NITRIC OXIDE AND SKIN HEALTH
by William Parrish
Nitric oxide (NO) is a promising ally for improving skin health and slowing down the aging process. With its ability to enhance collagen production and improve circulation to the skin, nitric oxide can reverse premature aging.
The Science of it All
Nitric oxide (NO) plays a critical role in maintaining both healthy and aging skin. As people age, the production and function of NO changes significantly, thereby affecting overall skin health.
As NO levels decline with age, these protective and reparative processes become less efficient. Reduced NO can lead to impaired blood flow, a weaker skin barrier, increased susceptibility to infections and diminished ability to heal from UV damage. Therefore, maintaining adequate NO levels is essential for preserving skin health and mitigating the effects of aging.
Nitric oxide, a free radical gas, is a potent vasodilator and was shown to enhance skin quality in terms of wrinkles, pore size and pigment. For acne, the serum can dramatically reduce active pustules, comedones (a form of acne) and improve the appearance of mild to moderate scars.
By reducing inflammation and increasing keratinization, nitric oxide also increases moisture and barrier functions of the skin. The reduction of subclinical inflammation aids in the prevention of scar formation. If it is safely applied on open wounds, which yields added anti-bacterial activity, which maximizes healing and minimizes scar formation.
The NO produced by endothelial cells causes vasodilation and enhanced blood flow to the skin. This vasodilation allows proper transport of oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to the skin, which aids in the repair of damaged skin cells.
It has been shown that nitric oxide can stimulate fibroblast activity, which promotes collagen synthesis. In addition, NO acts as an antioxidant, helping protect the skin from oxidative stress. By decreasing oxidative stress, NO indirectly supports collagen synthesis.1
There is growing evidence that nitric oxide may help protect the skin against UV radiation. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, it stimulates the release of nitric oxide, which can then help defend against the damage caused by UV-induced free radicals.
Nitric oxide helps protect the skin from UV radiation in several ways. Its antioxidant properties allow it to scavenge free, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, nitric oxide protects endothelial cells from the damaging effects of UV radiation, preventing cell death. This multifaceted protection helps combat premature aging caused by UV exposure.2
Conclusion
As people age, nitric oxide production decreases and is a key component that indirectly influences aging within the body. This is true of all anatomical functions, including blood flow, inflammation, sexual function and brain processes. It is most obvious, however, in the skin. Pollution, sunlight, smoking, a diet high in sugar and fat, stress, in addition to the natural aging process, takes a toll, but introducing nitric oxide can reverse damage and help maintain younger looking healthy skin.
It helps to naturally produce more collagen, enhances blood flow and decreases premature cell death. This will simply enhance the beauty of the user.
References
1 Malone-Povolny MJ, Maloney SE, Schoenfisch MH. Nitric Oxide Therapy for Diabetic 2019 Jan 15. PMID: 30645055; PMCID: PMC6774257.
2 Min Wu,a Zhihui Lu,a Keke Wu,a Changwoo Nam,*b Lin Zhang*a and Jinshan Guo Recent advances in the development of nitric oxide-releasing biomaterials and Their application potentials in chronic wound healing, Issue 35, 2021 Journal of Materials Chemistry B *a