Anti-ageing skincare: what really works? (Part 1 - Hexapeptide 11)

I get a lot of enquiries whether natural, organic creams, lotions and potions are better than high-tech, doctor’ brands or the opposite?

Personally I believe that “ unless the product is made using very best ingredients, it will not deliver very best result “. Natural, organic ingredients are my favourites, however my top priority is to find anti-ageing ingredients that work. Without these active ingredients, any anti-ageing skincare product is not going to work, as simple as that.

Hexapeptide 11

Background:
Hexapeptide 11 is enzymatically made using fermentation biotechnology from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a species of yeast with well-documented wound healing properties. It increases the cellular oxygen consumption, improves the collagen and increases blood vessel development.

Research and Development of Hexapeptide 11 involved:
- Identification of the peptide fragment at the University of California, Davis Molecular Structure Facility
- Employing the powerful sequencing tool BLAST2® (Washington University)

Efficacy:
In vitro data – Gene Microarray Data:
In vitro Gene (DNA) Microarray Analysis done on human dermal fibroblasts indicates that Hexapeptide 11 influences a number of human skin genes related to stress and extracellular matrix function. In addition, Hexapeptide 11 has a powerful influence on a number of skin growth factors (EGF - Epidermal Growth Factor and FGF - Fibroblast Growth Factor).

In vivo data – Skin Firmness:
In vivo half-face study on 25 volunteers with topical twice daily application of toner containing Hexapeptide 11 around the eyes and cheeks within 4 weeks (28 days) showed that there is an improvement in the elastic response of the skin. Hexapeptide 11 helps to firm the skin compared to placebos. No allergic reaction is found.


Pros:
1. Unlike some other peptides, Hexapeptide 11 is from natural origin (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a species of yeast).
2. Tested using biotechnology (Gene -DNA- Microarray Analysis) and direct skin application (Half-face study). Both showed positive results.
3. Firms up the skin without paralysing or “ relaxing ” the muscles.
4. Hypoallergenic (Do not normally cause allergic reaction)

Cons:
None.


Recommended products with Hexapeptide 11:
BioCollagen Ultra Serum
BioCollagen Ageless (Rich) Cream
Antioxidant Youthful Essence


Other alternative peptides (including those from synthetic origin) that often used in anti-ageing skincare: Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Copper Polypeptide, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.


Hope you have enjoyed reading the article. In part 2 (coming soon), I am going to reveal my finding on topical vitamins as anti-ageing ingredients.