C60 Skin Benefits | What to Know in 2024

By Ken Swartz, MSJune 28, 2023

The pursuit of vibrant, youthful skin and a healthy, long life often leads us to exciting new discoveries in the world of natural skincare. One such finding is Carbon 60 (C60), a unique molecule composed of 60 carbon atoms that has stirred up quite a buzz in the wellness and skincare industries.

So, what makes C60 so special? Let's dive in…

What is C60?

Resembling a soccer ball, the C60 molecule, named after the architect and futurist Buckminster Fuller, is touted for its potential to donate and accept electrons due to its unique spherical structure.¹ This electron-sharing capability lies at the heart of its impressive health benefits.

Carbon 60: The Most Powerful Antioxidant Known?

When it comes to the aging process, both internally and externally, one of the primary culprits is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress results from an overabundance of free radicals - unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA in your body.

An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body, oxidative stress can damage our cells, proteins, and DNA, acting as the rust that gradually degrades our health and appearance. One place where this aging process is especially noticeable is our skin, where oxidative stress can break down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

It's akin to your body “rusting” but at a cellular level. This "rusting" is one of the key factors behind the fine lines and wrinkles we all start to notice as we age. In fact, oxidative stress is known to accelerate the aging process, so getting it in check is one of the first steps to slowing it down.

The good news? Our bodies have an innate system to combat these destructive free radicals – antioxidants. These are molecules that can safely interact with free radicals and neutralize them, preventing them from causing harm. However, your body’s ability to produce these antioxidants declines with age. And unfortunately, these are not the kind of antioxidants you can get from your food, your body has to make them.

Enter C60, with its unique ability to act as a powerful antioxidant that can perform some of the functions of the antioxidants your body produces, such as SOD, Catalase, and Glutathione. It can effectively neutralize free radicals without destabilizing itself, thereby reducing oxidative stress.¹ This behavior has led to C60 often being called the "king of antioxidants".

C60: Benefactor of Skin Health

The potential benefits of C60 extend well beyond general health. Studies have demonstrated its specific applications to skin health. C60 can protect our skin cells from oxidative damage, preserving collagen and elastin, the proteins crucial for maintaining our skin's structure and elasticity.⁶ Doing so could potentially lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Interestingly, topical application of C60 has shown promising results. It has been found to reduce lines and wrinkles in women,⁴ stimulate hair growth,⁵ and even support wound healing.² Moreover, its cytoprotective and cytotoxic effects may make C60 useful in treating many skin conditions, as well as protecting the skin from environmental damage and UV radiation.³

C60’s potent antioxidant properties may even contribute to reduced pore size and a smoother complexion,⁸ providing promising avenues for further exploration in skincare. Some research also suggests that it might improve skin conditions and enhance skin hydration and lipid barrier function, leading to smoother and healthier-looking skin.⁹

The Anti-Aging Potential of C60

One of the most exciting areas of C60 research is its potential anti-aging properties. A study found C60 to be a potent free radical scavenger, protecting against the damaging effects of oxidative stress and enhancing the skin's natural defense mechanisms.

By acting as a powerful antioxidant, C60 can potentially help neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals on our skin cells, protecting collagen and elastin – the proteins that maintain our skin's structure and elasticity. Some studies suggest that C60 might enhance skin health, lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even contribute to wound healing.⁶

The fact that C60 can permeate the skin easily makes it an ideal delivery system for topical products, suggesting that incorporating C60 into skincare products could maximize protection from oxidative damage, ultimately lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.⁷

When it Comes to C60, Quality and Purity Matter

With C60's rising popularity, it's crucial to ensure you're choosing a high-quality product if you decide to try it. Not all C60 products are created equally. Look for a supplier that doesn't use solvents in the production process and tests their products for purity and concentration. Sublimated C60 is considered the purest form of C60 because no solvents are used in the process of purification. Only choose products that are made with 99.99% pure Carbon 60, which is the highest grade of Carbon 60 available.

Wrapping Up

While more research is needed to fully understand the breadth of C60's benefits, its antioxidant properties and potential benefits for skin health and longevity are promising. Will Carbon 60 become the next big thing to revolutionize anti-aging skincare? It certainly has the potential to do so.

C60 works best when integrated into a comprehensive wellness approach that includes good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management — all key components of healthy skin and a long, vibrant life.

References:

Ken Swartz, MS is the co-founder, Chairman Emeritus, and former Chief Science Officer at C60 Power, a health and wellness company committed to delivering the highest quality Carbon 60 products available. Ken earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Colorado at Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University.

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