New research highlights excess iron accumulation as an overlooked contributor to oxidative stress, photoaging, and uneven skin tone, with implications for menopause and next-generation skincare innovation.
(PRUnderground) February 18th, 2026
A newly published peer-reviewed study in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology highlights excess iron accumulation in the skin as an underrecognized contributor to visible aging, photoaging, redness, and uneven tone. While the findings are especially relevant for women during and after menopause, researchers note that iron-driven oxidative stress affects men and younger women as well.
“For more than a century, science has understood that iron can accelerate oxidative reactions,” said Dr. Xi Huang, senior author of the study and former NYU Medical School faculty member. “What has been overlooked is how this biology translates to skin aging. Excess iron, particularly when destabilized by UV exposure and environmental stress, can amplify visible damage over time.”
Iron is normally stored safely in proteins such as ferritin. However, UV radiation and age-related stress can release that stored iron, triggering oxidative reactions that contribute to wrinkles, collagen breakdown, discoloration, redness, and dullness.
The study also highlights menopause as a key biological turning point. As menstruation ceases, iron levels rise significantly – with serum ferritin increasing two- to threefold – coinciding with accelerated visible skin aging.
Based on these findings, i-On by Dr. Xi introduces next-generation skincare powered by patented De-Ironizing Inducer (DII®) technology, designed to help reduce excess iron burden in the skin – an upstream contributor to oxidative stress.
Unlike traditional antioxidants that neutralize free radicals after they form, or retinoids that stimulate surface renewal, DII® technology focuses on addressing a potential trigger before oxidative damage progresses.
Across three independent clinical studies involving more than 90 participants, DII®-containing products demonstrated universal reported improvement in key skin parameters within their respective studies, reflecting consistent gains in brightness, smoothness, and overall skin appearance.
“This represents a shift in thinking,” Dr. Huang added. “Instead of reacting to oxidative damage, we can begin addressing one of its sources.”
The study will appear in the March 1 issue of the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology and is available online.
For more information, visit www.ionskincare.com
About i-On By Dr.Xi
About i-On by Dr. Xi
i-On by Dr. Xi is a New York–based science-driven skincare and wellness brand founded by Dr. Xi Huang, a former NYU Medical School faculty member with decades of research experience in iron metabolism and oxidative stress. The brand’s patented De-Ironizing Inducer (DII®) technology is designed to help address excess iron in the skin – an underrecognized contributor to visible aging and uneven tone. By focusing on underlying oxidative triggers rather than surface symptoms alone, i-On introduces a proactive approach to healthier-looking skin and visible skin longevity. Learn more at www.ionskincare.com
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