Argireline (Acetyl hexapeptide-3)

Introduction

When applied to the skin, Argireline supposedly relaxes facial tension leading to the reduction in facial lines and wrinkles with regular use. This remotely resembles the effect of Botox, which reduces facial tension and movement by paralyzing facial muscles.

In fact, a study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science showed a 10% concentration of topically-applied acetyl hexapeptide–3 (argireline) reduces wrinkles by 30% over a 30-day period. When injected into the skin, a 2002 study found the same reduction of 30% in wrinkles, similar to Botox.

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How it works?

Acetyl hexapeptide-3 works on the same muscle-to-nerve connections as BotoxTM, which makes sense, given that it is a shortened peptide sequence of BotoxTM

Acetyl hexapeptide-3 blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The affected muscle can no longer contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften.

Like BotoxTM, acetyl hexapeptide-3 must be used on expression lines, or wrinkles like forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye) and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to muscle relaxers.

Side Effects

Though acetyl hexapeptide-3 temporarily inhibits the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (like Botox does), the effects of topically-applied acetyl hexapeptide-3 are temporary. Even the most concentrated dose of topical acetyl hexapeptide-3 on the market today is not likely to last for more than 8 hours at a time.
Furthermore, even injectible Botox is found to stimulate collagen production due to stretching of the skin, which increases skin firmness over time, effectively fighting to sag (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008). This effect is even more pronounced when Botox is used in conjunction with a stimulating filler treatment like Sculptra.

More information

How well acetyl hexapeptide-3 works on the skin depends on who you ask. Some people have wrinkle-reducing results after using creams that contain Argireline. In fact, a study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science showed a 10% concentration of topically-applied acetyl hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) reduces wrinkles by 30% over a 30-day period. When injected into the skin, a 2002 study found the same reduction of 30% in wrinkles, similar to BotoxTM.

On the other hand, unfortunately, some people do not have any results at all after using acetyl hexapeptide-3. It is possible Argireline may diffuse through thinner skin, like that of the elderly, and not work so well on thicker skin. Some experts go so far as to say that, while injections of Argireline produced similar results to BotoxTM, acetyl hexapeptide-3 in skincare creams is unlikely to diffuse through the top layers of skin to reach the crucial muscle-nerve connections like injectable BotoxTM. But the studies say differently.
Honestly, the only way to know if acetyl hexapeptide-3 will work for you is to try.

Dosages

ARGIRELINE® is presented either as ARGIRELINE® Powder, a hexapeptide in powder form which can be easily dissolved in water or as ARGIRELINE® Solution, an aqueous solution containing 0.5 g/L of the powder version. It can be incorporated at the final stage of the manufacturing product, provided the temperature is below 40°C. Taking into consideration the concentration of peptide in ARGIRELINE® The solution, it is recommended that 3 to 10% of the solution is present in the final formulation in order to obtain significant anti-wrinkle activity.

Conclusion

Acetyl hexapeptide is a “freeze” peptide that may work similarly to Botox, preventing nerve-to-muscle communication. It is best used on expression lines, or wrinkles like forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye) and frown lines.
Acetyl hexapeptide works differently for different persons. Some studies show the efficacy of up to 30% reduction in wrinkles for individuals in 30 days. Yet these studies also demonstrate that some people only experience an 8% reduction in wrinkles over the same course of time. It seems that different people’s skin absorbs acetyl hexapeptide differently, resulting in varied efficacy.

User reviews

Review 1
I immediately saw a huge difference and continue to do so even after a year I really really like this ARGIRELINE.

Review 2
Feels good on your face It does smooth outlines. Works very well. Moisturizers go on well after using this product.

Review 3

Wow! I have a very expressionful face and at 35 lines were already starting to form. I had tried moisturizers and retinol and had resorted to botox a few times but I just can’t justify the expense. I came across this and have liked other products by the ordinary so decided to try it out. After a week the results are startling, lines have already begun to visibly fade. I can’t wait to see what this does after 30 days!

Review 4

This is a toughie. I’ve used it 2x a day for 10 days now. And I am seeing some faint results. I have deep forehead wrinkles and dry skin- paying for all those trips to the tanning bed,sleeping in my makeup, and skipping SPF. Some of the fine lines have faded, and the deeper ones may be “better” but this is a real pain to apply, it is thin as water. A thicker formula would gain some stars for me. I have sensitive skin and this hasn’t caused any issue. I did it use with a vitamin c serum and developed some small red bumps where the 2 were layered- I rewashed my face skipped the Vit C serum and the bumps were gone by morning, but on its own with the ordinary HA serum everything has been been fine.