Capsaicin in Hot Sauce Heats Up as an Anti-Wrinkle Treatment, Beauty Aid

When the maker of a famous line of hot sauce accidentally splashed his Guinness Record setting product around his eyes and forehead, his first thoughts were not on skin care, but how intense the discomfort from the peppers was. Yet he later saw dramatic improvement in his skin's firmness and a reduction of lines, which led him to investigate the source of the improvement.

Capsaicin, the phytochemical that gives pepper their heat, has long been used in skin applications for muscle and joint pain. However, Blair Lazar of Blair's Sauces & Snacks, stumbled upon another use - as an anti-wrinkle treatment.

The result of Blair's research into this new use for capsaicin is Blairlabs' anti-wrinkle treatment BioCap(R). The promise of BioCap is that it promotes natural collagen production and reduces lines. Most importantly, the company took out the heat and while claiming to have preserved its healing properties. There is an extra strength formula (BioCap XS) with twice the capsaicin punch as well. Blairlabs released a statement August 28th in which dermatologist to the stars, Dr. Laurie Polis gives her unpaid endorsement.

"I absolutely did see improvement in the tone, texture and clarity of the skin," the Soho based dermatologist said. "There was improved hydration and a decrease in wrinkling."

One of the reason's behind the ingredients efficacy in capsaicin's ability to increase blood flow, which not only improves circulation but also causes the tissue to swell slightly (and plumper skin hides wrinkles). The increased blood flow also allows the other active ingredients to work faster and better. Blair says the results are even better than Botox. Sales of Biocap began in May 2007 at blairlabs.com. The company reports over 7,000 men and women using Biocap and Biocap XS twice a day, with a reorder and referral rate of over 80 percent. For Blair, who started his hot sauce company in his apartment with only $600, the venture in beauty creams has been a success.

Cayenne pepper, which also gets its punch from capsaicin, is already an ingredient in many anti-cellulite and beauty creams. While Blairlabs has the first cream of its kind, expect to see similar products at stores within months, with at-home beauty treatments not far behind. Capsaicin's use in speeding metabolism has been touted for years. Beyonce's detox diet was fueled by cayenne spiced water, and CareFair.com suggests mixing a little in with lip balm for a natural lip-plumping effect.

Sources:

Blairlab, Aging Skin Gets New Life Through 'Death Sauce' Development; Blairlab's Biocap Reduces Facial Lines and Wrinkles Using Capsaicin, PR News Wire

Carefair.com, Spice Rack In The Bathroom