Can Kinerase Rejuvenate Aging Skin?

It seems were constantly being bombarded with advertisements for products that claim to improve the appearance of aging facial skin. While many of these products are unproven, there is a growing list of topical skin agents that have been demonstrated to improve the texture and appearance of aging, sun damaged skin. Such aging skin care treatments as topical retinoids (marketed as Retin-A), alph-hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and coenzyme-Q have all shown some effectiveness as aging skin therapy. Another skin care cream that has received attention in the past few years is Kinerase cream. Kinerase cream is marked as an alternative to prescription strength retinoids such as Retin-A for people who can’t tolerate Retin-A due to skin redness and irritation. Is Kinerase an effective alternative to prescription retinoids such as Retin-A?

What exactly is Kinerase and how might it be beneficial to aging facial skin? The active ingredient in Kinerase is kinetin, a substance derived from plants which is thought to help retard natural plant aging. Kinetin has also been shown to have antioxidant effects as well as DNA repair properties which may explain its anti-aging effect on skin cells.

Although the antioxidant and DNA repair properties of kinetin suggests that it could be effective at improving the appearance of aging facial skin, studies are needed to demonstrate quantifiable benefits. A study conducted at the University of California at Irvine compared the effects of different concentrations of Kinerase on human skin. It showed that subjects receiving Kinerase experienced significant improvements in skin roughness, pigmentation, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Although this study along with anecdotal evidence of benefits from Kinerase lend support to its potential as an aging skin care treatment, no double blind, placebo controlled study has been published to conclusively prove its effectiveness for aging facial skin. Studies comparing Kinerase to prescription strength retinoids are still currently unavailable.

Despite this, many people who purchase Kinerase cream to use as an aging skin treatment report smoother texture, improvement in spotty pigmentation, as well as softening of fine lines and wrinkles. Such improvement does come at a rather steep price. A half ounce of Kinerase cream may run well over a hundred dollars when purchased at medical spas, physician offices, and online.

If you’re on retinoids to treat aging facial skin should you consider the use of Kinerase? Prescription strength retinoids are a time tested and well studied aging skin care treatment that works for the majority of people who use it. If you’re unable to tolerate retinoids due to skin irritation and redness, Kinerase may be a potential alternative. If you’re already on retinoids and aren’t experiencing side effects such as skin redness, it’s probably best to continue with your current regimen. Until studies directly comparing Kinerase with Retin-A are carried out, it’s best to stick with proven aging skin care treatments such as the retinoids.