DMAE, as one of the nootropics, helps improve mood, improve mental abilities and helps with skin health. But DMAE also has negative aspects. This article shares what the science says about the benefits and side effects of DMAE, which may help you decide whether DMAE is worth trying.
The article is based on the findings of 28 scientific studies
The article quotes authors such as:
- Fisicoquimica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- UMR CNRS-Université de la Méditerranée 6193, Hôpital de la Timone, France
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, University Medical School, Debrecen, Hungary
Please note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, 3, etc.) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific studies. You can follow these links and read the original source of information for the article.
A little history
Dmae is an excellent solution for tightening, rejuvenating and moisturizing the surface of the skin. In medicine, it was previously used only as a dietary supplement (dietary supplement) - together with food - to normalize sleep, restore the body after injuries and improve memory.
In 1958, a doctor from France, Michel Pistor, began injecting a rejuvenation agent into the epidermis of some patients. He noted that the use of this substance gives, although not very significant, a positive result. After representatives of the medical community saw the effect after this type of procedure, Dmae mesotherapy became widespread. Since then, DMAE in cosmetology has been considered one of the safest and optimal ways to get rid of many skin imperfections and prolong youth.
What it is
These are drugs that improve performance, memory and learning ability. Piracetam was created first - it appeared in the sixties of the last century. In the seventies, scientist Corneliu Giurgia discovered that this medicine stabilizes the membranes of cells in the central nervous system, improving the functioning of brain cells. They didn’t know the exact mechanism of how piracetam works—they were just guessing. Giurja proposed using it to restore mental abilities after injuries, oxygen starvation of the brain, with senile dementia and congenital dementia in children.
Most nootropics are of animal origin. They are extracted from the brains of pigs and cattle, rich in low molecular weight proteins. The drugs are inexpensive and rarely cause side effects, which is why doctors love them.
The principle of action of the drug
The substance on which Dmae is based is present in every human body, as well as in salmon fish. It is called dimethylaminoethanol . This chemical compound regulates the strength of cell walls, preventing the loss of nutrients.
The effect of the drug is that the human body needs a constant supply of the active form of acetylcholine, which is considered a kind of activator of many ongoing processes. Due to the fact that age-related changes negatively affect the speed and volume of production of this substance, the body begins to lose tone, reflexes significantly slow down, lethargy occurs, etc.
The drug Dmae causes special reactions that trigger the production of acetylcholine. Notably, dimethylaminoethanol also controls molecular cross-talk, preventing too much bonding. In addition, the substance in question is considered an excellent antioxidant, improving blood composition and saturating tissues with oxygen.
In addition, mesotherapy with Dmae helps get rid of lipofuscin, which is a toxic pigment that accumulates in the brain, heart, nerve cells and, of course, the skin. Here's what the drug does:
- removes toxins;
- improves immunity and strengthens the body;
- cleanses and improves skin condition, solves a number of related problems;
- helps tighten the skin and get rid of inflammation.
Important Cell Components
Nature has given man everything he needs for quality life. Many components of healthy cells that carry out metabolic processes in the human body have been synthesized and are successfully used in many branches of medicine, the food industry and even chemical industries. One of these natural substances is dimethylaminoethanol. Mostly those who come across the abbreviation DMAE for the first time are interested in what it is? How does it help solve problems? After all, it is widely used both in sports and cosmetology, and in many other sectors of human activity.
Benefits of the procedure
Why is this procedure so widely popular today? This is due to the following factors:
- High level of efficiency. Experts note that the positive effect of the drug Dmae can be noticed after the first session.
- Fast course. Five to six therapy sessions are enough to improve your appearance.
- The procedures take little time. The modern rhythm of life involves a constant lack of time, and a ten-minute procedure is perfect even for a busy woman.
- Durability. The result after the procedure remains for a long time.
- Safety. The product is absolutely safe for the body.
- The procedure avoids surgery.
