Matrixyl
Matrixyl (pamitoyl pentapeptide) was one of the first peptides to be introduced to the anti-aging skin care market. Its discovery was the result f the efforts of two different facets of dermatological research: the search for substances that accelerate wound healing and investigations into the causes of skin wrinkles. Matrixyl is a prime example of the recent merging of science and beauty.
The common link between wound healing and skin wrinkles is the fibroblast, a skin cell that is responsible for producing collagen. When the skin is damaged, the fibroblasts are responsible for repairing and regenerating new tissue by synthesizing collagen. As we grow older, the fibroblasts slow down their collagen production. As collagen levels decrease, the skin becomes wrinkled and saggy. According to Robert Garrone, Professor of Cell Biology at Lyon University in France, “Wrinkles are nothing more or less than the depletion of collagen in the skin.”
Fibroblasts never completely lose their ability to create more collagen, even in mature skin. Knowing this, scientists began investigating methods to stimulate fibroblast activity. Using advanced technology, they developed Matrixyl. It is a molecule that is small enough to penetrate the skin and deliver factors that stimulate the fibroblasts to produce collagen.
Research on skin care formulas containing 3% Matrixyl has indicated that it produces a highly significant reduction in deep and moderate wrinkles. In addition, the results are cumulative. In other words, the longer the ingredient is used, the better the results. Matrixyl serves to remind the skin cells of what they did when they were younger.
Even though Matrixyl has been on the market for quite some time and newer peptides have since been formulated, it is still an excellent anti-aging skin care ingredient. Anti-aging products that contain Matrixyl include:
