worse.

A: Laser is fancy way of burning the skin, and can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Therefore I do not use laser in my practice. All of the anti-inflammatory topical products can be beneficial here, especially DMAE and alpha lipoic acid. Take anti-inflammatory supplements and apply Alpha Lipoic Acid Advanced Face Firming Activator twice daily to the area with the hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You may also try a spot treatment containing glutathione on the acne lesions. To clear your skin and keep it clear you need to follow the anti-inflammatory diet—foods lists of good foods and bad foods can be found on my website (see anti-inflammatory diet) or in several of my books.

Here is my list of Top 10 Super Supplements.

Super Supplement # 1: Omega-3 Fish Oil

The incredible anti-inflammatory power of Omega-3 essential fatty acids found in the high fat fish and in fish oil can accomplish the following:

Reduce inflammation in all organ systems
Accelerate the loss of body fat
Elevate mood
Improve attention span
Stabilize blood sugar levels
Lower insulin levels
Create and maintain healthy serotonin levels
Stop the roller coaster effects of the carbohydrate highs and lows
Decrease appetite
Increase radiance to skin
Increase health of immune system
Increase energy levels
Decrease symptoms and severity of rheumatoid arthritis
Reduced symptoms and severity of chronic skin conditions such as eczema
Decreased cardiovascular risk

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: 3,000 mg per day of fish oil—however for those who need to lose significant weight I recommend three 1000 mg capsules 3 times per day with meals for a total of 9 capsules per day—this higher doses need to be approved by your physician.

Omega 3 Fish Oil Tips:
To avoid any dietary side effects from the omega 3 fish oils, (such as belching or stomach upset) divide the dose into three—for example, if you are taking 3,000 mg per day of fish oil, take one 1000 mg capsule with a meal three times per day.

Even though fish oil is basically a “food,” always check with your primary healthcare professional before embarking on any new supplement. Any therapeutic intervention, even nutritional supplements, can be contraindicated in certain health conditions.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com)
Perricone MD Omega 3
Perricone MD Skin & Total Body

Super Supplement #2: Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha lipoic acid is a superior anti-inflammatory, that penetrates all portions of the cell because it is both fat and water soluble. On a cellular level alpha lipoic acid exerts a wide variety of positive actions, all of them anti-inflammatory. In addition to its function as a powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory, alpha lipoic acid increases the body’s ability to take glucose into the cells. This increased sensitivity to insulin results in decreased blood sugar levels, accelerated weight loss.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS: Because alpha lipoic acid is found only in trace amounts in food, it must be taken as a supplement. Twenty-five to thirty milligrams is adequate for a young healthy person. I recommend anywhere from two to four hundred milligrams of alpha lipoic acid per day to my patients with specific health problems, or who are trying to lose body fat.

Alpha Lipoic Tips:
In the metabolic cycle, Alpha Lipoic Acid acts as a coenzyme in the production of energy by converting carbohydrates into energy (ATP).

ALA is the only antioxidant that can boost cellular levels of glutathione, the body’s most important antioxidant to overall health and longevity.

Take with meals.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com)
Perricone MD Alpha Lipoic Acid 3
Perricone MD Skin & Total Body
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management
Perricone MD Super Anti-oxidant

Super Supplement #3: Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin comes from the microalgae haematococcus pluvialis, found in abundance in arctic marine environments, and is a natural carotenoid (any of a class of yellow to red pigments, including the carotenes and the xanthophylls). Carotenoids are one of the most abundant molecules in the world and give nature its wide variety of colors—from carrots to flamingos. It is the most potent of all of the carotenoids—in fact it is ten times stronger than beta carotene and 100 times stronger than Vitamin E. Wild Alaskan salmon, lobster, rainbow trout, shrimp, crawfish, crab, and red caviar all owe their rich colors to their astaxanthin-rich diets. Astaxanthin is an exceptional anti-inflammatory, making it an important component of the Perricone Weight Loss Diet. Its ability to protect muscles and increase physical endurance is a wonderful asset for everyone needing to start and maintain a regular exercise program.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: 1-2 capsules, 2 mg each, per day. Look for the AstaReal™ trademark on your bottle of astaxanthin supplements for potency and purity.

