What is acetyl tetrapeptide and its benefits?

Acetyl tetrapeptide-3 is a biomimetic peptide often used as a cosmetic ingredient in various skin care products, particularly anti-aging creams and serums. Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is sometimes referred to as "Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7" or "Pal-GHK" in some formulations.

Peptides play a role in cellular communication and help stimulate collagen andelastin production, promote skin firmness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face and around the eyes.

In particular, acetyl tetrapeptide-3 is often associated with anti-inflammatory properties and modulation of the skin's immune responses. It thus helps reduce inflammation, which in turn helps improve skin appearance by reducing redness and promoting more even skin tone.

What causes wrinkles?

Wrinkles are the result of a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting theepidermis and dermis. It is important to understand them in order to act on them.

• The natural aging process

The natural aging of the skin is the main factor contributing to the appearance of wrinkles. Over time, the production of collagen and elastin, proteins essential for maintaining skin firmness andelasticity, diminishes. The skin also loses its ability to retain moisture, leading to increased dryness. These intrinsic changes create a breeding ground for wrinkles.

• Sun exposure

Excessive exposure to the sun is one of the most important external factors leading to the early formation of wrinkles. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays damage collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating the skin's aging process. It's crucial to use an effective spf sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to prevent UV damage.

• Smoking

Smoking is a behavior that contributes significantly to the formation of wrinkles. The chemicals in tobacco smoke restrict blood circulation, reduce oxygen supply and damage the skin's collagen and elastin. Smokers tend to develop premature wrinkles, particularly around the mouth.

• Poor lifestyle habits

An unbalanced diet can also play a role in the appearance of wrinkles. Deficiencies in vitamins, particularly A, C and E, as well as minerals such as zinc, can affect skin health. Insufficient consumption ofantioxidants, which help fight free radicals, can promote premature skin aging.

To avoid vitamin A deficiency, eat foods rich in retinol. Vitamin A is found in the form of retinol in foods such as liver, eggs, fish and dairy products, and incorporate foods with Provitamin A: Vegetables and fruits rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, melons, and mangoes.

To avoid vitamin C deficiency, incorporate citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit, as well as strawberries and kiwis, into your diet. Eat fresh vegetables: vegetables such as red peppers, broccoli, spinach and tomatoes are excellent sources of vitamin C.

To avoid vitamin E deficiency, opt for vegetable oils such as wheat germ oil, sunflower oil and olive oil. Eat nuts and grains, as well as foods rich in antioxidants.

• Dehydration

Adequate hydration is crucial to maintaining healthy skin. Dehydration can make skin dry, dull and more prone to wrinkles. It's essential to drink enough water throughout the day and use moisturizers to maintain optimal skin hydration.

• Repetitive facial expressions

Repetitive facial movements, such as squinting, frowning or smiling, can contribute to the formation of expression lines. Over time, these movements create permanent folds in the skin.

• Genetics

Genetics also play a role in predisposition to wrinkles. Some individuals have a genetic disposition to produce less collagen or have thinner skin, which can accelerate the wrinkle formation process.

 

How does tetrapeptide affect wrinkles?

Tetrapeptides are compounds containing four amino acids. When used in anti-aging skin care products, they can act in a variety of ways to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Mechanisms vary depending on the type of tetrapeptide, but here are some general ways in which they can act:

• Collagen stimulation: certain tetrapeptides are known to stimulate collagen production in the skin, which is a crucial structural protein that maintainsskin firmness andelasticity. By stimulating collagen synthesis, tetrapeptides reinforce skin structure and leave it plump.
• Inflammation reduction: they have anti-inflammatory properties that help combat premature aging, notably caused by chronic inflammation.
• Anti-oxidant action: they help neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules produced by factors such as sun exposure and pollution, which can damage skin cells. By protecting the skin from free radical damage, tetrapeptides can help prevent premature skin ageing.
• Improved hydration: Certain tetrapeptides can play a role in keeping skin hydrated. Adequate hydration is essential to maintain skin suppleness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to sagging skin.
• Effect on neurotransmitters: certain tetrapeptides can influence the neurotransmitters responsible for muscle contractions. By modulating these signals, they can help reduce expression lines, which are often caused by repetitive movements of facial muscles.

 

 

Application of 2.5% tetrapeptide 4 for 28 days morning and evening on mature skin

 

What other ingredients are used in anti-wrinkle active ingredients?

There are many other ingredients that can be used as anti-wrinkle active ingredients.

• Retinol (Vitamin A): as we mentioned earlier, it's a good idea to include retinol in your diet, and the same goes for your beauty routine! Retinol is often considered one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients. It stimulates collagen production, promotes cell renewal and can help reduce wrinkles.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, exfoliate the skin by removing dead cells from the surface. This promotes cell renewal, improves skin texture and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

• Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA): Salicylic acid is a BHA commonly used to exfoliate skin, unclog pores, eliminate imperfections and promote cell regeneration at the first signs of aging. It can benefit blemish-prone skin in an exfoliant and wrinkle-prone skin in a day cream.

• Vitamin C: by protecting the skin against free radicals, it stimulates collagen production and can lighten pigmentation spots.

• Hyaluronic acid:Hyaluronic acid is a powerful moisturizer that can attract and retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, helping to hydrate skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone): Like vitamin C, this natural antioxidant can help reduce the signs of skin aging by protecting the skin against free radical damage.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties and can help strengthen the skin barrier, improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles and redness.

• Ceramides: Ceramides are lipids that strengthen the skin barrier, improving moisture retention and reducing dryness, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

 

Sources

1. Walker K, Basehore BM, Goyal A, Zito PM. Hyaluronic Acid. 2023 Jul 3. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. PMID: 29494047.

2. Bukhari SNA, Roswandi NL, Waqas M, Habib H, Hussain F, Khan S, Sohail M, Ramli NA, Thu HE, Hussain Z. Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. Int J Biol Macromol. 2018 Dec;120(Pt B):1682-1695. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.188. Epub 2018 Oct 1. PMID: 30287361.