How Does Acetyl Hexapeptide 8 Benefit Your Skin?

skincare products with Acetyl Hexapeptide 8
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Acetyl hexapeptide 8, more commonly referred to as Argireline, is a type of peptide that is used in skin care products to help reduce wrinkles. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, especially around the mouth and eyes, usually happens because of our facial expressions, such as frowning, smiling, or furrowing the brow when we are in deep concentration or frustrated.

When we make these expressions, what happens is our face basically contorts according to the contraction of the muscles that are beneath the skin.

What Acetyl hexapeptide 8 does is it intercepts messages from the brain to prevent these muscle contractions and temporarily reduce wrinkles and the appearance of fine lines, just like Botox.

What You Should Know about Acetyl Hexapeptide 8

When looking for a product with Argireline, the most important thing to know is that only one formulating lab in Spain has the patent to make this ingredient. But when it comes to ingredients in skincare, we all know that no two products can be equal.

Argireline also comes in different sized peptides, and it is this size that determines its ability to penetrate the skin. Another thing to consider when looking for a product is the other ingredients that are used in its formulation. Because these ingredients also determine how well the product will work for you. Always look for formulations that have a humectant like hyaluronic acid as well as an occlusive ingredient, something that will help lock in that moisture.

Breaking Down Acetyl Hexapeptide 8

THE GOOD: Argireline or Acetyl hexapeptide 8 helps to prevent facial muscle movements that are responsible for fine lines and wrinkles. It is believed that Acetyl hexapeptide 8 improves hydration and may stimulate collagen production, therefore helps reduce wrinkles and the appearance of fine lines.

THE NOT SO GOOD: When it comes to skincare ingredients it is always best to first check if you are allergic to it, the same goes for Argireline. Although it is rarely allergic, we recommend you do a test patch first if you have sensitive skin.

WHO IS IT IDEAL FOR? All skin types can use it except those that are allergic to it.

SYNERGETIC INGREDIENTS: Acetyl hexapeptide 8 works well with almost all ingredients. In fact, it is often used in combination with humectants like hyaluronic acid to improve hydration.

WHAT TO AVOID: Avoid formulations that contain alcohol, because this tends to make the skin dry and in turn make fine lines more apparent.

Benefits of Acetyl Hexapeptide 8

If you don’t have sagging skin and your skin is generally healthy, then there are many ways in which acetyl hexapeptide 8 can benefit you. 

Collagen Stimulation

As we age, our body produces less and less collagen, but it is collagen that plays a major part in maintaining the elasticity of our skin and keeping it firm. Argireline is believed to help stimulate the production of collagen in the skin.

Moisturization

Dehydration of the skin is considered a sign of aging. Basically, as we age, our skin loses its ability to produce hyaluronic acid, a molecule that is responsible for retaining moisture in the skin. Argireline because of its collagen-producing capabilities, helps hydrate the skin. While exfoliation and using occlusive moisturizers do help to retain water in the skin, using a humectant can be the best moisturizer for the skin. This includes hyaluronic acid or an ingredient like Acetyl Hexapeptide 8 to ensure that the skin retains moisture.

Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Argireline is known for its dynamic wrinkle formation. It inhibits the signals of the receptor that is responsible for facial muscle movements, which in turn reduces muscle contraction and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What makes using anti-aging ingredients in cream or serum along with peptide great is that it can be applied at home and does not require you to visit a dermatologist or disrupt your daily schedule. But if you are using a product with peptides, then always keep an eye for any kind of side effects, since these products affect neurological impulses and not just the surface of the skin.

If you are looking for ingredients that can address skin damage, you might also want to consider polyhydroxy acids.

Who Should Avoid Using Acetyl Hexapeptide 8?

Acetyl hexapeptide 8 definitely helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expression, but it should be avoided by some people because of the way it works. Peptides work by blocking impulses of the muscles of our face from contracting and that’s why it might not be safe for everyone to use them. Let’s say, you have sagging skin around the eyes or drooping eyelids, then using it may make the condition worse.

That’s why when you begin using any anti-aging product with acetyl hexapeptide 8 and experience muscular twitching such as ticks in the face then speak to your physician first.

Is Acetyl Hexapeptide 8 Safe To Use?

Although Acetyl hexapeptide 8 is not known to cause many side effects, people with sensitive skin may feel a stinging sensation upon application, or experience redness and dry flaky skin.

You should always avoid applying products that contain peptides to skin that is sunburned, sensitive, or irritated. While it is considered safe for use in anti-aging products, Argireline can enter the bloodstream and develop muscle weakness. But that’s the case with all the muscle relaxing peptides such as Syn-ake. If at all you experience a negative reaction to acetyl hexapeptide 8, then discontinue immediately and consult your dermatologist or skincare expert.