‘Space’ drink may reduce wrinkles
Two daily shots of a wonder drink, reportedly used by astronauts, could reduce wrinkles and sun spots, according to a new study. Scientists from the University of Utah monitored 180 people who drank two 60ml drinks of AS10 — a drink originally developed to protect astronauts.
Two daily shots of a wonder drink, reportedly used by astronauts, could reduce wrinkles and sun spots, according to a new study.
Scientists from the University of Utah monitored 180 people who drank two 60ml drinks of AS10 — a drink originally developed to protect astronauts from the harmful effects of radiation outside the Earth’s atmosphere — each day for four months.
The antioxidant-rich drink is made from a blend of exotic fruits including açai, acerola, prickly pear, bayberry and cupuaçu (a Brazilian fruit). Grapes, green tea, pomegranate and vegetables are also added to the mix to create a concoction high in vitamins and phytochemicals, which help block the damaging effects of radiation.
At the end of the four-month trial, researchers took photographs, which used different types of light exposure to reveal skin conditions below the surface.
They found UV spots were reduced by 30% and wrinkles by 17%.
“The skin is the first body tissue to be exposed to UV rays and we know it is sensitive to oxidative stress,” Dr Aaron Barson, the nutritional scientist who carried out the study, explains.
“Our study shows it greatly benefits from a reduction in this stress. The effects of oxidative stress on the skin can be quickly modified and the skin can heal itself by drinking AS10.”
Radiation particles cause the body to create free radicals, which damage cells in a process called oxidative stress. It is thought to speed up skin ageing and has also been linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s.
The study authors believe the antioxidants in AS10 ward off the free radicals to help the skin heal. But at $47 for a 750ml bottle – only enough to last six days – it’s an expensive skin treatment.
However, Australian dermatologist, Dr Adrian Lim, told AAP he is sceptical about how effective the treatment could be.
“We have a long understanding of how antioxidants work and taking mega-doses… doesn’t necessarily do all that much to the skin in a short period anyway.”
Dr Lim says the most effective way to prevent your skin from ageing is to protect yourself from the sun.
“Use a good sunscreen and have healthy sun exposure behaviour – that’s still the best,” he advises.
