Matrixyl (Topical) (200mg)

What is the Matrixyl peptide?

Matrixyl is a lipopeptide, combining fatty acids with amino acids. It is also considered a synthetic isomer (an isomer is a molecule with an identical structure to another molecule but different atomic components). The active element in Matrixyl is a second peptide known as Micro-collagen.^[1] Researchers report that “The conjugation with the palmitoyl moiety results in more effective delivery across the skin and better stability to skin proteases.”

Specifications

AKA: palmitoyl pentapeptide-3

MOLECULAR FORMULA: C39H75N7O10

MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 802.05 g/mol

SEQUENCE: Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Ser-OH or Pal-KTTS-OH

PUBCHEM: CID 9897237

RECONSTITUTION: Required

Matryxil Action

Matrixyl appears to combine two matrikines, namely palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. It is a small molecule that is highly porous in the skin. Structurally, it is similar to collagen precursors. Most of the effects of Matrixyl application appear to be mediated in the skin’s dermis. It may promote the process of self-healing in the lower layers of the skin, and has been termed an anti-wrinkle peptide. It appears to participate in the neosynthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules.^[2] For example, the researchers note that “Delicate balance between the wound healing properties and pro-fibrotic abilities of pentapeptide should be considered for selecting therapeutic dose for scar prevention.” In the presence of Matrixyl, the dermal layers may begin to heal themselves, accelerating the healing and closure of wounds. Cells known as fibroblasts are responsible for knitting together wounds of the skin. As popularly known, wounds take longer to heal with age progression. One of the reasons for this occurrence is that fibroblasts gradually lose their capacity for collagen production. Matrixyl is the trademark name for palmitoyl pentapeptide-3, a potentially powerful peptide molecule found in the latest generation of high-end anti-wrinkle skin care products. Matryxil may become even more effective when combined with other peptides.

What Does Matrixyl Do?

Matrixyl was discovered through two independent streams of dermatological research: the search for substances that accelerate healing skin wounds and the exploration of the causes of wrinkles.^[3] Matrixyl appears to act as a signaling molecule that stimulates collagen and elastin production. Similar to copper peptides, Matrixyl may stimulate the lower layers of the skin to heal themselves, accelerating the healing of wounds. Cells called fibroblasts are responsible for knitting together wounds of the skin. Matrixyl appears to stimulate the “matrix” layers in the skin – primarily collagen and fibronectin. The aging process is mainly divided into intrinsic and extrinsic types. Intrinsic aging occurs via a degenerative process characterized by the loss of collagen. This process results in wrinkling and thinning of the skin and loss of elasticity, and increased stiffness. Matrixyl may help to counteract this natural part of the aging process by signaling the extracellular matrix to produce elastin and collagen. These are the two ground substances that contribute to the elasticity and smoothness of the skin. In doing so, Matrixyl may play an anti-wrinkling role for the skin. When used in combination with other peptides, studies have suggested the peptide’s ability to improve the skin’s health tremendously.

Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3) Research

Clinical research has observed that Matrixyl may exhibit the following effects:
– Enhance overall collagen synthesis by up to 117%
– Improve collagen IV synthesis by up to 327%
– Increase hyaluronic acid synthesis by up to 267%
Deep wrinkles may undergo reduction by 50%. More minor wrinkles and fine lines have been observed sometimes to fade entirely away. In addition, every participant in one particular research study exhibited noticeable improvement within two weeks.^[4] The result was fewer wrinkles and younger-looking skin. The results are reported to be even more prominent when combined with other peptides (as in the Replexion formulation). A study conducted to compare the benefits of Matrixyl with Retinol (an anti-wrinkle product) observed that Matrixyl appeared to be a more effective anti-wrinkle product.^[5] This result is attributed to the hypothesis that Matrixyl use is devoid of the side effects related to Retinol use.

Conclusion

As of today, the peptide is approved for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies are performed outside of the body, such as through cell cultures. These products are not medicines and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment, or disease.

References