The Beauty Molecule: Introducing Neuroceuticals, the Breakthrough for Ageless Beauty

The neurotransmitter acetylcholine holds the secret to maintaining one’s health and looks into old age, according to this underwhelming health manual. Dermatologist Perricone (The Perricone Promise) suggests that acetylcholine’s many benefits include improving metabolic efficiency by pruning damaged mitochondria (energy-producing cell components whose deterioration contributes to aging) and reducing inflammation in the brain by inhibiting the release of the agitating proteins known as cytokines. Though Perricone touts these insights as “revolutionary,” his recommendations for boosting acetylcholine levels largely track standard health advice. For instance, Perricone details deep breathing exercises and suggests exercising at least 20 minutes per day, five days a week, describing how to perform lateral leg lifts, glute bridges, and seated bicep curls. Nutritional guidance encourages readers to eat cold-water fish for their healthful fats and green tea for its antioxidants. Perricone’s constant self-promotion raise questions about the impartiality of his suggestions, as when he extols the benefits of drinking hydrogen-infused water and applying “cold plasma” moisturizer before noting that he sells both products. The absence of citations that would allow readers to track down some of the studies discussed throughout further undermines confidence. This carries a whiff of snake oil. Agent: David Vigliano, Vigliano Assoc. (Apr.)