This common anti-oxidant reverses symptoms of aging

Latest research regarding the effects of methylene blue upon human skin cells show that the common antioxidant which is usually used as a dye in laboratories would most probably be added as a skin care product to slow ageing signs.

Antioxidants are basically the compounds which avert Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) molecules from harm caused by other oxidizing chemicals, informs Science Alert. ROS is actually a family of chemicals that rips into DNA, damaging cell structures and giving birth to oxidative stress.

The experiment was conducted for over four weeks in which the team applied methylene blue to skin cells from healthy middle-aged donors, people over the age of 80 along with younger individuals with the progeria (a disease which makes body age at a faster speed than usual). The researchers also applied methylene blue to an artificial skin model which was based on living tissues set in layers to stimulate a human epidermis.

The results proved that methylene blue improved many age-related symptoms in cells from the healthy donors and the progeria patients. The cells also experienced advancements in older donors along with reduced expression of two genes which are used as indicators of cellular aging, reported Science Daily.

Senior researcher Kan Cao explained the results saying, “Most surprisingly, we saw that model skin treated with methylene blue retained more water and increased in thickness – both of which are features typical of younger skin.”

The study published in Scientific Reports said that the antioxidant was better than many others as it helped fibroblasts cells to last longer, divide rapidly and demonstrate lesser signs of ageing.

Zheng-Mei Xiong, the lead researcher, said, “I was encouraged and excited to see skin fibroblasts, derived from individuals more than 80 years old, grow much better in methylene blue-containing medium with reduced cellular senescence markers.” Cellular senescence usually refers to normal cells when they stop dividing.

“Our work suggests that methylene blue could be a powerful antioxidant for use in skin care products,” stated Cao. “The effects we are seeing are not temporary. Methylene blue appears to make fundamental, long-term changes to skin cells.”

Cao said, “Perhaps down the road we can customize the system with bioprinting, such that we might be able to use a patient's own cells to provide a tailor-made testing platform specific to their needs.” He continued, “We have already begun formulating cosmetics that contain methylene blue. Now we are looking to translate this into marketable products.”

The amount of concentrations in these skin care items would likely help people look younger with further testing.