DMAE Products: Instant Wrinkle Relief or Hype?

(CBS) What's the latest wrinkle in skin care? It's dimethylethanolamine (DMAE) - at least if you believe Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a well-known dermatologist who appeared recently on Dr. Mehmet Oz's television program.

Perricone, the author of books on skin care and other health topics, says wrinkles don't stand a chance against lotions that contain DMAE, a compound that occurs naturally in salmon and other foods.

"When you put it on, there is an almost instant change," he told Dr. Oz. "You will see an increase in radiance and an increase in skin tone. It's not a gimmick."

Gimmick or not, Perricone may not be the most objective source of information on DMAE. His website sells a variety of DMAE-containing products.

What do other dermatologists say about DMAE?

"The bottom line is that it is a marginally valuable compound," Dr. Zoe Draelos, consulting professor of dermatology at Duke University, tells CBS News. "The effect wears off very quickly."

She said little little research has been done on DMAE's purported anti-wrinkle effect, adding "It's never been tested in a large study."

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Running out to try Perricone's products or waiting until more research comes in?