Taurine — an amino acid used in skin care products, particularly anti-aging lines, where it is said to help calm the skin and when combined with glycolic acid it is also said to have an exfoliating effect that helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Taurine is believed to inhibit glycation [when sugars attach themselves to the amino acids in collagen—promoting wrinkles, sagging, and “creping,” one of the main causes of cellular aging]. Taurine modulates multiple skin-damaging pathways when applied topically, evidence suggests taurine repairs the skin barrier, rehydrates keratinocytes (the main cells of the upper skin layers), inhibits apoptosis (cell death), and reduces free radical damage. Taurine also offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-toxin benefits—protecting against premature aging and environmental toxins. Taurine is used in topical anti-acne and atopic eczema therapy, and is effective in treating the underlying causes of psoriasis.