Biotechnology Advancements and Their Implications in the Cosmetic Industry: Part IV – Skin Management System by Dr. Strauss

October 17, 2019

A look on some innovative peptide technology…

Peptides are segmented proteins that occur naturally but can be synthetically made in labs to further optimize their effects. Peptides are important signaling molecules that can have many cellular effects in inflammatory responses, protein synthesis, and melanogenesis. Now because of new technology, peptides can be manipulated in order to obtain favourable cosmetic results with topical applications.

Wound healing type peptides, like the ones in Matrixyl®3000 mimic the signaling process that stimulates the production of extracellular matrix proteins. As skin ages, fibroblasts have a decreased ability to synthesize new collagen. These peptides take advantage of a separate pathway to increase the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Cells recognize these peptides as fragments of broken down protein, which signal them to produce new proteins to restore the extracellular matrix network.

Argireline®, acetyl-hexapeptide-8, is a peptide that was developed to mimic the SNAP-25 protein which is a component of the SNARE complex. The SNARE complex holds neurotransmitters that are released to muscle cells, stimulating muscle contraction. If acetyl-hexapeptide-8 gets incorporated into the complex instead of SNAP-25, the neurotransmitters are not released and the muscle contraction does not occur. With fewer muscle contractions the appearance of dynamic wrinkles is reduced, and if used regularly the accumulation of dynamic wrinkles will also be reduced. This innovatively developed peptide based on SNAP-25 has given rise to a topical treatment that functions in a Botox-like mechanism.

It is also possible that peptides may be created in the future to intervene in melanogenesis to inhibit the production and release of pigment in the skin. UV induced melanin production is stimulated when α-MSH binds to MC1-R (melanocortin-1 receptor). It is possible that a mimetic α-MSH could intervene in this process and inhibit the UV induced production of melanin.

The greatest benefit to using peptide technology is the diverse possibilities in which they can be manipulated. Modifying peptides to have greater specificity, skin penetration, or stability is a reality with today’s technology, and is only becoming more efficient as time passes.

Peptides control the majority of cellular processes, and as new discoveries are made, more opportunities for the cosmetic industry arise to utilize technology and create efficacious products. This field is constantly developing and Skin Management System by Dr. Strauss will be keeping up with the latest innovations to ensure that our products are up to date with current technology.

customercare@skinmanagementsystem.com

Beautifully Yours,

Skin Management System by Dr. Strauss