Questions
peptides and adenosine for skin: Frequently asked questions
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Is ATP Suitable for Use in the Morning or Night?
Look for leave-on products, such as moisturizers or serums, or a facial mist. Rogers, who founded Doctor Rogers Skin Care, uses adenosine in a face cream and face lotion for a reason: “I like it in moisturizers that are used both during the day and night to help support our skin in the constant battle against pollution, the sun, and general wear and tear,” she says.
Is ATP Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Generally, it appears that ATP is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. “It hasn’t been demonstrated to have an adverse effect in pregnancy. However, every product needs to be examined for additional ingredients that are not safe for pregnancy or lactation,” Prather says. If you are unsure, she says that products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), such as glycolic acid, have been shown to be safe in pregnancy and can be used as an alternative to rev up skin cell turnover and brighten the skin.
What Is ATP?
ATP is short for adenosine triphosphate, which is present in all your cells, not just within your skin. If you think back to high school science class, you might remember that ATP is the “energy currency” of the cell. (ATP is made in the mitochondria, also known as the “powerhouse" of the cell.) “Our cells have to regenerate and produce new cells and tissues from those damaged from things like UV radiation, surgery, or trauma. Naturally, in the healing process, ATP is beneficial,” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist and the founder and owner of GFaceMD in Wellesley, Massachusetts. ATP affects how well cells perform, and research suggests that this mitochondrial function begins to degrade with time. “As we age, levels of ATP decline, and with less of this energy source, our cells and their functions move more slowly,” says Dr. Rogers, who’s also part of the clinical faculty at the University of Washington. Of course, this has ramifications all over your body. But for your skin? “In the skin, cells need ATP to perform functions such as collagen production, maintenance of hydration, and antioxidant defenses," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in the dermatology department at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Without ATP, cells cannot function the way they need to on a daily basis, contributing to premature aging,” he says.
How Often Should You Use ATP?
ATP can be used nightly, especially because it can be a skin-soothing ingredient, says Frieling. For those who have significant signs of skin aging, ATP can’t do it all. Zeichner recommends also using products with antioxidants, retinol, peptides, or hydroxy acids.
Does ATP React With Other Ingredients?
Although more research is needed, “the functionality of ATP doesn’t appear to be compromised if you mix it with other ingredients,” says Frieling. She adds that the amount of ATP in a product ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 percent. “That’s a safe percentage that’s been shown to remain active when combined with other ingredients like peptides and niacinamide,” she says.