Astaxanthin Tips:
Because astaxanthin has been proven to cross the blood brain barrier (see Carnitine below), it offers protection to the brain, the central nervous system and the eye.

It increases physical endurance and reduces muscle damage.

It reduces eye fatigue and improves visual acuity.

It provides wrinkle reduction by internal supplementation.

It reduces hyperpigmentation (better known as age spots).

It provides cytokine regulation; inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

It improves gastric health; and reduces infection/inflammation of H. pylori, spiral-shaped bacterium that can damage stomach and duodenal tissue, causing ulcers.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com)
Perricone MD Skin & Total Body

Super Supplement #4: Carnitine
Carnitine is a water soluble nutrient, very much like a B vitamin, that allows us to convert fat into energy. Carnitine and its derivative, acetyl L-carnitine (see below) are two of the most important nutrients for weight loss. However, for carnitine to have optimum effect, we must have adequate essential fatty acids (such as omega-3s) present in the diet. Carnitine is critical for energy formation and an active metabolism. Small amounts of carnitine can be obtained from foods such as meats and dairy products, but to get an adequate supply we must take carnitine supplements. Carnitine provides anti-aging benefits in that it enhances energy production in the cell, which is needed for cellular repair. Studies have also shown that carnitine helps prevent muscle loss during illness and also prevents the muscle loss associated with aging, known as sarcopenia. Carnitine is protective of liver function and enhances and protects the immune system, especially under stressful conditions.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: The recommended dose for an adult under the age of 30 without ill health or obesity is approximately 500 milligrams per day. For those who are obese or have other health problems, the recommendation is 1500 to 2000 milligrams per day, taken in 500 milligram doses 3 or 4 times per day.

Carnitine Tips
For carnitine to have optimum effect, make sure you have an adequate omega-3 intake.

Do not take carnitine in the evening as it may interfere with sleep.

Carnitine may be taken with or without food.

For better utilization of fat for energy take omega 3 fish oil with carnitine.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management

Super Supplement #5: Acetyl L-Carnitine
Like carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine improves mitochondrial function, but to an even greater degree – because it can pass through the mitochondrial membrane. And like carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine functions best when there is adequate dietary intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Both forms of carnitine are important in a weight loss regimen because they act as natural anti-inflammatories, they aid in transportation of fats into the mitochondria to be burned. They also enhance the sensitivity of insulin receptors, helping to decrease blood sugar and circulating levels of insulin. As we have learned, high levels of insulin are inflammatory and ‘lock’ our body fat in place.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: 500 milligrams per day; however, individuals on a weight loss program may take up to 1500 milligrams of acetyl-carnitine daily.

Acetyl-l-Carnitine tips:
Carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine are not to be used by people with bipolar disease (manic depression) or those who are susceptible to seizures (epilepsy) unless recommended by their physician.

Do not take acetyl-l-carnitine after 3 PM to prevent any difficulties with sleeping.

Exercise naturally increases our levels of acetyl-l-carnitine, however, if we are obese, over thirty, or have other health problems, it will not raise them to therapeutic levels; therefore supplementation is necessary.

Acetyl-l-carnitine may be taken with or without food.

For better utilization of fat for energy take omega 3 fish oil with carnitine.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management

Super Supplement #6: Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
CLA is a fatty acid that is found in many of the foods we eat. At one time, beef and lamb were exceptional sources; however when their diet was changed from grass to grain, levels of CLA dramatically decreased in meat and dairy products. CLA is also a powerful aid in prevention and treatment of obesity. When taken in effective doses, CLA decreases body fat, especially in the area of the abdomen.

In addition to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing actions of CLA, many studies show that CLA helps prevent muscle loss and weakness associated with aging and disease. This is one of the reasons CLA has long been a favorite supplement of athletes and body builders.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: 1,000 mg, up to a maximum of 4,000 mg per day, taken in 1 or 2 doses.

CLA Tips:
When take with sesame seeds, the effects of CLA are enhanced.

The average diet provides no more than a gram (1000 mg) of CLA per day.

