Top 5 Most Popular Products based on # of clicks - (click count) / % share of 119,706 clicks

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1. Skincell Vial #29-A (29806 clicks)

24.9%

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2. Oxytokin (18195 clicks)

15.2%

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3. Renuvie (12449 clicks)

10.4%

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4. Veralyze (11132 clicks)

9.3%

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5. Strivectin SD (6344 clicks)

5.3%

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What are Peptides?

We all suffer from wrinkles at some point in our lives, and most of us seek a way to reverse those wrinkles at some point. For those of you who have looked into alternatives to harsh facial peels, botox, and major surgical procedures, you have probably heard of a connection between peptides and reversing wrinkles.

So what are peptides? According to wikipedia.org, peptides can be defined as, “short polymers formed from the linking, in a defined order- of a-amino acids.” They are often used as the body’s messengers and regulate the hormones, immune activity, and cell communication. They have also been thought to aid in the healing of wounds and in curing skin conditions such as eczema.

Some popular peptides used in many wrinkle creams and serums include palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 or 4(commonly called Matrixyl), acetyl hexapeptide-3(often called argireline), and palmitoyl tripeptide-5. All of them claim to do different things, but those 3 peptides are popular in the wrinkle cream industry.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 and 4 were developed by Sedema and Proctor & Gamble. Both 3 and 4 are commonly called Matrixyl. It has been studied and shown to be just as effective as the ever popular retinol, but without all the negative side effects, such as skin irritation, often associated with retinol. It consists of 5 amino acids attached to a fatty acid to enhance oil solubility and better skin penetration. It has also been shown to be structurally similar to the precursor of collagen, procollagen type 1. When added to the skin, this palmitoyl pentapeptide stimulates the synthesis of healthy and regular collagen, elastin, and glucoasmnoglycans. One study also showed it to be effective in repairing sun damage as well as retinol, but again without the negative side effects.

Acetyl Hexappetide-3(commonly called argireline) claims to be a gentle alternative to botox, decreasing the visible signs of aging by reducing the deep wrinkles and lines that occur around the forehead and eyes such as crow’s feet. It does this by inhibiting the reactions caused by common facial expressions and muscle contractions, which are believed to cause or deepen wrinkles. Studies conducted by Advancell laboratory support its wrinkle reducing properties. The studies conducted showed an average 16% reduction in wrinkles after 4 weeks and an average 27% reduction in wrinkles after 30 days. However, too much of this peptide can overly relax the muscles and cause the skin to sag. Manufacturers therefore use a maximum of 10% in their formulations. For results as dramatic as botox, there are no natural alternatives found as of yet.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is a boosts the production of collagen and thereby works as an anti wrinkle agent. It is highly bioactive, and it is able to activate tissue growth to stimulate collagen synthesis at a much higher rate than most others like it. It is easily water soluble, and in vitro tests showed the tripeptide to have better collagen building capabilities than TGF-beta. It actively irons out any type of wrinkle, and it contains good skin firming and moisturizing properties. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is able to repair stretch marks, and it has been shown to be clinically proven and completely safe.

The peptides popularly used in modern wrinkle cures have often been clinically proven. They boast small or no side effects as compared to their surgical competitors. All three of the most popular peptides in the anti wrinkle industry were developed to increase collagen, elastin, and otherwise iron out wrinkles and fine lines over time. They show promising results that may even augment those of procedures such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion. However, they will not provide the same dramatic results some users search for in procedures such as botox.