Professional cosmetologists speak positively about this drug. They note that procedures using it allow you to even out the contours of the face and say goodbye to folds and wrinkles. In addition, after such mesotherapy, lips become more attractive and plump, and the skin acquires a healthy and even tone.
Reviews from cosmetologists
Doctors often express opinions regarding facial mesotherapy using DMAE.
So, for example, in this commentary, the cosmetologist talks about the pain of the procedure and its relationship with the achieved result:
The specialist writes about the advantages of invasion over using rollers:
The doctor shares his knowledge after the seminar regarding injections in the periorbital zone:
Dialogue between two forum participants about side effects and the ultimately achieved effect:
Disadvantages of dmae
The main “disadvantage” is that this procedure is very painful. However, experts do not recommend using anesthesia, because it has a detrimental effect on the effectiveness of the procedure. The discomfort in this case is comparable to the unpleasant sensations during injections of vitamin B. The injections go very quickly, and mesotherapy takes an average of ten to fifteen minutes. A burning sensation occurs every time the needle comes into contact with the skin. In addition, there is a risk that the specialist will accidentally damage the tissue. Therefore, the procedure must be performed by an experienced, highly qualified cosmetologist. If you are afraid of discomfort and pain, then you can simply use a special dmae cream.
study
Early DMAE research
A prescription form of DMAE called Deaner or Deanol was used in clinical practice as early as the 1960s and 70s. Deanol has been used to treat learning and behavioral problems associated with short attention span.
Two clinical trials conducted over 40 years ago showing the effectiveness of using DMAE to treat what is now known as ADHD are listed below.
But in 1983, the FDA, in all its wisdom, insisted on additional studies to prove the effectiveness of DMAE. And because clinical trials would be more costly than could support sales of the product, the company that makes Deanol and Diener pulled them from the market.
DMAE is now available as a nootropic supplement. One that your doctor or psychiatrist is unlikely to prescribe for your ADHD.
DMAE for the treatment of ADHD
One double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the effects of adding DMAE with methylphenidate (Ritalin) for the treatment of ADHD. The present study included 74 children diagnosed with learning problems and hyperactivity.
Children received 40 mg Ritalin, 500 mg DMAE, or placebo daily for 3 months. Behavior, reaction time and other psychometric tests were done before and after treatment.
Both "medicines" were found to be effective according to several tests. The researchers concluded that supplementation with DMAE significantly improved performance in children with learning and behavioral disorders.
Another study conducted by Dr. Carl Pfeiffer of the Center for Brain Biology in Princeton, New Jersey, involving 25 girls and 83 boys, showed similar results in the use of DMAE to treat ADHD.
In this study, Dr. Pfeiffer found that DMAE increased behavior in 2/3 of boys and 3/4 of girls. Attention was better, irritability and hyperactivity were reduced, learning ability improved and in some cases even IQ increased.
So if you have ADHD, and are using Ritalin or Adderall and are looking for a natural alternative, you may want to try DMAE.
Benefits of DMAE in Cosmetics
Much of the research on DMAE in the 1950's and 60's centered around the use of this mixture for cognitive function and brain health.
The latest research on DMAE is primarily for the use of the mixture in skin cosmetic formulas.
DMAE has been shown to increase skin firmness even in young skin. One study of 30 healthy adults aged 36-49 years used DMAE gel or a placebo. The results of the study showed that DMAE-treated skin was much firmer
Another randomized clinical trial used 3% DMAE Facial Gel applied daily for 16 weeks. The gel was able to reduce forehead lines, wrinkles around the eyes and improve lip shape and fullness. Moreover, the effects did not regress even 2 weeks after stopping the use of the drug.
Another open label extension of the same study found that long-term use of DMAE gel had a good safety profile.
