Taurine
Skin tissue can age prematurely due to various factors—compromised skin cell barrier, insufficient hydration, ultraviolet-induced apoptosis (cell death), and free radical damage.
Glycation reactions are another problem. These occur when sugars attach themselves to the amino acids in collagen—which reduces the regenerative ability of collagen—in turn promoting wrinkles, sagging, and “creping.”
Scientists noted that the body increases levels of the amino acid taurine in tissues that suffer physical damage or trauma. This led to a fascinating discovery: taurine modulates multiple skin-damaging pathways when applied topically to the skin!7
Specifically, evidence suggests taurine repairs the skin barrier, rehydrates keratinocytes (the main cells of the upper skin layers), inhibits apoptosis, and reduces free radical damage. Taurine also offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-toxin benefits—protecting against premature aging and environmental toxins.7
Taurine is believed to inhibit glycation, one of the main causes of cellular aging.