Skin is the largest organ of the human body—and the first to reveal signs of aging. Over the years, it’s inevitable to witness differences in your skin's appearance, texture, and tone. Your body is not only going through physical transitions, but also accruing impacts from chemical, physical, and environmental stressors encountered on a day-to-day basis.
While aging is a natural and beautiful process, it’s increasingly important to look after your skin health as you grow older and wiser. The right skincare regimen can reverse the visual and health impacts of aging by supporting your skin through your body’s changes. One highly effective ingredient for addressing aging skin is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, a clinically proven compound for improving skin health and appearance.
The Basics
Thanks to its hydrating and wrinkle-reducing properties, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is one of the most popular anti-aging treatments in skincare and cosmetic products. Often used in serums, creams, and moisturizers, this compound is a safe and effective solution for:
- Erasing the appearance of wrinkles
- Improving skin hydration
- Healing sun damage
What is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8?
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic peptide that is widely sought after for its cosmetic benefits. The ingredient mimics the structure and properties of Botox, a popular wrinkle-reducing treatment—but because it is applied as a topical solution rather than injected, it is far less invasive.
According to recent data from the FDA’s Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is found in over 379 mass-market cosmetic products, most of which are leave-on treatments.
So, what exactly is a peptide? Peptides are chains of amino acids that can be applied to rejuvenate the skin’s natural functions, such as collagen and moisture production. As one of the most useful components of anti-aging treatments, peptides like Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 are key active ingredients you should look for when seeking to achieve a more youthful complexion.
What Are the Core Benefits of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8?
Depending on its application, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 can produce a wide variety of desirable outcomes as part of a healthy skincare routine. Benefits may include relaxing wrinkles, boosting moisture content, and smoothing out the complexion.
Reversing the Effects of Aging
The most common and earliest signs of aging include the appearance of wrinkles and freckles, sagging, and skin tone changes. Fortunately, keeping your skin nourished can help delay the onset of these issues.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is widely used in the cosmetic industry for its anti-aging properties. The flagship benefit of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is its ability to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Fine lines and wrinkles, which tend to be most prominent around the eyes and mouth, are created over time through the repetition of facial expressions. Common expressions like smiling, frowning, and furrowing brows give way to wrinkles over time. Actions like sipping through a straw or smoking can also contribute to wrinkles.
These movements are generated by contracting facial muscle spindles beneath the skin. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and cannot regain its smooth shape after repeated muscle contractions.
Facial skin derives its suppleness and rigidity from collagen, an essential protein that makes up the fundamental building blocks of tissue throughout the body.
When we are young, ample collagen content in the skin makes it resilient. But as we age, the body’s natural collagen production begins to diminish.
Application of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 helps stimulate collagen production, giving the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Research suggests that Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 also reduces wrinkles by inhibiting neurotransmitter activity. In other words, the compound minimizes the communication between muscles and nerves. This process eases the muscle contractions that are the primary cause of facial wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
Botox has a similar relaxing effect on muscle-nerve connections; however, Botox requires needle injections, whereas Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is applied directly on the skin.
Peer-reviewed research shows that Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is safe and effective in addressing wrinkles and fine lines when applied topically.
Replenishing Dry Skin
In the winter season or other harsh climates, skin can become dry, causing redness, itchiness, and other adverse effects. Dry skin is a result of diminished hyaluronic acid content.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound secreted by the body. Thanks to its moisture-retaining capacity, hyaluronic acid keeps the skin well-hydrated. The presence of this substance supports supple, soft, and youthful-looking skin.
The body’s production of hyaluronic acid declines over the years, causing the skin to become dehydrated and more vulnerable to harsh environments. Therefore, our skin needs extra care and nourishment when exposed to winter weather, especially as we age.
Research has demonstrated that products containing Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 can help restore moisture in the skin by supporting hyaluronic acid production. In addition, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 boosts natural collagen production in the skin, offering an extra layer of protection against cold winter weather.
Clearing Up Skin Spots
If the skin is not adequately nourished and protected, cosmetic imperfections can develop due to a variety of factors:
- The harmful effects of UV rays (a process known as photoaging)
- Harmful toxins from the environment
- Other pollutants
In addition to building collagen and supporting moisture content, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 helps reduce the appearance of sunspots and other skin lesions.
According to research, topical formulations with 10% Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 can successfully camouflage various aesthetic deficiencies when applied to the skin.
In a study, 26 subjects used the ingredient to treat various cosmetic issues such as skin spots, scars, bumps, skin tags, and wrinkles.
The research team reviewed multiple skin health parameters, such as sebum production, elasticity, and hydration. They found that the overall quality of skin improved with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. Furthermore, the researchers reported no allergic reactions.
How to Incorporate Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Into Your Skincare Routine
Adding skincare products that contain Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 into your skincare rotation can be conducive to:
- Relaxing wrinkles without painful injections
- Increasing the natural moisture and collagen production of your skin
- Reducing the appearance of imperfections
The compound is used in several kinds of cosmetic products at a recommended concentration of 10%. Consumers can find it in simple water-based solutions, lightweight serums, moisturizers, and creams.
SkinWit’s line of fully customized skincare is designed to treat specific problems with powerful, proven ingredients. Explore our collections to learn more.
FAQs
Is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 safe?
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is proven to be a safe skincare product with few associated side effects. But when experimenting with any new product, those with sensitive skin types may be prone to developing rashes, redness, or flaky skin. Speak to your doctor to determine if Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a good fit for your skincare protocol.
Who should avoid using Acetyl Hexapeptide-8?
There are no documented cases of severe adverse side effects or allergic reactions stemming from using this ingredient. However, some investigators urge caution for individuals with neurological conditions.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 can penetrate deeper skin layers, interfering with neurological impulses. Its capacity to affect muscle-nerve communication is what gives it anti-aging effects.
Therefore, if you have droopy eyelids or other neurological issues, consult your doctor before using Acetyl Hexapeptide-8.
What Are the Core Findings of Medical Research On the Safety of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8?
Researchers have carried out extensive animal and human skin analysis to discover that:
- Products containing 10% Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, applied in doses of 2 micrograms per square centimeter, are safe and effective.
- Most of the ingredient gets washed away over 24 hours.
- Deep skin analysis revealed that the ingredient did not penetrate the skin cells of the dermis or deeper layers.
References
- An, J. H., Lee, H. J., Yoon, M. S., & Kim, D. H. (2019). Anti-wrinkle efficacy of cross-linked hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patch with acetyl hexapeptide-8 and epidermal growth factor on Korean skin. Annals of Dermatology, 31(3), 263.
- Kraeling, M. E., Zhou, W., Wang, P., & Ogunsola, O. A. (2015). In vitro skin penetration of acetyl hexapeptide-8 from a cosmetic formulation. Cutaneous and ocular toxicology, 34(1), 46-52.
- Satriyasa, B. K. (2019). Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 12, 223.
- Palmieri, B., Noviello, A., Corazzari, V., Garelli, A., & Vadala, M. (2020). Skin scars and wrinkles temporary camouflage in dermatology and oncoesthetics: focus on acetyl hexapeptide-8. La Clinica Terapeutica, 171(6).
- Slaga, T. J., & Snyder, P. W. (2020). Safety Assessment of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Amide as Used in Cosmetics.
- Ruiz, M. A., Clares, B., Morales, M. E., & Gallardo, V. (2010). Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle efficacy of cosmetic formulations with an anti-aging peptide (Argireline®). ArsPharm, 50(4), 168-176.