Indications and contraindications
The procedure helps to cope with a number of cosmetic problems:
- dark spots;
- scarring;
- increased dryness of the skin;
- defects left after peeling, botulinum toxin and other cosmetic procedures;
- bags under the eyes;
- double chin;
- decreased tone and sagging skin;
- wrinkles;
- asymmetry of the contours of the face or lips;
- skin inflammation.
This procedure has no age restrictions, so it can even be used for preventive purposes to stabilize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Although dimethylaminoethanol is a natural substance, there are people who are undesirable to use Dmae mesotherapy . These include:
- patients with diabetes mellitus;
- have had a heart attack or stroke;
- HIV-infected;
- nursing and pregnant women;
- cancer patients;
- people who have low immunity;
- patients with individual intolerance to the Dmae drug.
Before mesotherapy, you should definitely consult a specialist.
Side effects of taking DMAE
This list does not cover all possible side effects. Contact your doctor if you notice any other side effects while taking DMAE.
DMAE is probably safe for oral and topical use on the skin when used in normal amounts in healthy individuals. (, , )
However, ingestion of DMAE can cause significant mental health side effects in susceptible individuals. According to some reports, higher doses of DMAE can cause insomnia, muscle spasms
and
seizures
. (, )
Mental health and cognition
DMAE worsened symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder
and
schizophrenia
in some patients with mental disorders. (, )
In one clinical study of patients with Alzheimer's disease, 6 out of 13 subjects were forced to quit smoking due to drowsiness.
and
disorders of thinking ability
. ()
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid taking DMAE
because it
can cause birth defects
. DMAE disrupted choline metabolism in mouse embryos, leading to birth defects and growth retardation. (, )
Skin health
Topical use of DMAE gels and creams did not cause irritation or other side effects in clinical studies. (, )
However, the 3% DMAE gel caused swelling skin , suggesting cellular damage. In another study, higher concentrations of DMAE (up to 10%) inhibited the growth of human skin cells and even shortened the lifespan of such cells
. (, )
Given the above results, you should always weigh the need for DMAE for your skin and avoid concentrated serums.
Choline content in various foods
Applications
Some comsetologists use capsules, others prefer ampoules. In any case, regular use of dimethylaminoethanol can be dangerous because it accelerates muscle growth. This substance helps break down lethicin in the body and helps remove toxins from it.
As for drugs, the most popular ones include Complex Plus, Mesoderm and Kosmo Teros. These mixtures are aimed at deep lifting and increasing the elasticity of the skin.
For injections of highly concentrated dimethylaminoethanol, cosmetologists use ordinary saline solution. This is due to several reasons. Firstly, pain and discomfort with this approach are significantly reduced. Secondly, saline solution prevents bruising and swelling. The cost of the procedure depends on the ingredients of the “Dmae-cocktail” and averages four to five thousand rubles.
What does the substance consist of?
The main question of interest to those who first encountered the concept of DMAE: what is it? Dimethylaminoethanol contains all the basic information about itself in its name. So the root “amino” indicates that this substance is of organic origin. Refers to aliphatic alcohols, as indicated by the “ethanol” part of the word. Another “dimethyl” part corresponds to the concept of “two methyl groups,” which is also a sign of an organic compound. The chemical formula of the substance itself is: C4H11NO.
Stages of the procedure and possible problems
The DMAE procedure involves several stages:
- To begin with, the specialist prepares the skin. For this purpose, he wipes his face with antiseptic solutions and tonics. This is necessary to prevent infection.
- After this, the facial skin is treated with compounds containing lidocaine.
- The doctor then injects the drug Dmae with a thin needle. This is done manually, since the facial structure of each person is individual, therefore the use of equipment may be unsafe or ineffective.
- After the procedure, the cosmetologist treats the skin with moisturizing and anti-inflammatory mixtures.
Complications may arise due to the fact that during mesotherapy with Dmae, muscle and skin injury occurs. The most common problems include spider veins, bruising, swelling, burning, bruising and redness. Such complications go away on their own after a few hours.
