The Science Behind Skin Care

I have just written a series of articles for my website titled The Science Behind Skin Care Products.



My intention is to demonstrate that there is actual scientific proof that certain skin care products do what they claim. This proof consists not of anecdoctal evidence, but on the results of studies using methods such as skin biopsy and instruments such as laser topography, ultrasound measurement of skin density and cutometer readings of skin elasticity. [A cutometer is a suction device placed against the skin. Upon release, the skin’s return to its normal state is optically measured and timed.]



Scientists have established that certain topical peptide skin creams lessen wrinkles and thicken the skin by causing new collagen and elastin to grow or preventing the destruction of collagen by glycation.



For example, GHK-Cu Copper Peptides, in one study had the most significant effect on collagen production. Significant increases in collagen production were found in 70% of the persons treated with copper-peptide creams, 50% of those treated with the vitamin C cream, and 40% of those treated with retinoic acid.



Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 caused an increase in synthesis of Collagen I by 212%, Collagen IV by 100 to 327% and Hyaluronic Acid by 267%. Collagen I is predominant among the 19 forms of collagen found in the human body. Therefore increasing production of Collagen I has a very dramatic effect on rebuilding the skin. Strivectin was one of the first products to use PP3.



Acetyl Hexapeptide , also known as Argireline, is a needle free alternative to Botox. Botox paralyzes the muscles, causing a softening effect in facial wrinkles.



Acetyl Hexapeptide blocks acetylcholine transmission to the muscles by 30%. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that sends instructions to the muscles to contract.



Finally, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide controls glycation damage and inflammation that causes the skin's support system to break down.



The next time you are at a cosmetics counter look for these ingredients if you want a skin care product that works.



Tags: antiaging skin care science behind skin care effective skin care peptides