Argireline - An Alternative to Botox?

Argireline or Acetyl hexapeptide-3 is one of the promising new Botox alternatives that doesn’t require a doctor or a prescription. It is believed to work by inhibiting the reactions that cause the muscles of the face to expand and contract. When applied to the skin, it relaxes facial tension which in turn leads to the reduction in wrinkles over time. This peptide can also keep facial muscles relaxed in order to prevent wrinkles from appearing in the future.

By reducing these muscle movements, this peptide helps to preserve the existing elastin and collagen in our skin. Both elastin and collagen tend to break down and disappear as we age. This results in loose and sagging skin.

Lipotec, a Spanish company, holds the patent on Acetyl hexapeptide-3. It is a peptide and protein derivative. By limiting muscle contraction, it is believed that the formation of wrinkles may be prevented and reduced.

While Botox works on specific muscles, Acetyl hexapeptide-3 can be applied to the entire face.

Argireline can also come in different forms. Many skin care products have used this peptide in skin creams, gels or serums. Because it can be used on different parts of the face, it can be applied to a specific area. Botox, on the other hand, would instead cover an entire area of the face instead of a small, targeted location.

There has been very little research on Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and skin care. A clinical study was published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. At concentrations of 10% it was shown to reduce the depth of wrinkles up to 30% after 30 days of use.

Clinical Studies

According to Lipotec’s web site, there were 2 studies that have been completed.

For the first study, a 10% cream was used and skin topography analyses were performed by obtaining silicon imprints from around the eyes of 10 healthy women volunteers. Silicon imprints were taken before and after 30 days of twice a day applications. Analyses of the imprints were performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy to assess the change of the skin surface before and after the treatment. The depth of the wrinkles decreased an average of 27% with maximum values between 50% and 60%.

For the second study, a 5% skin cream was used and the same test was performed on 14 healthy women volunteers. Silicon imprints were taken before and after 28 days of twice a day applications. The depth of the wrinkle decreased an average of 17% with a maximum value of 32%.

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