If the procedure is performed by an inexperienced specialist, then an infection may get into the skin. In addition, after injections, allergies may occur, manifested in the form of itching, rash and swelling. In any case, you must immediately inform a specialist about this and begin therapy.
During the rehabilitation period, cosmetologists advise adhering to the following recommendations:
- Avoid exposing your face to sunlight. Use sunscreen and avoid baths and saunas for a while.
- Swelling and burning can be relieved exclusively with cold compresses. Doctors advise using chamomile decoctions.
- Stop using anticoagulants.
- As for cosmetics, it is better to avoid using aggressive peelings, scrubs, etc.
- After mesotherapy, you should not comb or massage your face.
- Protect yourself from hot baths.
- Minimize physical activity for a while.
Precautionary measures
You should approach the choice of a clinic responsibly and strictly adhere to the recommendations of the leading cosmetologist.
The doctor may order tests and visits to related specialists to identify contraindications.
Also, during the period of preparation for exposure to drugs, it is necessary to reduce the level of physical activity as much as possible, do not drink alcohol, salty/fatty foods and smoke. Carrying out aggressive cosmetic procedures is also taboo.
Cream Dmae for face
Reviews of this product indicate that it is very effective . The drug has the same effect as mesotherapy, but it is much less profound. The cream helps increase the elasticity of the skin and normalize water balance. Experts say that Dmae cream can also smooth out facial contours and gradually get rid of fine wrinkles.
This cream can be used by people after twenty years of age to remove pigmentation and inflammation on the skin. In addition, it allows you to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands. This vitamin-containing complex does not form an addiction to it and makes the skin healthy and shiny.
Of course, the use of Dmae preparations in mesotherapy is a colossal breakthrough in the cosmetology industry. However, remember that the procedure in question is uncomfortable and painful, and is quite expensive . Moreover, it is impossible to remain young forever - some changes in appearance that appear with age must be learned to be accepted.
Organic compound in industry
Many organic substances that work in the human body are also used in industry. DMAE is no exception. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry not only as an independent ingredient that can have a therapeutic effect, but also as a basis for chemical components of drugs. In the paint and varnish industry, DMAE is used as the basis for many modern varnishes and paints used on various surfaces. One of the latest areas in which dimethylaminothanol began to work is the production of ionic liquids with unique properties used in such fields of science and production as rocketry, biotechnology, chemistry, energy, and so on. The use of the organic natural substance DMAE is becoming increasingly popular and justified.
Notes Dosage
The recommended dosage of DMAE is 100-200 mg per day.
DMAE nootropic supplements are commonly marketed as DMAE bitartrate. The DMAE bitartrate capsule is only 37% DMAE and the rest is 67% tartaric acid.
A 250 mg capsule of DMAE bitartrate provides 92.5 mg of actual DMAE.
Take your dose of DMAE in the morning before or with breakfast. Dose DMAE several times a week, but not every day.
If you are going to use DMAE, stack it with a good source of choline . Remember that DMAE inhibits choline and choline metabolism. And you absolutely need choline and acetylcholine for a fully optimized brain.
DMAE inhibits phospholipid synthesis. This means you won't get much help with choline precursors. You need a good source of choline.
Without going into a long explanation of the mechanics - phosphatidylcholine (PC) or CDP-choline and Omega-3 may help offset the damage caused by long-term use of DMAE.
Rehabilitation after mesotherapy
Mesotherapy does not require long-term recovery. Most patients easily tolerate the procedure, and the skin quickly recovers without additional treatment.
Following a number of rules will help reduce the risk of complications:
- Tanning and direct UV rays on the skin in treatment areas are not allowed.
- You cannot visit the bathhouse, sauna, swimming pool or solarium.
- For several days you should not use any cosmetic products that can cause skin irritation.
- It is allowed to use only those creams and lotions that are approved by a cosmetologist.
- If swelling, inflammation or burning occurs, cold or ice with chamomile infusion can be applied to the skin.