CLA may be taken with meals.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management

Super Supplement #7: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10, also called ubiquinone, is a powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory with many benefits for treating and preventing obesity. It acts similarly to acetyl-l-carnitine in that it assists in energy production within the mitochondria. As we have learned, energy production declines as a cell ages, and that means that the cell’s ability to repair itself also declines. Working synergistically with acetyl-l-carnitine, carnitine, and alpha lipoic acid in the mitochondria, CoQ10 enhances the metabolism, giving us greater energy and endurance, and a greater ability to lose body fat, while preventing the energy decline seen in aging cells. CoQ10 also works synergistically with other antioxidants to elevate cellular levels of vitamins C, E, and glutathione and to help regulate blood sugar and enhance insulin sensitivity. CoQ10 also maximizes the burning of foods for fuel, helping to normalize fats in our blood.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: I recommend a minimum of 30 milligrams per day. For those with health problems, under the supervision and recommendation of their physician, up to 300 milligrams per day. About three weeks of daily dosing are necessary to reach maximal serum concentrations of CoQ10.

CoQ10 Tips:
This supplement should be taken by anyone over 40, as tissue levels of CoQ10 decrease as people get older.

Although CoQ10 can be found in small amounts in fish such as sardines or salmon, as well as in nuts, I recommend supplementation for optimal anti-aging and weight loss benefits.

CoQ10 supplementation is of particular importance for women because they tend to have lower levels than their male counterparts.

CoQ10 is best taken with food.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management

Super Supplement #8: Chromium
Chromium is a critical nutrient in our effort to control and reduce excess body fat. By supplementing our diets with chromium, we can effectively lower blood sugar and insulin levels—the key to the anti-inflammatory weight loss diet.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: I suggest 100 micrograms (mcg’s.) per day for the average person over 40 and up to 200 mcg’s per day for those on The Perricone Weight Loss Diet.

Chromium Tips
Chromium is an essential nutrient required for normal sugar and fat metabolism.

Chromium is important for energy production, and also plays a key role in regulating appetite, reducing sugar cravings, and lowering body fat.

Chromium absorption is made more difficult when milk, as well as when foods high in phosphorus are eaten at the same time.

Don’t take chromium with foods rich in phytic acid (unleavened bread, raw beans, seeds, nuts and grains and soy isolates) as this may decrease its absorption.

The recommended type of this supplement is Chromium Polynicotinate.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management
Perricone MD Super Anti-oxidant

Super Supplement #9: Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
GLA is an important omega-6 essential fatty acid. GLA can increase the metabolic rate, an effect that causes the body to burn fat, resulting in weight loss. The average American diet causes a deficiency of GLA because of the large amounts of trans fatty acids, sugar, grain-fed red meats and dairy products that are consumed. GLA is very difficult to find in the diet, but is found in high amounts in borage, black current, and evening primrose oils.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: 200 to 400 mg of GLA per day—one to two 1000 mg of Borage Oil.

GLA Tips:
Take GLA with meals to increase absorption.

GLA improves cell sensitivity to insulin, reducing our chance of developing diabetes, heart disease and excess body fat.

Borage oil is the richest supplemental source of GLA.

As with Omega-3 fish oil supplementation, results do not happen overnight and may take up to six months. Don’t let this dissuade you from adding this vital essential fatty acid to your diet as soon as possible.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management

Super Supplement #10: Dimethlaminoethanol (DMAE)
DMAE is a naturally occurring nutritional substance with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. DMAE is important in the production of neurotransmitters, especially acetylcholine, which is essential in the communication from one nerve to another and between nerves and muscles. In order for your muscles to contract, the message must be sent from your nerves to your muscles via acetylcholine. DMAE also has membrane stabilizing effects and can also help reduce body fat, most likely from its activity as a precursor to acetylcholine as well as its anti-inflammatory activity. Taking DMAE as a supplement will not only improve your cognitive function, it will help increase skin firmness and muscle tone.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: My recommended dose is 50 to 100 milligrams per day. For certain therapeutic uses, such as lowering cholesterol, larger doses may be recommended. As always consult your physician.

