Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Research Of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is a small, highly specific bioactive peptide. Correlating to that precursor (procollagen I), all forms of external stimulation it provides lead to various positive cellular responses.

Elastin, fibronectin, glycosaminoglycans and collagen (I, III being the more important types, with IV also noted) are stimulated; the extracellular matrix is supported, wound healing being one of the end results.

Endogenous collagen synthesis within the skin itself is what the peptide primarily aims to achieve – external supplementation is not the end point, cellular signaling being the focus.

As a true signaling molecule, penetration past the stratum corneum is key. Binding to cell surface receptors (the exact nature of which is still being defined) initiates the previously mentioned pathways.

Promotion of Type I/III collagen production, at least partially through increased procollagen, and hyaluronic acid synthesis, coupled with the inhibitory effects on MMP’s, leads to a net increase in dermal matrix the consumer sees and benefits from.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 functions as a collagen stimulator; improving skin elasticity, refining texture towards a smoother more firm appearance, and visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

A 3% concentration of this active ingredient has been demonstrated to be safe, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing – suitable for all skin types.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind study specifically looked at a formulation containing Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (0.005%) applied twice daily to the right periorbital area over 28 days.

Optical profilometry measured various reductions: wrinkle depth, thickness, and to a lesser extent rigidity; all showing significant improvement.

Two further similar studies (also placebo controlled) confirmed these results, women with more pronounced periorbital wrinkles being the focus of the later work.

A double-blind, split-face, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to more precisely evaluate the clinical efficacy of the peptide, fine line/wrinkle improvement being the primary outcome.

The four month study mentioned above reinforced the previous findings; Pal-KTTKS (the active form of the peptide) showed significant improvement in multiple parameters of skin roughness, volume and depth of wrinkle formation.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) represents a modern anti-aging strategy. Cellular signaling is at least partially regulated by the peptide; endogenous matrix signals are mimicked.

Fibroblast synthetic function is activated, multiple ECM (extracellular matrix) components are both produced and maintained, degradation inhibited.

Structural and aesthetic rejuvenation is the end point of all this activity.