Hexapeptide-11

Research Of Hexapeptide-11

As an effective anti-aging ingredient, the core function of Hexapeptide-11 lies in intervening and subsequently regulating the more specific aging process of skin cells – dermal fibroblasts if I recall correctly. A complex, near multifaceted mechanism of action is responsible for this; protein homeostasis networks being central, suppression of prematurely induced aging (oxidative stress being a prime example), and to a large extent upregulation of relevant ECM gene expressions.

Hexapeptide-11 itself restores this protein homeostasis; activating proteasome systems, various forms of autophagy, and specific chaperone upregulation all play a part. Acting as a ‘low dose stressor’ (hormetin style) it pre-conditiones the cell, mild external stimulation leading to all round activation of at least temporary defense and repair type mechanisms.

Countering “stress induced premature senescence” is one of its more successfully demonstrated effects. Senescent cells have markedly elevated Senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal or SABG) activity as a near universal hallmark.

In vitro work using human dermal fibroblasts exposed to oxidants (Hydrogen peroxide/H₂O₂ being the classic case) shows a near complete suppression of the expected increase in SA-β-Gal, delay of senescence being the clear outcome.

Gene level analysis confirms the ECM related upregulation mentioned above, and all the macro level effects we see clinically, are to a great degree a direct result of these cellular level changes.

Oxygen consumption and metabolic activity also increases, a further positive sign of improved cellular function.

A placebo-controlled study involving 25 healthy volunteers demonstrated that subjects applying a specific hexapeptide-11 formulation twice daily for four weeks exhibited significant improvements in both initial skin elasticity and a form of deformation response; the placebo group served as the direct point of comparison.

Another similar in vivo study, also with 25 volunteers, evaluated a firming serum containing the aforementioned hexapeptide at a 2.8% (v/v) concentration. Instrumental measurements after the four week application period showed clear enhancements in what can be quantitatively defined as skin firmness.

Hexapeptide-11 is currently incorporated into numerous anti-aging formulations, wrinkles being the primary concern to be lessened. Skin firmness (to a certain extent) is a desired end result.

Large scale, well designed clinical studies are still required to fully validate all potential efficacies of this and related peptides.