Acetyl Hexapeptide-38

What is Acetyl Hexapeptide-38

Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 itself is an acetylated modified peptide – six amino acids in length. The molecular design of the peptide mimics natural bioactive peptides, with the added benefits of increased stability and enhanced skin permeability.

Originally developed by cosmetic and biomaterial companies, skin aging concerns (wrinkles, laxity, soft tissue defects being prime examples) are what this peptide was created to address. Research has shown effective penetration past the initial skin barrier; acting within the dermis, regulation of the extracellular matrix metabolism is the key process leading to all forms of structural remodeling and subsequent repair.

The core function of Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 is therefore as a broad tissue repair promoter. Skin fibroblasts and adipocytes are the primary targets, with specific biological processes being regulated throughout.

Currently the most widely discussed mechanism involves stimulating the expression of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). PGC-1α is a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and all related energy metabolism. Up regulation of this protein leads to (at least partially) increased lipid synthesis and accumulation in adipocytes – increased volume of adipose tissue is the end result. Skin plumpness and reduced atrophic wrinkles are both positive clinical indicators of this effect.

This property enables a more natural form of augmenting fat volume (facial cheeks, breasts etc.) to be achieved; ‘breast enhancement peptide’ is a common description of at least some of its uses.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 enhances the density and stability of collagen fibers in the dermis, as previously mentioned, through all of the above combined effects.

Based on all of the mechanisms described, Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 has a very real and promising future in aesthetic medicine. Dual pathway repair and thickening of soft tissue is a desirable end point.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 is a promising skin repair promoter.