Ingredient Spotlight : Acetyl Hexapeptide 8

What is Acetyl Hexapeptide 8?

Commonly referred to as ‘Botox in a jar’, it is a peptide compound used to reduce the appearance of fine lines causes by repeated facial expressions, such as crow’s feet, glabellar lines or nasolabial lines. It is also often referred to by its commercial name Argireline, which refers to both acetyl hexapeptide 8 or acetyl hexapeptide 3.

It promotes the skin’s natural production of type 1 collagen, the crucial protein which forms large, eosinophilic fibres to rebuild muscles, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This ingredient blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles, these muscles can no longer retract, causing the wrinkles to relax and soften. Wrinkles and fine lines caused by sun damage will not respond to acetyl hexapeptide 8

What are the key benefits?

• Research shows that it can reduce wrinkle depth by up to 30% when used for 30 consecutive days.

• Due to its similar structure to botulinum toxin, acetyl hexapeptide 8 in considered an excellent, non-invasive alternative to Botox.

• Restores the skin’s natural water barrier, and helps bind water to the skin, improving dry skin. It also helps to improve skin elasticity.

How does it work?

With a similar structure to botulinum toxin, it works by controlling the production of neurotransmitters. The structure of the peptide mimics a fragment of the SNAP-25 protein and relaxes the facial muscles thereby smoothing the appearance of the skin.

Which of our FTT Skin Clinics products contain it?

Recover – Active Night Cream

0.8% Retinyl Palmitate, 1% Hyaluronic Acid, 10% Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Provides some much needed extra care for your skin to help it repair and renew from the stresses of the day whilst you sleep. It has been specifically developed to help rejuvenate through its antioxidant activity. It also re-hydrates your skin to allow overnight recovery and reveal a softer more youthful appearance for the new day ahead.