Dr. Perricone Shares Anti-Aging ‘Beauty Molecule’ That’s a Game-Changer for Women Over 50 (EXCLUSIVE)

Nicholas Perricone, M.D., is used to generating controversy. Some 25 years ago, his argument for the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet—including more radiant skin and better health—in his book The Wrinkle Cure “was not really accepted at all,” he tells Woman’s World as our cover this week (get your copy here). Now, of course, the link between inflammation and whole-body health is more widely accepted. 

Today, despite growing and then selling a popular skincare company (Perricone MD) and authoring several New York Times bestsellers, Dr. Perricone, a dermatologist and certified nutrition specialist, is still interested in learning more about how he can help people turn back the clock on aging and live a healthier life. Case in point: He recently attended a Yale University graduation ceremony—his own, to accept a Master’s in Public Health, which he hopes will help him in his goal to deliver more nutritious meals to public schools. He also created his own line of hydrogen water available at PerriconeHydrogenWater.com and on Amazon (keep reading below about it’s incredible whole-body health benefits). 

Most recently, he published The Beauty Molecule, which delves into his continued research into inflammation and acetylcholine, a brain chemical he says can protect whole-body health, boost mental wellbeing and re-energize the skin. 

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Acetylcholine is produced by nerve endings in the central and peripheral nervous systems, which run throughout the brain, spine and entire body, and it has many different functions. “Acetylcholine may be able to repair the mitochondria [which generate energy for every cell in the body], help our immune system, turn off inflammation in our body and more,” Dr. Perricone asserts. 

But levels dip with age, so boosting acetylcholine is key for women over 50. Here, Dr. Perricone gives strategies for increasing acetylcholine and reducing inflammation, so you can tap into greater energy and vitality! 

What is acetylcholine—and why is it crucial for women over 50?

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter produced by the central and peripheral nervous systems. “It may be able to repair mitochondria, bolster the immune system, and even turn off inflammation in the body,” says Dr. Perricone.

But acetylcholine levels decline with age—especially for women over 50—making it vital to actively support its production. Below, Dr. Perricone shares expert-backed strategies to naturally increase acetylcholine and reverse inflammation, for more energy, healthier skin and a longer life.

1. Eat protein-rich, choline-packed foods

Protein is essential for preserving muscle mass, promoting skin elasticity, and stimulating collagen production. “The days you don’t get enough protein are the days you age,” Dr. Perricone warns.

He recommends women over 50 aim for 1.0–1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. For a 180-pound woman, that’s around 82–97 grams.

Anti-inflammatory protein sources like fish, shellfish, poultry, and tofu are ideal. Even better, chicken, turkey, quinoa, cruciferous vegetables and kidney beans are rich in choline—a nutrient your body uses to make acetylcholine. While choline supplements exist, Dr. Perricone suggests getting it from whole foods first.

2. Stimulate your vagus nerve for whole-body calm

Your vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the gut, controls your body’s parasympathetic nervous system (think rest and digest). When stimulated, it releases acetylcholine, helping calm the heart, relax muscles, and reduce inflammation.

You can activate your vagus nerve daily—no equipment needed. Dr. Perricone suggests trying:

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Humming or chanting
• Interval or endurance training

3. Sip hydrogen water for skin and energy

Dr. Perricone hails hydrogen water as “the magic bullet.” This enhanced water—made by dissolving hydrogen gas or magnesium tablets—may suppress cytokines (inflammatory proteins), boost NAD (essential for energy metabolism), and increase antioxidants by 2,900%, according to one Korean study.

Another study found it reduced oxidative stress by 42% in eight weeks. Some people report improved skin radiance in just three days and less fatigue after regular consumption.

To reap the benefits, Dr. Perricone recommends:

• Drinking it three times daily
• Choosing water with at least 1 part per million hydrogen
• Drinking it within 10 minutes of opening to retain potency

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You can buy it in cans at PerriconeHydrogenWater.com or use magnesium tablets to infuse your own.

For more of Dr. Perricone’s tips to boost the Beauty Molecule and also his tips for eating an anti-inflammatory diet, check out the issue of Woman’s World on sale now! And for more on how acetylcholine—a brain chemical Dr. Perricone has dubbed “the beauty molecule”—can switch off inflammation to reveal healthier, more radiant skin, check out The Beauty Molecule and NicholasPerriconeMD.com.