L-Carnitine

* The biologically active form of Carnitine, a nutrient that helps the body turn fat into energy

* Also known as Acetyl-l-carnitine

* Please read TIA’s article on Carnitine

Functions:

According to The University of Maryland Medical Center, L-Carnitine and Carnitine's fundamental roles in the body is the transport of long chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane into the mitochondria, where the fatty acids are ultimately broken down and converted to energy. Although it's clear why both L-Carnitine and Carnitine oral supplements are beneficial to the body from the inside out, helping to shed fat, boost energy and build muscle (although even research on the true effects of those results is lacking), applied topically, L-Carnitine's uses are suspect.

However, given L-Carnitine’s ability to play a role in fat breakdown, it is not surprising that one of the substance’s first cosmetic applications was in contouring creams and cellulite control formulations. According to a new patent filed by a California Pharmaceutical company, "Although the exact mechanism of action of L-carnitine in alleviating skin disorders is unknown, it is suspected to be related to metabolism of the skin, which is highly lipid dependent." It's also thought that L-Carnitine can act as an antioxidant or anti-inflammatory, although chemically it is not, and reverse inflammation and swelling, or the appearance of puffiness. Due to these properties, L-Carnitine has been used to treat varicella scarring, wrinkle formation and sunburn peeling.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

There are no adverse effects of L-Carnitine when applied topically.

Recommended Products w/ L-Carnitine:

Suki Intensive Complexion Brightening Cream, Glotherapeutics GloPeptide + Defense, Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer