If there ever was a skincare ingredient that could wear several hats, it is the powerhouse called Argireline. It’s used in a variety of skincare products. The skincare products that use this powerhouse ingredient are far more effective than those that don’t.
This article will cover the many benefits Argireline provides to the skin. But before we get into that, let’s get some basics out of the way. Shall we?
What is Argireline?
Argireline is a peptide-based ingredient and one of the newest additions to the skincare world. It has been shown(1) to be an effective wrinkle reducer, based on scientific research and clinical trials. Argireline can prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place and even erase those pesky crow's feet. Because of how effectively and how quickly it does the trick, Argireline has earned itself the title of “Botox in a jar.”
It’s a fitting moniker, as Argireline was originally developed as an alternative to Botox injections for reducing wrinkles around the eyes. It was later discovered that it could be effective on wrinkles in other parts of the face as well.
How does Argireline work on the skin?
There are two forms of Argireline that are commonly used in skincare products. One is called acetyl hexapeptide-8, and the other is called pentapeptide-18. The latter form is more potent than the former, but it can also be more irritating for some people. This is why you are more likely to find skincare products containing acetyl hexapeptide-8 and not pentapeptide-18.
Argireline blocks signals that cause muscles to contract. This means that it reduces wrinkles by preventing the facial muscles from tightening and pulling on the skin. Additionally, it also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving hydration.
It also mimics the natural body’s own production of Argireline, an amino acid found in many proteins. When applied to the skin, Argireline binds to specific receptors on cells called integrins and inhibits their activity. This inhibition prevents excessive contraction (which causes wrinkles) by blocking one pathway for cell signaling from outside to inside cell membranes.
Let’s now look at how Argireline is in skin care.
Argireline in skincare
Argireline is now used in many types of skincare products, including anti-aging serums, moisturizers, and eye creams.
Get rids of dark circles and baggy eyes
You can practically bid joyous goodbyes to baggy eyes by using Argireline-based eye creams and gels. Products like Hygieia Eye Gels promote collagen production and improve its function, both of which contribute to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and an increase in the amount of moisture present in the skin. Argireline-based eye creams and gels also:
- Gives you a more youthful appearance and helps prevent dryness.
- Improves the skin elasticity around the eyes and leaves soft and supple.
- Provides protection against sun damage.
- Keeps the blood circulating around the eyes and prevents dark circles when used regularly.
“Botox” without any injections
Botox injections aren’t for everyone. They can be mildly uncomfortable for some but extremely painful for others. Argireline-based skincare products can give you Botox-like effects, minus the Botox needles. They gently massage your skin, promoting collagen production to build up the appearance of plump and luminous skin while also squashing wrinkles and blemishes.
Heals wounds
This miraculous ingredient does wonders(2) on scars, wounds, and skin disorders. Argireline products reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of cytokines, which are proteins that are released by cells in response to injury or infection. Additionally, Argireline products also:
- Reduces skin thickness loss by stimulating collagen production, which improves wound healing.
- Increases the rate of wound closure by stimulating cell proliferation and migration.
- Reduces post-surgical swelling and bruising as well as pain, itching, and anxiety associated with surgical procedures.
Anti-aging
Argireline also has ridiculous anti-aging properties. It inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs break down collagen which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin, so inhibiting them slows down aging signs like wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. But of course, not just all the wrinkles are gone – it also minimizes the appearance of deep lines and crow's feet.
We have also observed some hesitancy among people. Let’s dispel some myths regarding Argireline.
Myths around Argireline
Myth 1: Argireline can be applied to any part of the body.
Argireline can only be applied to the surface of your skin. It cannot be applied through injection or ingested orally.
Myth 2: Argireline has no side effects.
Argireline does not have any side effects if it is used properly, but it can cause skin irritation and redness if you are using a product with the wrong formulation.
Myth 3: Argireline will make wrinkles disappear completely.
While this is partly true, there is a rider attached to it. The effects of Argireline are temporary, so you need to continuously use it for at least six months in order for wrinkles to disappear completely.
Myth 4: Argireline can be used for any skin type.
Argireline can be used on different skin types, but it works best on dry skin. It cannot penetrate oily skin as effectively as it penetrates dry skin, so oily skin types should use a moisturizer before applying Argireline. However, using Argireline-based eye gel typically works on most types of skin.
Myth 5: Argireline is not safe for pregnant women
Argireline is safe for pregnant women if they use it in moderation and only on certain areas of their face, such as their forehead and around the eyes.
Myth 6: Argireline cannot be used with other anti-aging products or treatments
It is safe to use Argireline with other anti-aging products or treatments, as long as you don't exceed the recommended dosage per day.
Final thoughts
Argireline is a super effective ingredient that takes skincare to the next level by addressing the root of wrinkles and promoting skin renewal. Argireline-based products are safe, gentle, and suitable for most types of skin. They can help you get rid of dark circles and puffy eyes, reduce wrinkles and prevent your skin from sagging, and make you look younger and more beautiful.
It can also control redness and inflammation, treat sunburns and skin cancer, keep skin from drying out, reduce acne scars, and restore collagen in damaged skin.
If you haven’t been including Argireline products in your skincare routine, now is a good time to change that.
References:
- Lim, S. H., Sun, Y., Thiruvallur Madanagopal, T., Rosa, V., & Kang, L. (2018). Enhanced Skin Permeation of Anti-wrinkle Peptides via Molecular Modification. Scientific reports, 8(1), 1596. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-18454-z
- 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), e539–e548. https://doi.org/10.7417/CT.2020.2270