DMAE Tips:
DMAE is a naturally occurring nutritional substance with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

DMAE also has membrane stabilizing effects and can also help reduce body fat, most likely from its activity as a precursor to acetylcholine as well as its anti-inflammatory activity.

Taking DMAE as a supplement will not only improve your cognitive function, it will help increase skin firmness and muscle tone.

For optimum health, beauty and weight loss benefits, I recommend eating fish rich in DMAE, taking DMAE supplements as well as applying a topical lotion containing DMAE to face, neck and body.

It is thought that DMAE can make epilepsy and bipolar depression worse; thus, it is advised that those with these health problems avoid DMAE.

DMAE can also be over-stimulating for some people, perhaps causing muscle tension or insomnia, so individuals experiencing such difficulties are advised to discontinue use of DMAE.

Take with meals for optimum effect.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management
Perricone MD Super Anti-oxidant
Perricone MD Skin & Total Body

Q: What do you think about microdermabrasion treatments? Will they help me to get rid of my acne scars and even out the skin tone on my face?

A: I don’t think microdermabrasion will help much. The less you do with mechanical therapies the better. These are extreme forms of treatment and can leave you with more discolorations, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and other problems.

Q: Last year I changed my skin care regimen to include a retinol product. This
caused some damage to my skin, leaving spots of pigmentation on my checks, as well as a brownish scar. What can I do?

A: It sounds as if this product may have caused a condition known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Try a skin care regimen that includes products containing natural anti-inflammatories, such as alpha lipoic acid or pycnogenol. Further, toner pads containing the powerful anti-inflammatory DMAE should help relieve this condition. Alpha hydroxy acid creams can also help to even out skin tone.

Lightening the hyperpigmentation and skin discolorations has always been a challenge to many dermatologists, including myself. Many of the most popular substances used for this purpose are either ineffectual or potentially dangerous. I was immensely pleased to learn that there was another option, a superior antioxidant known as Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine tree, which grows exclusively along the unspoiled coast of southwestern France. Perricone readers know that anti-oxidant act as natural anti-inflammatories, and inflammation is a key factor in the vast majority of skin problems.

How does Pycnogenol work?

Pycnogenol works by inhibiting melanogenesis, the production of the pigment melanin, responsible for skin color) and lowers skin pigmentation intensity so that skin is a more even toned. A clinical study has demonstrated that Pycnogenol is effective in lightening areas of the skin that are over-pigmented, diminish skin discolorations, brown spots, unsightly age spots and much more.

What has Pycnogenol shown in tests?
Oral supplementation of healthy volunteers with Pycnogenol^® was shown to help prevent UV damage and the resulting photo-aging. Pycnogenol^® also inhibits the inflammation caused by UV-exposure, consequently protecting the skin from sunburn. Tomorrow we will learn how the synergistic combination of oral and topical Pycnogenol can transform the skin—safely and effectively.

Now that the long, hot summer has drawn to a close, the toll of excess sun exposure may be appearing on your face and body.

Hyperpigmentation is one of the negative effects of chronic overexposure to sunlight, which also plays a role in skin aging and the development of skin cancer. In fact, it is UV radiation that is the main environmental factor that causes human skin aging. Fortunately, a new generation of anti-inflammatory, antioxidants can help counteract these problems.

The Sun + Hormonal Imbalances

Human skin, like other organs, undergoes chronological aging; however, unlike other organs, our skin is in direct contact with the environment. Even worse, our face and hands are the two areas that do not have protection from clothing, exacerbating the problem.However, it is not just the sun exposure at fault. Hormonal imbalances and other factors also contribute to the loss of radiance, uneven skin tone and skin discolorations; ongoing problems that worsen with each passing year.

Lightening the hyperpigmentation and skin discolorations has always been a challenge to many dermatologists, including myself. Many of the most popular substances used for this purpose are either ineffectual or potentially dangerous.

Introducing Pycnogenol^®

I was immensely pleased to learn that there was another option, a superior antioxidant known as Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine tree, which grows exclusively along the unspoiled coast of southwestern France. Perricone readers know that antioxidant act as natural anti-inflammatories, and inflammation is a key factor in the vast majority of skin problems.