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| ANTI-AGING PEPTIDES – Good, but not Better than Botox® |
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Anti - Aging Peptides - Good, but not Better than Botox®
By Wendy Lewis - Beauty Editor - HealthNewsDigest.com
Jan 24, 2005, 14:26
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ANTI-AGING PEPTIDES – Good, but not Better than Botox®
(HealthNewsDigest.com)...HealthNewsDigest.com’s Beauty Editor Wendy Lewis investigates the magic bullets of anti-aging skin care science
The essential structure of the skin’s layers breaks down with age. The skin loses its elasticity and ability to hold moisture, and the collagen-elastin network weakens over time. As the levels of proteins in the skin decline, lines and wrinkles become visible. However, science has proven that it is possible to reverse some of this damage and to repair the mesh-like structure of the skin by giving the cells a boost.
One of the key new anti-aging skin care technology involves incorporating compounds called pentapeptides which are small groups of amino acids that act as chemical messengers throughout the body. These peptides are considered the future of cosmeceutical formulations, and they take their cue from research in wound healing, much like copper peptides and vitamin K, among others. These powerful proteins are a long chain of amino acids that have been proven to promote collagen and elastin production while strengthening the essential structural matrix of the skin tissue. Polypeptides, a long chain of amino acids, have the ability to regenerate the cells to produce a smoother, softer and younger looking complexion with continued use. The magic bullet is a combination of peptides known as pentapeptides. Researchers have found that this chain of amino acids works synergistically to increase skin thickness and improve texture. The key ingredient is palmitoyl pentapeptide 3 – PAL-KTTS for short and also known as Matrixyl® – which is one of the few recent ingredients that has actually shown positive changes in collagen and elastin in clinical studies.
There has been a virtual explosion of peptide products marketed via the internet, infomercials, drugstores and department stores. However, some of the claims being made are indeed exaggerated. The best advice is to stick with brands you know and trust that have the funding available to do extensive research and development before they bring formulas to market. Today, almost every major skin care manufacturer has a product containing pentapeptides. On the prestige level, some of the top sellers in this category include Dr Brandt Crease Release ($150), DDF Wrinkle Relax® ($75), Lancome Resolution D-Contraxol™($68), and a host of others at various price points.
The Olay® Regenerist range is one breakthrough in anti-aging skincare that doesn’t break the bank. The popular Daily Regenerating Serum has a light texture that glides on well and gets absorbed into the skin under your moisturizer. They have just launched another winner to the range – Olay® Regenerist Continuous Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment that is the best one yet ($18.99, www.regenerist.com). This intensive formula contains pentapeptides (KTTKS), vitamin B3 & B5, allantoin, vitamin E, and green tea extract, with a subtle fragrance of lavender and a smooth, lovely texture for night time wear.
Are they better than Botox®? Not likely. Botulinum toxin is injected deep into the muscle where it works on muscle fibers. You will still be able to frown after using any topical “botox” cream. It relaxes the skin, but it cannot go deep enough to truly target the muscle. You have to be realistic; if you have deep wrinkles and loads of sun damage, no topical pentapeptide cream alone is going to give you the supple skin of a twenty year old again. It offers a temporary fix, and as with any anti-aging regimen, you must apply it regularly, preferably twice a day for at least six weeks, to see results.
Wendy Lewis & Co Ltd offers private image enhancement consultations at Georgette Klinger Spa & Salon in New York, and in London, and via phone and email from all over the world, for both men and women. She is the author of 9 beauty books, including The Beauty Battle. www.wlbeauty.com, wlbeauty@aol.com
www.HealthNewsDigest.com
© Copyright
2005 by HealthNewsDigest.com
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