GABA acid – a powerful anti-wrinkle ingredient

GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neuroactive rejuvenating ingredient for immediate and long-lasting wrinkle reduction and stimulation of collagen renewal, hydration and skin barrier. In this article we detail how GABA works on the skin.

 

Neurotransmitters are substances that enable the transmission of nerve signals throughout the body, including those that direct muscle tone. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid and a neurotransmitter with inhibitory effects. In addition to the natural function of GABA, it can be delivered to the skin, inducing a number of beneficial effects (Uehara et al. 2017). An important advantage of γ-aminobutyric acid is that it can penetrate through the skin due to its low molecular weight. As a result, it relaxes muscles quickly and effectively, reducing facial wrinkles. As a result, the skin looks younger and fresher after its application. γ-aminobutyric acid can be obtained by a biotechnological method and is characterised by high purity and safety of use. Preparations containing GABA in concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 5% have the ability to reduce wrinkles, which was verified in a study involving 30 healthy volunteers aged 25 to 50 years. With all formulations, an effective reduction in wrinkle depth was observed, depending on the concentration of the active ingredient. The wrinkle-reducing effect appeared as early as 10 minutes and reached its maximum after 30 minutes and lasted for at least eight hours. On average, wrinkles could be reduced by 6.3 per cent in 30 minutes.

 

 

 

Graph 1. Immediate effect of wrinkle reduction

(Source: test results from the active ingredient manufacturer)

The long-term effect of GABA-containing formulations was also studied, with 30 healthy volunteers aged 25-50 years. The formulation in concentrations of 1-5% can effectively reduce the number of wrinkles and their depth achieving an average reduction in wrinkle depth of more than 12% after 4 weeks.

 

 

Figure 2: Long-term effect of wrinkle reduction

(Source: test results from the active ingredient manufacturer)

 

Stimulation of collagen and elastin

Scientific reports also indicate that GABA has a stimulating effect on the synthesis of proteins such as collagen, fibrillin and elastin in skin cells (Uehara et al. 2017a,b). At the same time, the activity of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases decreased. As a result, increased skin elasticity, repair of cellular protein structures and reduction of the causes of wrinkle formation were observed. In summary, the use of GABA acid in skin-rejuvenating cosmetics can produce effects at different levels. At the intracellular level, there is a simultaneous increase in the synthesis of structural proteins and inhibition of the degradation of these proteins resulting in increased skin elasticity. As GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, it can have the effect of locally reducing muscle tension, thereby reducing facial wrinkles. Due to its small molecule size, when GABA acid is applied to the skin’s surface, it easily penetrates and can realise its rejuvenating effects. In addition, GABA brightens the complexion and also stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and protects fibroblasts. As a result, the skin is perfectly moisturised, elastic and smooth.

 

 

Figure 3: Increase in skin elasticity

(Source: test results from the active ingredient manufacturer)

The effects of GABA acid can be divided into short-term effects, but which appear almost immediately after treatment and are related to a reduction in tension, and long-term effects related to beneficial effects on structural proteins. Thanks to these characteristics, GABA acid treatments improve the appearance of the skin and reduce wrinkles, and this effect is immediate and at the same time long-lasting.

 

Deep skin renewal with GABA acid

The powerful dermo-cure SUPERIOR YOUTH BOOST has been developed in Chantarelle laboratories for the stimulation of cell renewal, collagen synthesis, strengthening of skin structure, reduction of hyperpigmentation and sebum regulation. The formulations contain a rich formula of active ingredients, among them the neuroactive rejuvenating ingredient GABA acid. The treatment and home care preparations produce spectacular rejuvenating effects: filling in wrinkles, regaining elasticity and firmness, brightening discolouration and restoring healthy colour, regulating keratinisation and smoothing and moisturising. The stimulating effects of the treatment are multiplied by the PDT laser application.

 

Dr Marcin Wasylewski

Chantarelle expert, biotechnologist and university lecturer 

 

 

 

Literature:

• Ferrillo, M., Vastarella, M., Cantelli, M., Mazzella, C., & Fabbrocini, G. (2019). Instrumental, clinical and subjective evaluation of the efficacy of a cosmetic treatment for home use. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 21(4), 190-195.
• Uehara, E., Hokazono, H., Sasaki, T., Yoshioka, H., & Matsuo, N. (2017). Effects of GABA on the expression of type I collagen gene in normal human dermal fibroblasts. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 81(2), 376-379.
• Uehara, E., Hokazono, H., Hida, M., Sasaki, T., Yoshioka, H., & Matsuo, N. (2017). GABA promotes elastin synthesis and elastin fiber formation in normal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 81(6), 1198-1205.